One such effort in the United States is the 2021 Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, a comprehensive federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis, and there are a number of state level initiatives to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation that makes plastic producers and distributors responsible for their products and packaging at the end of life.Īt the international level, hundreds of organizations and businesses are calling on the United Nations to enact a global plastics treaty that would set global rules and regulations that would reduce plastic pollution. There are a variety of ways that you can support local, national, and international legislation that provide critical solutions to reduce plastic pollution. We also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and makes plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate. Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and WasteĪs important as it is to change our individual behaviors, such changes alone are insufficient to stop ocean plastic pollution. And when you refuse single-use plastic items, help businesses by letting them know that you would like them to offer alternatives. straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, takeout containers), and b) purchasing, and carrying with you, reusable versions of those products, including reusable grocery bags, produce bags, bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags. The best way to do this is by a) refusing any single-use plastics that you do not need (e.g. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded. Wherever you live, the easiest and most direct way that you can get started is by reducing your own use of single-use plastics. Here are seven ways you can make a difference, starting today. Plastic Pollution Solutions: 7 Things You Can Do TodayĮveryone can do something to help solve the plastic pollution problem, and millions of people worldwide are already taking action to reduce their plastic use. One of the reasons that plastic pollution is such a problem is that it doesn’t go away: “plastics are forever.” Instead, plastic debris simply breaks down into ever-smaller particles, known as microplastics, whose environmental impacts are still being determined. Plastic pollution also mars otherwise beautiful beaches, coastlines, and snorkel and dive sites worldwide, even in remote areas such as Midway Atoll.Ī sea turtle mistakes a plastic bag for food. In fact, scientists estimate that more than half of the world’s sea turtles and nearly every seabird on Earth have eaten plastic in their lifetimes.
In the ocean, plastic pollution impacts sea turtles, whales, seabirds, fish, coral reefs, and countless other marine species and habitats. With skyrocketing plastic production, low levels of recycling, and poor waste management, between 4 and 12 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year-enough to cover every foot of coastline on the planet! And that amount is projected to triple in the next 20 years.
This article covers some of the basic facts about ocean plastic pollution and provides several specific plastic pollution solutions that everyone can take part in. But, there are many solutions to plastic pollution that you can participate in today. Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide.
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