Oceans are not just the water bodies of the environment; they are the lungs and food of certain ecosystems. They play a significant role in the healthy ecosystem balance of the entire environment. But, these ecosystem balancers are being covered with tons of plastic nowadays.
300 million tons of plastic are produced every year all over the world. And over 8 million tons wind up in oceans. The spread of plastic into the ocean lands is alarming and disturbing to the entire ecosystem. We might not be able to curb the entire problem at once, but we can take the necessary steps to reduce the problem.
Here are 4 effective ways to reduce ocean plastic pollution.
1.Reduce the usage of one-time plastics and start using the best alternatives for them
No matter where you live, the direct and easiest way to start is by reducing plastic — especially the single-use plastics including water bottles, plastic bags, cups, straws, utensils, take-out containers, dry cleaning bags. The best way to overcome or reduce their usage is by replacing them with long usage materials or items. Carry your own things for shopping!
2.Recycle the plastics properly after the usage without dumping them directly
Apart from the single-use plastics, other plastics are equally used for various purposes. 70% of these plastics are reaching dump yards or canals without recycling processes. It is highly essential to recycle them all. Check with your local recycling center about the types of plastic they accept and segregate them accordingly for recycling.
3.Support the bans imposed by the local authorities and government for the betterment of plastic usage
We all know that the government has imposed many bans and policies on using single-time plastics and microns percentages of the plastic. It is our due responsibility to support them. Avoid all the banned materials to witness the change. Also, support the adoption of such policies in your community.
4.Choose personal care and home care products with fewer plastic micro-beads
Tiny and minute plastic particles have become a growing source of ocean plastic pollution. These tiny particles are referred to as micro-beads. Microbeads are found in some toothpaste, face scrubs, detergents and body washes, and they readily enter our oceans through our sewer systems.
No matter how harmful it is, plastic remains a useful resource for a lot of materials. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recycle and check that plastic waste is disposed properly. As users, we have an equal responsibility to ensure plastics disposal to stop them from ending up in the oceans.