Microplastics in Our Oceans: A Growing Threat

Oceans. They produce at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen. It is home to most of earth’s biodiversity. Also, a huge sink for global pollution, especially the plastic waste. Some originates from the lost cargo of the ships, some from abandoned plastic fishing nets known as ghost gear. Marine aquaculture is also a problem for ocean pollution.

But the vast majority of ocean pollution is for sure coming from the land. Water is the carrier, spreading the waste from the very south to west. The ocean is also the endpoint for thousands of rivers. These rivers carry tonnes of loose litter and waste from landfills. They ultimately deposit it into the sea. In fact, only 10 rivers worldwide are responsible for the bulk of river-borne plastic. Eight of these rivers originate in Asia and contribute significantly to ocean pollution.

From plastic waste to immortal microplastics.

Plastic enters the ocean. The harsh conditions and constant motion then cause it to break down. These particles are less than 5mm in diameter. They are called microplastics. This disperses plastic even farther and deeper into the ocean. It invades more habitats. Retrieving it becomes effectively impossible.

Plastic pollution is so pervasive that it’s been found in some of the wildest and most remote locations on our planet, including Antarctica.

Ocean currents have coalesced floating plastic into five huge, swirling deep sea gyres –such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It covers an area of ocean three times the size of France. Estimates suggest there could be upwards of 5 trillion individual pieces of plastic floating in the ocean. If we continue producing plastic at current rates, the amount could outweigh all the fish in the sea by 2050. This could lead to a future where plastic dominates the marine environment.

Inspirational Birthplace

A stunning video –Birthplace for Novo Amor– from Studio Birthplace. It tells the symbolic story of a man arriving on a perfect earth. He encounters his nemesis in the form of ocean trash. (Directed by Sil van der Woerd & Jorik Dozy) For the hope to inspire others to become a part of the change.

Be the part of the change TODAY. Do consume plastics responsibly!

Find plastic-free alternatives when buying fruit & veggies. Which Bring your own reusable shopping bags and help reduce plastic waste. Choose to refuse single-use plastic drink bottles. Before you buy, stop and think about the low or ‘no waste’ waste options.

#ActNow

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