Plastic Waste: The Impact on Our Oceans

Plastic waste is a major problem in our oceans, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the ocean every year. We will explore the impact of plastic waste on our oceans, including the damage it does to marine life and the ecosystem as a whole.

When plastic waste enters the ocean, it doesn't simply disappear. Instead, it can end up in the stomachs of marine life or entangle them, leading to injury or death. Plastic waste can also have a devastating effect on the ecosystem, disrupting the food chain and harming the balance of the marine environment.

Microplastics are also a concern in our oceans. These tiny particles can be ingested by small marine life and then accumulate in the bodies of larger animals, including those that we consume. Ingesting these particles can have serious health consequences, both for marine life and for humans.

Microplastics	Source(s)	Chemical Breakdown	Impact on Oceans	Commonly found in	Type of microplastic
Primary	Personal care products (e.g., exfoliating beads), industrial pellets	Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)	Ingested by marine animals, leading to starvation, suffocation, and entanglement; Disrupts the marine food chain and ecosystem balance	N/A	N/A
Secondary	Degrading plastic debris, tires, synthetic clothing	Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)	Ingested by marine animals, leading to starvation, suffocation, and entanglement; Pollutes beaches and coastal areas; Contaminates marine life, harming both wildlife and humans	Anchovy, Herring, Perch, Sardine, Tilapia	Fibers, fragments, and films

It's clear that plastic waste has a devastating impact on our oceans and the creatures that call them home. By taking steps to reduce our plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastic waste, we can help protect this vital ecosystem.

Support organizations that work to protect our oceans and reduce plastic pollution, such as the Ocean Cleanup, Plastic Oceans International or We Are One Ocean.

How are you reducing plastic in our oceans? Comment below!