Ocean Pollution and Plastic Waste

Importance of Oceans

• Oceans sustain life and can feed a billion people healthy meals daily.
• Oceans are being harmed by throwaway plastics.

Plastic Pollution Statistics

• Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into the ocean.
• Annually, this amounts to 17.6 billion pounds of plastic.
• Plastic is pervasive:
  • Floating on the surface
  • Mixed in saltwater
  • Sitting on the ocean bottom (miles deep)

Longevity of Plastic

• Plastic does not disappear; it breaks down into smaller pieces (microplastics) over hundreds of years.
• Microplastics are still harmful:
  • Sea turtles choke on them.
  • Over 60% of whale and dolphin species are affected.
  • Plankton, the base of the ocean food chain, consumes microplastics, which has a ripple effect up the food chain.

Human Impact

• Microplastics have been found in:
  • Drinking water
  • Food (salt, honey, beer)
  • Air

Future Projections

• Four times more plastic will be produced between now and the mid-21st century than in all of history combined.

Recycling Challenges

• As of 2015, only 9% of all generated plastic has been recycled.
• Recycling issues:
  • Plastic degrades when recycled (e.g., a soda bottle might become a shampoo bottle, then a floor mat).
  • Even recycled plastic can end up as pollution.

Call to Action

• We should not be forced to pollute while eating, drinking, or shopping.
• Need for a choice: a plastic-free option.

Examples of Progress

• Responsible companies are offering solutions:
  • Plastic-free aisles in supermarkets.
  • Beverage companies with plastic-free options.
  • Restaurants offering plastic-free service.
  • Hotels with plastic-free rooms.
  • Airlines providing plastic-free flights.

Legislative Progress

• Oceana's campaign successes:
  • Peru passed a law to keep plastic out of national parks and beaches.
  • Belize is banning styrofoam.
  • The EU has mandated reductions for throwaway plastic in member countries.

Join the Movement

• Together, we can reduce throwaway plastic.
• Advocate for plastic-free zones in communities.
• Help stop plastic pollution to preserve beaches and oceans for future generations.
• Join the campaign: Oceana.org/plastics