Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. Estimates vary from 1 million to 8 million tonnes annually.
Image: Unsplash
The pollution includes silicone, polyethylene, microplastics, and polystyrene.
Image: Unsplash
A significant issue is the missing plastic problem as only a small fraction of plastic waste is visible on the ocean’s surface.
Image: Unsplash
Some sinks to the seabed, while others may degrade over the time due to UV exposure.
Image: Unsplash
Governments and NGOs are working to address ocean plastic pollution: France: Banned plastic cups, plates, and packaging for 30 types of fresh produce. UK: Prohibits plastic straws, bottles, and microbeads. Ocean Conservancy: Removed 348 million pounds of trash from oceans over 51 years. Surfers Against Sewage: Mobilized 100,000 volunteers for cleanups.
Image: Unsplash
Despite these efforts, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally. 22% plastic waste remains unmanaged.
Image: Unsplash
Recycling faces limitations besides the economics and recovery processes, plastics degrade with each cycle and certain types cannot be processed.
Image: Unsplash