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!

 

Written by Sofia Avila, revised and edited by Victoria Licona