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By 2050, it is estimated there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean.
Meanwhile:
The effects of plastic pollution are growing: plastics poison more than a third of marine mammals and turtles; they suffocate seabirds; they entangle adult and juvenile animals; they even come back to us as microplastics in our seafood.
Even though the situation seems bleak, this doesn’t mean that we should give up on the ocean.
Instead of just lamenting about the damage done, let’s stand up for the blue planet and take action against plastic pollution!
In this article you will find many ideas about how you can make a difference for the ocean.
You don’t need to invest much time or money – just follow your heart and these 10 simple tips to help clean up plastic pollution.
Talk to your family and friends about plastic pollution
If you want people to change their habits, you have to first change the conversation.
Start a dialogue with your family and friends about marine debris and the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
Start with basic information, such as how much marine debris is out there and what it does.
Then, lead the discussion towards simple, everyday ways to make a difference.
Also, make sure to let them know about the positive effects of your actions – that by taking these 10 simple ways to clean up plastic pollution, you are making a real and measurable difference for sea creatures and for yourself!
Ditch the single-use plastics
Single-use plastics (i.e. disposable items like straws, water bottles, paper cups and plastic bags) are one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution.
These items are usually made from non-recyclable, synthetic materials that break down into microplastics that are ingested by marine animals.
Once in their bodies, they may leach chemicals like endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to cancer and other diseases. Instead of using disposable plastic items, choose reusable alternatives.
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your plastic footprint.
For example:
Reusable water bottles are a simple and straightforward way to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles.
You can also reduce your use of disposable plastic items at work and at home.
For instance:
Use reusable cups and plates when hosting parties or doing your weekly groceries.
Commit to buying only eco-friendly seafood
People around the world consume a staggering amount of fish and other seafood.
Unfortunately, harvesting wild fish leads to overfishing and unsustainable aquaculture practices.
This, in turn, harms the ocean as habitats are destroyed and native species are over-harvested.
When buying seafood, make sure to source only environmentally friendly products.
First, look for fish that are certified as sustainable by a trusted certification body.
Next, check for the Marine Stewardship Council’s ecolabel. These are good indicators that the seafood you buy is eco-friendly.
If you don’t see the Marine Stewardship Council ecolabel, ask your fishmonger about the species’ sustainability, and don’t buy any fish that is not certified as sustainable.
Educate your peers and colleagues about marine conservation
You can do more than just buying sustainable seafood: you can also educate others about the need to preserve marine ecosystems and species.
Start with your family and friends – invite them to join you in actions that make a difference for the ocean, like beach or river clean-ups.
When you are with colleagues or classmates, take this opportunity to raise awareness about marine pollution and conservation.
You could ask your professor to incorporate ocean conservation into the curriculum; you could also invite your colleagues to join you in actions that make a difference for the ocean, like beach or river clean-ups.
Whatever you do, make sure to keep your message simple and clear.
Focus on the effects of single-use plastics and unsustainable seafood harvesting.
Let others know that they can make a real and measurable difference for the ocean.
Join a Marine Conservation Group
If you want to take marine conservation to the next level, you could join a marine conservation group.
There are many such organizations around the world.
They conduct beach and river clean-ups, monitor wildlife, and campaign for legislative change.
Dive clubs and other scuba diver associations are a great way to get involved in marine conservation.
One of the best ways to get involved in marine conservation is to join an organization like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation group that uses nonviolent direct action against commercial fisheries.
This is a great way to get actively involved in marine conservation!
If you join an organization, make sure to follow their action guidelines. Follow their campaigns, join their beach or river clean-ups, and help their marine wildlife monitoring programs.
Install a marine debris tracker app
Did you know that less than 1% of marine debris is actually picked up?
The majority of marine debris items are too small to be detected by standard clean-up methods.
These microplastics are ingested by marine animals (i.e. fish, sea turtles, and seabirds) and accumulate toxins that are harmful to humans.
The good news is that we can reduce the amount of microplastics in the water by simply picking them up.
To do so, you can install a marine debris tracker app on your phone.
By using these apps, you can help scientists identify the amount and location of marine debris.
Such information is crucial for scientists to understand the extent of the plastic pollution problem and to develop effective marine debris reduction strategies.
Two recommended marine debris tracker apps are Marine Debris Tracker and Planet Patrol.
Support organizations that are helping to clean up the ocean
There are many organizations around the world that are helping to clean up the ocean.
This includes:
Conducting beach and river clean-ups
Monitoring wildlife
Campaigning for legislative change
There are many ways to support these organizations, such as donating money, volunteering at events, or raising public awareness about marine conservation.
You could, for example, donate money to organizations that are cleaning up the ocean.
Some organizations that are actively working to clean up the ocean include Ocean Crusaders and 5 Gyres.
Conclusion
It’s never too late to make a difference for the ocean.
One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to stop using single-use plastics.
If we all commit to this one action, we will make a huge difference for the environment.
One person can make a difference for the ocean.
And if everyone makes an effort, we can clean up the ocean together!
READ MORE: SUSTAINABLE GROCERY SHOPPING: 6 TIPS TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
