Studies show that the oceans have about 26,000 tons of plastic and other wastes like cigarettes and beverage cans causing a lot more havoc than you can imagine. To begin with, plastic is deadly for wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, and fish. Hundreds of these animals are dying every year from ingesting or entangling themselves in plastic.
The menace does not end there. Fish and other sea animals that have ingested plastic are finding their way into your plate; imagine that for every 3 fish caught for human consumption, 1 fish contains ocean wastes. Thus, it is vital to start taking actionable steps to help reduce marine pollution if you want to enjoy your seafood without having to worry about cancer and other diseases caused by ingesting ocean wastes.
What can you do?
Human activities on land are the main cause of plastic and other marine pollutants entering the ocean. It goes without saying that every household can do something to help preserve ocean health. Here are some of the best methods to tackle this pollution issue wherever you are:
1) Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Single-Use plastics are those that you use once and throw into the bin. For example, water bottles, plastic bags, dry cleaning bags, straws, take out containers, and many others. From today henceforth, don’t accept single use-plastic that you really don’t need. Instead, go for re-usable versions of such products.
2) Recycle Plastics
When you buy re-usable products, make sure that you recycle them. As it stands now, only 9% of all plastics get recycled yearly. By increasing the number of plastics you re-use, you are actively helping to keep marine pollution out of the ocean.
3) Organise Beach Clean-Up
It is something that you can do with your friends during the weekends and holidays. Many beaches and waterways around the world have ocean waste lying around due to human activities. Organising or participating in a beach clean-ups is one of the most rewarding means of preventing waste from entering the ocean.
4) Buy Products in Bulk
If there are some certain products (with plastic packaging) that you routinely buy, consider purchasing in bigger containers instead of going for many small items over time. Always contemplate the product-to-packaging ratio when buying products like travel-size toiletries, single-serving yoghurts, nuts, etc. It will help to reduce the number of plastics filling the earth’s seas.
5) Champion the Cause
Be part of the people who are fighting for the decrease of activities causing ocean pollution. Many authorities are now enacting laws banning single-use takeout containers, plastic bags, and bottles. By being at the forefront of such causes in your area, you are actively participating in the reduction of marine pollution.
6) Avoid Microbeads
In as much as plastics make up the majority of marine litter, there are many other types of ocean wastes. One example is microbeads that are mainly in toothpaste, body-washes, and face scrubs. The microbeads enter the ocean via the sewer systems, consequently affecting marine species. You can avoid them by going for products with natural exfoliants.
7) Reach Out to Manufacturers
Corporations are the primary producers of ocean wastes and have a bigger footprint when it comes to reducing marine pollution. Therefore, if you purchase a product and think that its mother company should be smarter about the packaging or anything else, simply make contact. Thanks to social media, it is now quite easy to let your favourite company know all the benefits of alternative environmentally-friendly products.
8) Spread the Word
Let your friends, family, workmates, and about anyone you come across know how plastics are affecting their lives. You might be saving the lives of one or two people by sharing vital information about ocean pollution. Don’t forget to inform them about the product alternatives that will help reduce marine pollution.
9) Offer Your Support
Many non-profit organisations are working to reduce marine pollution in many different ways. These entities rely on donations and the goodwill of individuals who care about the state of the oceans as much as they do. You can offer donations or any other kind of support to organisations like 5 Gyres, Algalita, Plastic Soup Foundation etc.
10) Hire a Reputable Waste Company
There are many companies that can assist you with rubbish removal, especially if you deal with a lot of waste whether in your business or home. By employing a reliable firm, you will be able to easily and quickly eliminate all your waste, junk, and unwanted rubbish. It is one of the most convenient ways of dealing with a large sum of waste.
The battle against ocean pollution should start with your daily activities. It is important to incorporate habits that go a long way in preserving the ocean as this will ultimately save your family from hazardous effects of marine pollution. Make sure that you get in touch with Paul’s Rubbish Removal to better manage your waste.
