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Mar 28, 20234 min read

The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life and How to Reduce Our Plastic Use



Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the world today. It poses a significant threat to the marine ecosystem and has far-reaching consequences for the environment and human health. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight.

The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

Plastic is a versatile and inexpensive material that is used in a wide range of products. However, it is also one of the most persistent pollutants in the environment, taking hundreds of years to decompose. When plastic waste enters the marine ecosystem, it causes severe damage to marine life. A study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin found that plastic pollution affects more than 270 species of marine animals, including turtles, seals, whales, and birds. It affects marine animals in different ways.

Entanglement

Plastic waste, such as fishing nets and lines, often entangles marine animals, leading to injuries or death.

Ingestion

Marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and potential health risks.

Habitat destruction

Plastic waste alters marine habitats and can cause physical damage to the seafloor, affecting the marine ecosystem.

The Effects of Plastic Pollution on the Environment

Plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences on the environment. It affects the natural beauty of the oceans and beaches, leading to significant economic losses in the tourism industry. It also affects human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood and water. Microplastics (tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size) have been found in every ocean and are ingested by a variety of marine organisms. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimated that seafood consumers in the United States ingest between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles per year.

How to Reduce Our Plastic Use

Reducing plastic use is the most effective way to prevent plastic pollution in the marine ecosystem. According to the National Geographic, plastic bags are one of the most common items found in ocean litter, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste from plastic bags entering the ocean each year. Here are some ways to reduce plastic waste:

Use Reusable Bags

Using reusable bags, such as cloth bags, reduces the need for plastic bags, which often end up in the ocean. You can purchase a stylish tote bag at Clean Planet Solutions for a great price and take this bag with you whenever you're shopping. In addition to grocery stores, consider taking the bag with you when shopping at other stores, such as clothing or home goods stores.

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Avoiding single-use plastics, such as straws, utensils, and water bottles, reduces the amount of plastic waste generated. Instead, buy reusable items from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic. Also, consider looking for products made from recycled plastic or eco-friendly materials like bamboo.

Properly Dispose of Plastic Waste

Properly disposing of plastic waste, such as recycling and composting, reduces the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Some simple steps anyone can take to help with this issue include:

  1. Recycling: Check with your local recycling center to see which types of plastic they accept, and make sure to clean and sort your recyclables properly.

  2. Composting: Some types of plastic, such as bioplastics made from plant-based materials, can be composted along with food waste.

  3. Participating in beach cleanups: Join a beach cleanup or organize one in your community to help remove the plastic and other debris from the ocean.

  4. Using the bins: Always dispose of plastic waste in a trash or recycling bin instead of littering or leaving it on the ground.

Support Legislation to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Supporting legislation to reduce plastic pollution, such as plastic bag bans and taxes, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated. Here are some ways you can help:

  1. Contact your elected officials: Reach out to your local, state, and national elected officials to voice your support for legislation that would reduce plastic pollution.

  2. Sign petitions: Sign online petitions and join campaigns that advocate for reducing plastic pollution and encourage others to do the same.

  3. Vote with your wallet: Support companies that use sustainable practices and reduce their plastic use, and avoid purchasing products from companies that contribute to plastic pollution.

  4. Join advocacy groups: Join or support advocacy groups that focus on reducing plastic pollution, such as the Plastic Pollution Coalition or the Ocean Conservancy.

The Bottom Line

Plastic pollution has a significant impact on marine life and the environment. According to a report by the United Nations, at least 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris, and around 80% of that debris is plastic. By reducing plastic use, we can prevent plastic pollution in the marine ecosystem and protect the environment and human health. We must take collective action to reduce plastic use and support legislation to reduce plastic pollution.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is plastic pollution? Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, causing harm to the ecosystem and human health.

  2. How does plastic pollution affect marine life? Plastic pollution affects marine life through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction.

  3. How can we reduce plastic waste? We can reduce plastic waste by using reusable bags, avoiding single-use plastics, properly disposing of plastic waste, and supporting legislation to reduce plastic pollution.

  4. What are the consequences of plastic pollution on the environment? Plastic pollution affects the environment by altering marine habitats, affecting human health, and causing economic losses in the tourism industry.

  5. What can we do to prevent plastic pollution? We can prevent plastic pollution by reducing our plastic use and supporting legislation to reduce plastic pollution.


 

Sources



  • Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., ... & Law, K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771. doi: 10.1126/science.1260352



  • Rochman, C. M., Browne, M. A., Halpern, B. S., Hentschel, B. T., Hoh, E., Karapanagioti, H. K., ... & Thompson, R. C. (2013). Policy: Classify plastic waste as hazardous. Nature, 494(7436), 169-171. doi: 10.1038/494169a



  • Wilcox, C., Van Sebille, E., & Hardesty, B. D. (2015). Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(38), 11899-11904. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1502108112



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