Such a reality can be sobering to those living along the ocean, and eye-opening to those who don't. But the problem of ocean pollution isn't only the product of the former group. In fact, those in landlocked areas are contributing to ocean pollution as well.
According to environmental advocacy group Greenpeace, each year 300 billion pounds of plastic is produced around the world, only a fraction of which is recycled. While unrecycled plastic typically ends up in landfills, some plastics eventually end up in the ocean, where they degrade under the weight of the sun, wind and ocean currents, harming marine life in the process. When animals mistake broken-down plastics for food, they can choke on materials that have accumulated in their digestive tract, or starve to death from malnutrition as they mistake their full stomach of plastic for a full stomach of healthy food.
So what can individuals do to reduce the prevalence of ocean pollution? Consider the following tips.
* Don't litter and participate in litter cleanup programs. Even litter in major cities far from the water can, and often does, eventually find its way into the ocean. When it rains, litter on the street ends up in storm drains and rivers and eventually navigates its way into the ocean. Once there, litter such as plastic can remain in the ocean for several decades if not longer. To put that in better perspective, it's possible and almost certain that litter from 1984 (a quarter century ago) is still in the ocean today, and still harming marine life as a result. Therefore, reducing litter and volunteering for any cleanup programs can be a highly effective way to keep oceans clean today, tomorrow and even decades from now.
* Live by the three R's. The mantra "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is a highly effective way to reduce society's negative impact on the nation's oceans. Plastic production, for example, isn't necessarily a problem when it comes to pollution. But not reusing or recycling plastics while increasing their usage is very harmful. Limiting reliance on plastics while simultaneously reusing and recycling plastics can have a very positive and long-term effect on the world's oceans.
* Vote and promote green. While the environment is just one of many issues voters must consider when entering the ballot box, it's important to consider the environmental impact each candidate will have if elected. In addition, urge current public officials to make the environment a priority. This can be done in a number of ways, from requesting better recycling facilities to increasing how frequently recycled materials are collected to sponsoring park or beach cleanup programs. Local government might be easier to contact or quicker to respond, but contact state senators and congressmen as well, if need be.
To learn more about the environment and how to get involved in your area, visit the Greenpeace Web site at www.greenpeace.org. TF099461
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