Pollution Infographic

Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

An estimated 8-10 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year

Single-use plastics, such as shopping bags, straws, and cups, are a significant portion of the plastic pollution problem

There are an estimated 5-50 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the world's oceans, weighing between 268,940 and 51 trillion tons

If current trends continue, plastic pollution in the oceans is expected to outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050

The problem with plastics

Millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans every year, creating a massive and constantly growing environmental crisis. This plastic pollution doesn't just look bad on our beaches, it has severe consequences:

• Harm to Marine Life: Animals get entangled in plastic debris, leading to injuries, starvation, and death. They can also mistake plastic for food, causing internal blockages and poisoning
• Microplastics and the Food Chain: Tiny plastic fragments are a particular concern. They can be ingested by a wide range of marine organisms, potentially entering the human food chain when we consume seafood
• Economic Damage: Plastic pollution harms coastal economies by littering beaches and damaging tourism. Entanglement in fishing gear can also harm fish populations and livelihoods

key limitations of traditional waste management approaches

• Focus on Land-Based Waste: Traditional waste management systems are primarily designed to collect and process waste generated on land. They are not well-equipped to capture and remove plastic debris that has already entered the ocean
• Limited Reach: Most waste collection infrastructure is concentrated in populated coastal areas. Vast stretches of the ocean, especially in the open gyres where plastic accumulates, are far beyond the reach of traditional collection methods
• Inability to Capture Microplastics: Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, are a major concern. Traditional waste management systems like filters and screens are not designed to capture these small particles

The figures behind the plastic pollution crisis

75%

26%

Of all plastic pollution in the ocean originates from land-based sources

Of all ocean pollution is plastic bags and bottles

5.25%

0.5%

Of all plastic pollution entering the oceans come from China, the highest single polluting country

Of all plastic waste ends up in our oceans

Data from Our World in Data and Statista

Plastic waste accumulated in the oceans, 2000 to 2019

The amount of plastic waste that has accumulated in the oceans since 1951. This is calculated as the running total of plastic flowing into the ocean each year.

Decomposition rates of marine debris

Average estimated decomposition times of typical marine debris items. Plastic items are shown in blue.

Graphs sourced from https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

THe impacts of plastic pollution

Marine Wildlife

Entanglement and Ingestion: Animals get entangled in plastic debris, leading to injuries, starvation, and death. They also mistake plastic for food, causing internal blockages and poisoning. This affects a wide range of species, from seabirds and turtles to fish and marine mammals. Microplastics: They are usually ingested by a vast array of marine organisms, potentially entering the human food chain when we consume seafood. Habitat Destruction: Plastic debris can smother coral reefs, mangroves, and other important habitats, depriving them of light, oxygen, and nutrients. This disrupts entire ecosystems and the complex food webs they support

Economic Damage

Tourism: Plastic pollution littering beaches and harming marine life deters tourists from visiting coastal areas. This can lead to significant economic losses for communities that rely on tourism revenue. Fisheries: Entangled fishing gear and plastic debris damage fishing nets and equipment, reducing catches and harming fish populations. This impacts the livelihoods of fishermen and the overall seafood industry. Coastal Cleanup: The cost of cleaning up plastic pollution from beaches and shorelines is a significant burden on coastal communities.

Reducing our Footprint

How Individuals Can Help Address Plastic Pollution in the Oceans

Beyond individual actions, supporting organized efforts contributes significantly to cleaning up existing plastic pollution. Participating in or organizing beach cleanups in our local communities allows us to directly remove plastic debris from shorelines. Donating or volunteering time with organizations dedicated to ocean cleanup and research leverages expertise and resources for large-scale solutions

A significant step towards a cleaner ocean lies in our daily choices. We can make a conscious effort to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. Carrying reusable shopping bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles are simple yet impactful changes. Being mindful of packaging when shopping and opting for products with minimal or recyclable wrapping helps lessen the plastic burden entering the waste stream. Additionally, buying in bulk when possible and choosing products made from recycled materials further minimizes our plastic footprint.

Advocating for policy change can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Contacting local representatives and urging them to support policies that incentivise plastic reduction, promote improvements in waste management infrastructure, and hold polluters accountable are vital steps. Additionally, reducing our overall carbon footprint through energy conservation and sustainable practices helps indirectly. Climate change poses a significant threat to our oceans, and mitigating our environmental impact benefits marine ecosystems in the long run.

Images sourced from the Environmental Investigation Agency

The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization developing and scaling technologies, aiming to remove 90% of existing plastic pollution from the ocean and to capture plastic in rivers before it reaches the ocean.

Ocean Cleanup Systems

U-Shaped Barrier: The system resembles a giant U-shaped barrier that extends hundreds of meters long. The open end faces the current, allowing plastic to accumulate within the system's confines.Passive Collection: The system relies on ocean currents to propel it forward, minimizing the need for external energy sources. This makes it a more sustainable solution compared to traditional methods using boats or nets. Subsurface Screen: Some systems incorporate a permeable screen beneath the floating barrier. This allows for the passage of plankton and other marine life while capturing submerged plastic debris Deployment Locations: These systems target areas with high plastic concentration, often referred to as ocean gyres, where currents converge and accumulate floating debris

Inteceptor Systems

River Barriers: Interceptor systems utilize floating barriers positioned across rivers to capture plastic waste carried by the currentWaste Collection: The captured plastic accumulates within the system and is periodically removed by service vessels for proper disposal or recycling Strategic Locations: Interceptors are deployed in rivers known to be major contributors of plastic pollution to the ocean. This "catch-up-stream" approach helps prevent plastic from entering the marine environment in the first place

How you can help The Ocean Cleanup

Make a Donation: You can donate as a one off or as a monthly reoccurence using the link by clicking on the icon or visting their website Fundraising: You can organise your own fundraising events like beach cleanups with sponsorships or donation drives to raise money for The Ocean Cleanup, using the link by clicking on the icon for more information Spread Awareness: Share information about The Ocean Cleanup and the issue of plastic pollution on social media or with friends and family. This can help attract new donors and volunteers. Volunteer: If you have relevant skills or expertise, consider volunteering your time to assist The Ocean Cleanup with research, development, outreach, or other areas of need.

www.theoceancleanup.com

The Ocean Cleanup Global HQ POSTAL ADDRESS Coolsingel 6 3011 AD Rotterdam The Netherlands

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