5 Steps To Solving Ocean Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing water pollution issues facing our oceans today. Plastic debris makes up an estimated 80% of all water pollution, and it is having a devastating effect on marine life and water quality. From entanglement to ingestion, plastic pollution is killing wildlife at alarming rates and compromising ocean ecosystems.

Fortunately, there are many ways that everyone can help reduce plastic use and waste in order to protect the health of our oceans. Recycling plastics correctly is a great way to start – by doing this you’re helping to keep plastic out of landfills, water sources, and ultimately out of our oceans.

We all have the power to make a change and solve the plastic pollution problem, with millions of people already taking measures to reduce their plastic usage. Here are 5 steps you can take today that will help save our planet!

(1) Support Clean Legislation

While it is essential to modify our individual habits, these shifts alone are insufficient in halting plastic pollution of the oceans. To make a substantial difference, regulations must be put into place that limit plastic production and disposal, as well as holding producers accountable for managing their waste products appropriately.

To help combat plastic pollution, you can support a range of local, national and international legislation. In the United States this includes 2021’s Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act which wants to tackle our planet-wide crisis as well as state-level Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bills that make manufacturers accountable for their products’ fate after being used. This is only the start; if we come together with purposeful action, it will bring us one step closer to winning in this global fight against plastic waste.

(2) Get Plastic Extrusion Equipment To Those Who Need It

Many companies and organizations want to help with plastic pollution, but they don’t have the equipment to make an impact. Companies like eFACTOR3 build plastic extrusion equipment that can help you get rid of plastic and give you a final product that can be recycled, a win-win.

These custom recycling options can help eliminate plastic from the environment, but also allows you to have that material properly recycled after.

(3) Encourage Companies To Recycle Plastics

Many company business owners and executives do want to do good, many of them are eco-friendly and willing to help. We need to encourage these companies to help and make sure they have impactful opportunities to help clean our oceans and rivers.

(4) Reduce Your Use Of Plastics

No matter where you live, the most straightforward way to contribute to reducing plastic waste is by limiting your usage of single-use plastics. Plastic bags, bottles and straws are only some amongst many items that fall into this category – think dry cleaning bags and take out containers as well! Every effort counts in making our world a greener place.

The most effective way to repel single-use plastics is by resisting them when they are offered and investing in reusable alternatives. This includes everything from grocery bags, produce sacks, jars, utensils, coffee mugs and dry cleaning garment cases. Make sure you bring your reusable versions with you wherever possible! Additionally, if a business offers single-use plastic items such as straws or takeout containers then kindly let them know that there should be more sustainable choices available for their customers.

Thill Inc., an ecommerce order fulfillment company based in Wisconsin, is doing their part by offering green fulfillment options. A lot of plastics are used in fulfillment and shipping, it’s great to see companies like Thill taking the lead to start using eco-friendly materials.

(5) Avoid Microbeads

The alarming presence of microbeads in our oceans and waterways is increasingly becoming a severe environmental concern. These tiny plastic particles can be found in face scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes which enter the ocean through sewage systems. To help protect marine species from this detrimental source of pollution, look for “polyethylene” or “polypropylene” on your cosmetic product labels (find a list here) to ensure you’re not contributing to their destructive spread!

Spread The Word

Make sure to stay informed on the plastic pollution epidemic and share your knowledge with those around you. Social media can be a very powerful tool for you to use – make sure you’re helping us spread the word!

You can consider hosting viewing parties for some of the incredible documentaries that cover this very topic, such as A Plastic Ocean, Garbage Island: An Ocean Full of Plastic, Bag It, Addicted to Plastic, or even Plasticized? By doing so, you can spread awareness and empower others to join in finding solutions.

Remember, together, we can make a difference!