Plastic Recycling: How It Stops Ocean Trash
The growing ocean pollution crisis seriously threatens marine life and Mother Earth, but there are practical ways you can contribute to fighting it. Discover how to stop plastic waste in the ocean through plastic recycling.
How Trash Harms the Ocean
Beneath the beautiful ocean waves lie mountains of trash, with plastic contributing to 80% of all marine pollution. Most plastics come from landfills, flowing downstream through rivers to larger bodies of water. They take 500 to 1000 years to degrade, and — even when they break down into smaller pieces — microplastics can still cause harm.
This pollution is harming marine life and ecosystems. Fish ingest plastics, and sea turtles get entangled in them, causing suffocation, lacerations and internal injuries. These plastics also harm the planet, as incinerated plastic waste can contribute to rising temperatures and emissions. There’s always a chance the plastic you throw away could harm the ocean and its inhabitants.
How Recycling Stops Plastic Waste in the Ocean
Recycling is an effective way to reduce pollution by giving plastic items a second life. Here’s how it stops further damaging the ocean and its inhabitants.
- Diverts Waste From Landfills
Recycled plastics are sent to specialized facilities instead of landfills, where they can be blown away by wind or washed into waterways, eventually ending up in the ocean.
- Promotes a Circular Economy
The circular economy is a production and consumption model where materials are used for as long as possible by refurbishing, repurposing and recycling. It’s about using the Earth’s resources wisely while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, landfill waste and ocean pollution.
- Reduces the Need for New Plastic Production
Using recycled plastic to make new bottles requires 75% less energy than creating them from virgin materials. If the world collectively stops the production of new plastics, there’s a greater chance of decreasing ocean waste.
- Encourages Sustainable Practices
Collective and active participation in recycling systems creates a culture of sustainability. By sharing compelling narratives about entangled marine creatures and threatened coastal livelihoods and outlining concrete actions, you can inspire people to join the fight to save the oceans.
- Promotes an Eco-Conscious Mentality
Littering and improper manufacturing and disposal processes are some factors that cause plastic pollution. Joining recycling programs can help you become more conscious of your habits and see where to make changes.
6 Actionable Recycling Tips
The small things you do can make a big difference. Here’s how you can stop plastic waste in the ocean.
- Practice Waste Sorting
Sorting personal waste is a simple yet effective way to contribute to cleaner oceans. It simplifies recycling, plus it helps maintain a healthy and clean environment. Get enough trash bins for the following categories — glass and metal, paper materials, plastics, biodegradable, and mixed waste.
Familiarize yourself with common sorting mistakes. For instance, diapers, paper towels and menstrual napkins qualify as mixed waste, not paper waste. Many municipalities issue waste sorting guidelines — ask your local office about the standards.
- Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics
Think about the things you use once and then toss, such as straws, bottles and plastic bags. Using them may seem inconsequential, but they add up quickly and contribute to ocean pollution. Consider carrying a reusable metal straw, utensils and a water bottle to create less waste that could end up harming nature.
- Help Out With Cleanups
Cleanup efforts help you see the problem firsthand and take action with your community. It also lets you bond with like-minded people. You can join events or organize your own in parks and on beaches. Involve companies and local authorities to reach more people and potentially secure funds for cleanup supplies. The more individuals involved, the greater the impact on reducing plastic pollution.
- Support Eco-Friendly Brands
The companies you support with your hard-earned money can make a difference. Choose brands that use less plastic, make durable products and commit to practices that preserve the environment. Opt for companies that follow international standards like ISO 14001 to ensure their values align with yours.
- Adopt a Zero-Waste Lifestyle
Be more mindful of what you buy and how you use it. Each person generates around 4.51 pounds of municipal solid waste daily — around 1,646 pounds yearly in the U.S. You don’t have to do an overnight change. Small tweaks in your daily routine will add up and make a difference. You can start by repairing items before buying replacements, bringing reusable bags when shopping and decreasing your plastic usage.
- Inspire Others
Share what you learn and do with your family and friends. Talking about the importance of saving the oceans can spark active participation. Your actions can show others that caring for the environment can be easy and that little things can make a huge difference when people work together.
Keep the Ocean Alive and Thriving
Plastic recycling offers a meaningful way to address plastic pollution in the ocean. Though you can make a difference through your own habits, it pays to make your voice heard. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with your community or contact companies to limit their plastic production. Every effort matters, so make yours count.
