Plastic pollution is a global problem that is growing exponentially due to both an increase on consumerism and an increase in the number in the number of plastics used to manufacture the things we use on a daily basis. Plastic accumulating in our oceans and on our beaches has become a global crisis.

With skyrocketing plastic production, low levels of recycling and poor waste management, between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year- enough to cover every foot of coastline on the planet and that amount is expected to more than double in the next 10 years.

We are turning our beautiful Ocean into a plastic soup and at this rate we face a future with more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050.

How does it get into sea?

Two- thirds of it comes straight from land based sources: litter being left on the beach or washed down rivers and drains from litter being dropped in towns and cities. It comes from industry spills, badly managed landfills sites and bins near the coast or by being flushed down the loo etc.

How Does Plastic Breakdown-

Plastic are photodegradable- meaning that they break up into smaller and smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight. Because the temperature they are exposed to in the ocean is much lower than that on land, the breakdown process takes much longer in the marine environment.

 The Health Impacts of Plastic Pollution on our Wildlife-

There are so many health impacts of plastic pollution on our wildlife for instance, plastic breaks down into smaller pieces and because it readily floats it is often mistaken for food by surface feeding animals, including fish and seabirds. Marine turtles ingest plastic bags which they mistake for jellyfish.

Is it possible to Scoop it all out of the sea?

It is sadly impossible. Only 1% of marine litter floats, with the vast majority sinking to the sea floor. Even if we tried to scoop up that 1% in international waters who would take responsibility and pay for it? To further complicate matters, the majority of it is microscopic. All we can do is stop using more.

What needs to happen-?

The most effective way to have less plastic in the Ocean is to use less plastic in the first. Apart from it Corporate action, Government leadership, Personal responsibility, Education and Public awareness, Proper recycling, Beach cleanups and play very important role.