Simple Solutions to Reduce Ocean Pollution

Around 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. “Most ocean pollution begins on land” (NOAA). There are so many different sources of pollution on land. 

It is so important to protect our oceans because they provide us with so much. They give us food, oxygen, and so much more. "Plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change" (IUCN).

The ocean is home to more than 200,000 species. If pollution keeps getting into the ocean, we are destroying these species homes. Much of this pollution is affecting these organisms. Some are even becoming endangered. "In the ocean, plastic pollution impacts sea turtles, whales, seabirds, fish, coral reefs, and countless other marine species and habitats. In fact, scientists estimate that more than half of the world’s sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have eaten plastic in their lifetimes" (Monterey Bay Aquarium)

There are some simple solutions that you can do to help reduce ocean pollution;

1: Reduce the Amount of Single-Use Plastic That you Use

Even if you are doing something as simple as carrying a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic water bottle, or using paper bags in a grocery store instead of plastic bags, these are both great ways to help reduce the amount of plastic that goes into the ocean.

2: Recycle

You might think recycling is very simple, but there are just a few rules that you have to follow in order to recycle properly. You can recycle bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. You have to keep food and liquid out of your recycling. You cannot have any loose plastic bags, or any bagged recyclables.

3: Pick up trash from the ground

This is probably the easiest thing you can do. Even if you just see a small piece of plastic such as a straw, or a bag, these can still end up in the ocean. Do your part and pick up trash. When you do this make sure to put it in a proper trash can.

These are just three ways that you can help reduce ocean pollution. There are many other ways, but make sure to do your research.

Works cited:

“Marine Plastic Pollution.” IUCN, 2021, www.iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/marine-plastic-pollution#:~:text=Marine%20species%20ingest%20or%20are. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium. “Monterey Bay Aquarium – Official Site.” Montereybayaquarium.org, 2019, www.montereybayaquarium.org/.

Oceanic Society. “7 Ways to Reduce Ocean Plastic Pollution Today.” Oceanic Society, 24 Feb. 2022, www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-today/.

UN Environment. “Why Do Oceans and Seas Matter?” UNEP - UN Environment Programme, 15 Aug. 2017, www.unep.org/explore-topics/oceans-seas/why-do-oceans-and-seas-matter#:~:text=Oceans%20feed%20us%2C%20regulate%20our.

US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “What Is the Biggest Source of Pollution in the Ocean?” Oceanservice.noaa.gov, oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/pollution.html#:~:text=Most%20ocean%20pollution%20begins%20on.