In our oceans there is an alarming crisis brewing: plastic pollution. Annually, 8 million metric tons of plastic invade our waters, endangering marine life and delicate ecosystems. Picture an expanse larger than the state of Texas, filled with floating trash debris. Urgent action is vital or our oceans will suffocate.
There is overwhelming evidence that plastic contamination in our rivers and oceans is a serious problem. The plastic that enters our oceans each year is killing marine life, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Over 700 marine species are severely impacted: they become entangled in trash, and they can ingest trash and die as a result, as highlighted by National Geographic. Our widespread use of plastic not only endangers marine animals and ecosystems, but also land animals and ecosystems. Trash that is particularly harmful include single-use plastic packaging and clothing that shed microplastic. This pollution also clogs drainage systems which causes floods that negatively affect land animals homes and fragile ecosystems.
Luckily, there are organizations actively striving to combat plastic pollution. The Ocean Cleanup employs innovative technology to target key accumulation zones in rivers, effectively intercepting plastic waste and preventing it from reaching the ocean, thus contributing to a cleaner marine environment for future generations. Meanwhile, the Plastic Pollution Coalition leads public education campaigns and advocates for legislation to reduce single-use plastics globally. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a collaborative effort to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution on a global scale.
Addressing plastic pollution requires immediate actions. One idea is to invest more money into creating plastics that decompose quickly. But that is not enough, we have to make sure that companies use these quickly compostable plastics for things like water and soda bottles and plastic bags. We can market to them to explain why this plastic is better. We can also work to make this new plastic less expensive so more companies will want to use it. Another idea is we can have strict regulations on what plastic can be used and what can’t be used. Some cities have banned plastic water bottles and some cities make you pay for plastic bags. We can also create more programs in schools and in the community to increase knowledge about plastic pollution, about compostable plastic, and about the negative impact on marine animals from throwing trash in the ocean.
We need a team effort to address the pressing need to stop plastic pollution in our oceans. By means of inventive technologies, community involvement, and stringent rules, we can protect our seas.
Deysiane Da Silva, 16, was born in Jaru, Brazil. She is a junior at Lowell High School. She likes playing badminton and going to the gym. Deysiane is an avid mental health advocate and is interested in learning more about psychology, with the goal of becoming a psychologist in the future.