Introduction to Marine Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution in our oceans has become a pressing issue due to the increasing amount of plastic waste entering marine environments. This pollution is caused by three primary parties: governments, industries, and consumers. Each party plays a crucial role in exacerbating or mitigating the problem. The responsibility for addressing this global crisis falls on all of us, yet it often seems that everyone is pointing fingers instead of working together to solve the issue.

The Role of Major Rivers in Marine Plastic Pollution

According to studies, ten major rivers are responsible for a substantial portion of plastic pollution in the oceans. These rivers, including the Yangtze, Indus, Nile, Ganga, and Mekong, carry plastic waste from their surrounding areas into the ocean. However, the impact of just 10 rivers is just the tip of the iceberg. Many other rivers contribute to the problem, but these are among the worst offenders.

The Source of Plastic Pollution

Most plastic pollution originates from land runoff. We, as consumers, contribute to this problem by using and disposing of disposable plastic items such as food wrappings, plastic bags, razors, and bottles. Instead of disposing of these items properly, they end up in waterways, ultimately making their way into the ocean. Additionally, other sources include paint from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and even plastic nurdles from container ships.

Real-World Examples of Plastic Pollution

The documentary mentioned a disturbing incident where cruise ships were dumping plastic waste into the ocean, wrapped in biodegradable plastic bags, which eventually broke open, releasing all types of waste. These include kitchen items and personal items like baby pacifiers. A baby pacifier was seen inside a deceased albatross, blocking its digestive system. Pictures of sea turtles caught in six-pack rings further illustrate the harm caused by plastic pollution, as these rings can compress the turtles' bodies, leading to severe health issues.

Plastic pollution not only harms marine life but also breaks down into microplastics, which mix with seawater. As animals swim, they ingest these microplastics through their gills, making them a part of their anatomy. In freshwater, plastic sinks, but in saltwater, it floats, such as a plastic bottle cap that bobs around in the ocean for months, slowly breaking down into microflakes. Additionally, a container ship dropped a container of nurdles, which are small plastic beads, into the ocean. These nurdles float on the surface and can be mistaken for food by seabirds, causing them to ingest large quantities that their bodies cannot pass or digest, leading to a painful death.

Addressing the Plastic Pollution Crisis

While the problem is serious, there are potential solutions. Japan offers an excellent example of comprehensive recycling efforts. They classify waste into 32 different categories and have recycling infrastructure in place since the second World War. In Japan, plastic can be remelted and reused if heated at the correct temperature, rather than burning the petroleum out of it. In the United States, a similar system would require a significant increase in the tax base to implement. However, the ultimate goal is to reduce plastic waste globally and encourage the proper disposal and recycling of all plastic items.

The solution to plastic pollution involves a combination of governmental regulations, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness. By focusing on these areas, we can work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our oceans and the marine life that depends on them.