Month: February 2020

These Animals are Dying Everyday because of our Pollution

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Image result for dolphin affected by pollution

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth! It is extremely important due to the fact that it provides us with food, aids us in balancing our climate, and produces over half of the world’s oxygen. So, how is it possible that we humans continue to use it as our dumping sight- killing over one million animals every year? 

 

This is list of just a few of the animals that are killed by our pollution everyday:

1. Whales and Dolphins 

Whales and dolphins often mistake crustaceans, fish, etc for plastic. Whales especially have large mouths, leading to an intake of large amounts of trash unknowingly. In one case a marine expert dissected an already deceased whale to find that it had “88 pounds of plastic waste jammed into its belly.”  Most plastics are pretty light in weight, so the fact that there was such a heavy amount in one whale is crazy! 

 

2. Seabirds 

One million seabirds are killed by pollution every year. The plastic that is consumed by seabirds can take up almost the entire storage of their stomach, causing extreme starvation. According to the Center of Biodiversity, “It’s estimated that 60 percent of all seabird species have eaten pieces of plastic, with that number predicted to increase to 99 percent by 2050.” 

 

3. Sea Turtles

Image result for cutting plastic soda ringsWhile turtles are also known to be killed from ingesting plastics, they are widely affected by fishing netting and plastic soda rings. These pollutants become wrapped around the turtles neck and shell making it tough to breath and move around. A way of helping this issue is to make sure to cut your plastic soda rings before you throw it away. While you may be throwing it in a trash bin there is still a possibility of it ending up back in the ocean. Cutting soda rings can aid with other marine life as well. 

 

Whether it’s recycling your own plastics or volunteering for ocean cleanup, just small gestures everyday can help our oceans immensely. When you’re debating on throwing a piece of trash on the ground or waiting for a recycling/trash bin, think back to these animals and how that one piece of trash could affect them. 

 

Written by Skylar Griffin, revised and edited by Kailyn Hayes

 

We Can All Save Our Oceans

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Written By: Victoria Licona, Edited By: Sofia Avila

 

Did you know that each year, humans dump 4 to 12 million metric tons of plastic into our oceans? Oceanic Society says that in the next 10 years that number will double what it is now. Have you ever stopped to think about what you could do to decrease this number? Well, if you haven’t, now is the time to start. Oceans cover 71 percent of the planet and are home to important species and ecosystems that we rely on for food, livelihoods, climate regulation and more.

 

Plastic is forever, it does not go away. One of the biggest problems with plastic is that it does not break down, it just turns into smaller particles of itself known as microplastics. This does not just affect us, it affects sea life as well. Sea turtles, whales, and coral reefs are some of the few examples of ocean life that are impacted by the waste being thrown into the ocean and the overuse of plastic. By simply changing a few habits in our lives, we can reduce the amount of plastic that enters our oceans. 

 

Here are 5 different ways you can help reduce plastic:

 

  1. Demand Plastic-Free Alternatives

The reason plastic companies are still in business is because of supply and demand. If we urge these companies to come up with plastic-free alternatives and stop buying the plastic products, they will have no choice but to make the switch!

 

  1. Avoid Ocean Harming Products

We have all heard the phrase “save our turtles”. So why are turtles still an endangered species? By using straws, unsustainable fishing methods, and one time use plastic water bottles, we are ruining an entire habitat for these animals. 

 

  1. Use reusable bags when going grocery shopping

Some cities have already banned the use of plastic grocery bags for supermarkets. This has been incredibly helpful in helping to reduce the amount of plastic in local lakes and rivers. By not throwing away the plastic bags, you have already done your part so they do not end up in the oceans!

 

  1. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads

Yes, I am sure your beauty products are extremely necessary, but have you ever thought about how they can harm the environment? Microbeads can be found in toothpaste, facial soaps, and body washes. Many times, they are confused for food. A lot of ocean life believe that the microbeads that end up in the ocean are food, and consume the harmful chemicals in these microbeads. Instead of using plastic microbeads, make the switch to natural soaps like oatmeal or salt. 

 

  1. Eat Sustainable Seafood 

 

 

Although these acts may seem small and not impactful, if we all do our part we can save our oceans together! It is also easy to take initiative and start your own beach cleanup or better yet, educate people around you of the importance of recycling and using plastic-free alternatives. All of these ways to help are small lifestyle changes for a bigger cause. Together, we can all reduce the amount of plastic being thrown into our oceans!

Is there more than one form of ocean pollution? Yes.

khayes
Written by Kailyn Hayes, Edited by Skylar Griffin

Every single day, more and more waste is polluting our oceans. How can we stop this from happening if we don’t know the forms of pollution that take place? Even though we discussed the connection between life above and below the ocean surface, there is still more to know about the vast subject of ocean conservation. By learning about the types of ocean pollution, you are taking the necessary steps to help preserve over two-thirds of the planet.

One of the largest sources of marine pollution is called ‘nonpoint source pollution.’ Nonpoint source pollution occurs as an effect of runoff and includes sources, like vehicles, farms and septic tanks. Some forms of pollution that negatively impact the health of our oceans can come from a single source, such as oil spills, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). Nonetheless, after being contaminated by the pollution sources below, our ecosystems need a while to recover.

Types of Ocean Pollution

Oil – When you first hear about oil as an ocean pollutant, your mind more than likely conjures up images of a disastrous oil spill. However, oil from vehicles can also damage the ocean. The oil from vehicles on the road runoff and trickle into the ocean, according to National Geographic. Occasionally, boats will spill oil directly into the water. Regardless, oil seepage is harmful to marine life and it is our responsibility to reduce it.

Agricultural Runoff – Pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers that are used on land by farmers are carried into streams and rivers before eventually entering the ocean typically after heavy rain. NOAA states that 80% of marine pollution starts on land. For example, EPA Effects reported that runoff from the Mississippi  River Basin is the cause of the “Dead Zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, which lacks a sufficient amount of marine life.

Industrial Waste – While rarely discussed, industrial waste is a huge issue when it comes to ocean dumping. Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t until the mid-1970s, that dumping industrial waste into oceans was illegal. Almost all large companies deal with toxic waste. This waste infects the water and sea life, including the ones we eat. Imagine getting mercury poisoning from eating sushi. Despite this being a rare occurrence, unless you’re obsessed and eat sushi every single day, the number of toxins entering the raw fish can have adverse effects on you as well.

Carbon Dioxide – Fossil fuel burning leads to the production of carbon dioxide, and the concentration of this gas speeds up our oceans becoming more acidic. This process changes the pH of ocean water and creates a devastating effect on shellfish and other marine life.

Plastic – One of the most common forms of ocean pollution is plastic. Whether it’s a plastic bag, a pack of straws or six-pack rings, plastic debris negatively affects our ocean. This trash can entangle and suffocate our oceanic friends. By reducing your use of plastic, you are helping the environment.

Now that you know the various forms of ocean pollution, you can go forward combating this issue. Go forward and spread more awareness about these different types of ocean pollution. In fact, as an Ocean Olympian, you can even challenge your friends to be mindful of their daily habits that affect our oceans.

Carbon Dioxide’s Connection to the Ocean

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Written by Emily Ram, Edited by Victoria Licona

Image result for co2 ocean

Have you ever gone to the grocery store for one specific ingredient, but you ended up leaving with three more items than expected. By just adding those three more items to your cart, the price of your groceries increased from what could have been a $4 trip to the store to costing you $21.50.  Everything adds up.

With the planet’s oceans covering over 70% of the planet and providing an ecosystem for an innumerable amount of species, it is important we become more conscious of the actions we are taking.  Similar to how adding a few more things to your grocery cart can drastically change the price you pay at the register, all the actions we make daily have the ability to aid in adding to or preventing further ocean pollution.

One simple way to slow down the ocean’s destruction is by reducing our carbon footprint.

Carbon Dioxides Connection to the Ocean

According to https://archive.epa.gov/, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere whenever people burn fossil fuels.  Not only are we polluting the air when we burn fossil fuels, but we are also adding to the destruction of the ocean.  The oceans absorb as much as a quarter of all man-made carbon emissions annually.

A pie chart of top CO2 producing nations

A pie chart showing the lead contributors to CO2 emissions in 2019

How Ocean Acidification Works

When CO2 in the atmosphere rises, the ocean helps to maintain Earth’s carbon cycle by absorbing it.  Within the ocean, CO2 reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid.  This reaction—known as ocean acidification—causes the ocean’s acidity levels to rise.

Impacts of Ocean Acidification:

Oceans are undergoing acidification faster than they have in the past 300 years and it is estimated that if our current emission practices continue, the oceans could be nearly 150% more acidic than their current states.  Ocean organisms with calcium carbonate in their shells are taking a major hit.  Mollusks, crabs, and corals are some of the ocean’s many creatures that are struggling to grow their shells in the acidic waters.  Such calcium carbonate organisms are also struggling to reproduce, build homes, and survive in the ocean as a result.

Image result for ocean acidification

Visual of how ocean acidification impacts calcifiers

Shell-less organisms are being impacted, as well.  Fish are undergoing both negative mental and physical changes because of acidification.  The shellfish industry, which is the backbone of several coastal communities extending from Louisiana to Maine to Maryland, is being threatened by the rise in 0cean acidification.  The effects of ocean acidification on oyster harvest’s is said to have cost Pacific Northwest’s oyster industry is said to have cost nearly $110 million and 3,200 jobs.

Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

You may not think your carbon footprint has that much of an effect on the ocean, but every little bit of your footprint as an individual contributes to society’s massive footprint as a whole. Here are some things you can do to reduce it:

  • Take public transportation, walk, or ride a bike or scooter when available
  • Turn off the lights when you leave a room
  • Use natural lighting during the day
  • Dress in more layers during winter opposed to cranking up your heater
  • Unplug gadgets you aren’t using
  • Wash/Shower with cold water

 

The Connection between Life Above and Below the Ocean Surface

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Welcome back Ocean Olympians!

Did you know that 78 million tons of plastic packaging is produced annually and about 32 percent of it is released into the environment after production? This means that about 24,960,000 tons of plastic are being released into nature annually. To put that into perspective, that means about 55,027,380,641 pounds of plastic‒which is equivalent to about 137,568 full grown male hippos‒ can be found polluting our planet. 

Plastic makes up a large amount of ocean debris. The image above shows some common plastics that enter the ocean and the impact they have on marine life.

Plastic makes up a large amount of ocean debris. The image above shows some common plastics that enter the ocean and the impact they have on marine life.

 

Pollutants poisoning the ocean vary vastly but today we would like to bring a focus on plastics and toxic chemicals impacting our oceans.

 

According to planetaid.org, the world’s oceans provide over 97 percent of the world’s water supply, along with over 70 percent of the oxygen we inhale. Man-made pollution is challenging those statistics daily, as human actions are wreaking havoc on organisms beneath the ocean surface. Not only are human actions negatively impacting ocean organisms, but they are concurrently worsening human lives as well.

 

About 20 percent of plastic trash entering the ocean comes from offshore ships and platforms while the rest is blown into the sea, pulled in from beaches by tides, or deliberately dumped into the ocean, according to the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College.  Because these plastics are non-biodegradable, fish and other organisms consume them.  Not only does the consumption of plastic contaminate sea animals, but just swimming in ocean water‒which is being contaminated by chemicals released from plastics in the ocean‒ is poisoning sea animals too.  The food chain is becoming increasingly contaminated due to the impact of plastic found in the ocean. 

 

Aside from plastic, chemicals like oil, mercury, lead, pesticides, and other heavy metals can all be found within ocean waters; These substances are also contaminating water supplies and corrupting our food chain through the poisoning of marine life. Exposure to such lethal chemicals for an extended period of time will contribute to an increase in poor health conditions‒like hormonal issues, reproductive problems, nervous system, and kidney damage‒within society. 

Chemicals that pollute the ocean have a large impact on much more than just ocean organisms.

Chemicals that pollute the ocean have a large impact on much more than just ocean organisms.

Because every little tiny piece of contamination that enters the ocean adds up to create such a large amount of pollution, it’s important that we start thinking more carefully about even our smallest actions in our everyday life. Some ways to prevent further ocean pollution is to:

  • Use reusable containers over Ziploc bags
  • Bring reusable bags to stores so plastic bags aren’t used 
  • Drink from glass or reusable bottles rather than drinking from single-use plastic water bottles
  • Join a cleanup crew for your area (Look for a Facebook group in your area or reach out to us and we can help you find one)
  • Substitute plastic straws for other alternatives 
  • Reuse and recycle
  • Save glass bottles from items like kombucha or jelly so you can store things in them rather than using Ziploc bags
  • Lobby to your local government
  • Spread the word about the importance of pollution prevention through word-of-mouth or by retweeting our twitter posts/sharing our informational blog posts!

 

Written by Emily Ram, revised and edited by Kailyn Hayes

A Brief Overview of Ocean Pollution

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Volunteers picking up garbage that washes ashore

 

The Earth’s oceans cover 71% of the planet’s surface. There are five oceans on this planet, each containing depths of water we have yet to explore. Thousands of species live in these waters, millions of humans flock to the shores to enjoy the water, and some may even decide to spend days floating in the middle of the ocean aboard a huge ship. There has always been a fixation with oceans, and with good reason. So, if we adore our oceans so much, why do we keep polluting them? 

 

According to oceanconservancy.org, 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, piling on top of the already present 150 million metric tons of waste, making it the leading type of waste found in the oceans. This waste comes from all over the world, with China and Indonesia leading the list for being the biggest contributors. However, the United States is solely responsible for dumping approximately 242 million pounds of plastic waste into the oceans. Unfortunately, these numbers will not change until people realize how severe the impact of waste is, not only on marine wildlife, but on human beings as well. 

 

Marine life is affected by waste every day. Studies show that plastic is found in several types of species that interact with the ocean, from sea turtles to birds like pelicans. It is even estimated that 100% of sea turtles have had plastic in their systems. Even more concerning is the findings of plastic in 25% of fish that are consumed by human beings. Consumption of contaminated fish and other marine life such as shellfish like shrimp can have an unpleasant impact on human health if not caught beforehand. Plastics ingested by these species, called microplastics, are broken down over time. During the break down process, they release the chemicals that make plastic so durable, such as bisphenol A. There have been few widespread studies about how consuming these plastics affect the human body, but alarm has spread among health scientists. 

 

There are many different ways to prevent waste from polluting the oceans. It all begins at home. One of the first steps to take is reducing single use plastics. Things like plastic water bottles, shopping bags, straws and to-go containers can be replaced by more eco friendly products that will last you a lot longer. Another way you can help from home is recycling properly. Having a separate bin for recyclable items will help differentiate them from regular garbage, but it is always helpful to check your local recycling center about what is considered recyclable and what is not. Another way to help is volunteering. If you live near an ocean, you can volunteer through organizations like Ocean Cleanup and spend a day picking up trash that washes ashore. Even gathering a group of friends and heading out to clean on your own is a great way to get involved. If you don’t live by a big body of water, no worries! You can always donate to clean up organizations, but there’s always spreading the word. Taking part in initiatives to help clean ocean water, signing up to newsletters and even educating friends and family make a huge difference. Spreading the word and sharing knowledge makes a big impact!

 

Trash buildup on the coast of Indonesia

Written by Sofia Avila, revised and edited by Victoria Licona