#polluted oceans

https://phys.org/news/2022-03-scientists-microplastics-blood.html

After World War II, the world experienced a plastics boom, with production growing at an exponential rate thanks to the material’s versatility and durability. Plastic touches nearly every aspect of our lives, from the materials used to construct buildings and homes, vehicles, and technology, to household products, clothing, and shoes. It is estimated that we have produced more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic since this time, of which less than 10% is recycled. That’s where the plastic pollution problem comes in.

Many countries in the Global North turned to China to recycle their plastics, but ever since China changed its policy, the United States and many other countries are forced to find other avenues for taking care of their plastic waste and address the plastic pollution crisis back home.

Who is responsible for the crisis and what is being done?

Plastic pollution activists and coalitions have emphasized the responsibility that the world’s largest brands play in addressing this global crisis. Civil society members from more than 80 countries hosted brand audits through clean-ups during the #BrandAudit2019 initiative, calling on these brands to change their practices of manufacturing and selling products in single-use plastic packaging.

Some big brands have taken responsibility for their role in plastic pollution and have taken action. Coca-Cola announced its World Without Waste initiative with the goals to achieve 100% recycled packaging using 50% recycled materials, and by 2030 collect and recycle one bottle or can for every item sold. Unilever made a similar announcement, promising to cut its use of virgin plastics by 50%, and collecting and processing its plastic packaging.

One social enterprise is making it a little bit easier for big brands to shift their single-use plastic packaging practices. TerraCycle recently launched the Loop Store, a global circular shopping platform that allows customers to purchase products in zero waste packaging. Following the “milkman model”, products sold through the Loop Store are stored in reusable containers that are collected, washed, and reused again.

Innovations in tackling plastic pollution

Dutch inventor Boyan Slat founded The Ocean Cleanup, an ambitious project that aimed to collect the massive volume of plastic found in the oceans globally. At 2,000 feet in length, this plastic collection device has successfully collected plastic since its more info initial trials. Other entrepreneurs are developing products made from plant-based materials, such as utensils made from avocado seeds and creating faux leather using nopal, or producing products that do not require plastic packaging, in efforts to reduce our reliance on products made with plastic.

Consumers, recognizing the power they hold by their purchasing behaviors, are also raising their concerns with companies to change their practices. In a recent petition to Trader Joe’s, customers called on grocery chain to reduce their reliance on plastic packaging, garnering over 120,000 signatures. The company acknowledged this grassroots call for change, providing a status update since their announcement in late 2018.

Conclusions and the future for tackling plastic pollution

While there is hope hearing the world’s biggest brands acknowledge the role they play in and their plans for curbing plastic pollution, it is evident that is not enough. It takes more than a few companies to set green goals in order to move the needle forward. We need to continue holding big brands accountable, foster and support new ideas that open new horizons for plastic packaging and waste, and change our own behaviors to start addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

Plastic in our Seas & Oceans is becoming a major hazard for our environment. This poem tackles some of the issues and brings it more to the attention of others. 

Click here to read:

Today sees the launch of Authors 4 Oceans, the brainchild of Lauren St John, author and an ambassador for the Born Free foundation. The starting point is a simple one: plastic is the bane of the oceans and its inhabitants. If we -- as authors, illustrators, readers and book-lovers -- can encourage bookstores not to use one-use plastic cups, lids or disposable plastic straws or cutlery, and to offer water in glasses or glass bottles rather than plastic bottles in their cafes, slowly we can help leave our mark in NOT leaving a mark in the oceans... and, of course, we can extend this to restaurants, shops and cafes everywhere.

With over 70% of our planet's surface covered in water, home to a myriad of species including the world's largest mammals, it's to both our and their benefit to keep the oceans as pollution-free as we humanly can... but fighting to change legislation and people's perceptions and buying-habits can seem daunting at the best of times. These small, simple, steps are a start. The https://www.authors4oceans.org website is full of information and includes a simple pledge which will help reduce plastic waste.There is also a competition for schools to create a sculpture of an endangered sea animal out of recycled plastic, though I can't for the life of me see what the prize is. More details here: https://www.authors4oceans.org/friends-supporters

The campaign is backed by a whole host of authors and illustrators -- 50 to start off with -- and not EVERYONE names at least one of their books in their biog. Please refer to me as ‘St Philip’ from here on in...once again, I’m so GIVING. Do join us!

Halong Bay: There are not words to describe this glorious place. I’m so glad I came, though, even with all its splendor my heart was broken by what I saw.

You see the bay has been terribly commercialized. It was bound to happen because it is an opportunity for some people to make a decent living in this developing country. The real heartbreaking part is that the bay is quite polluted. There are so many boats out there I can only imagine what gets dumped or leaked. It seems the government does not restrict the numbers of boats operating for tourists. Furthermore, trash floats around in there as it does in other parts of the ocean. However, I think that specific problem extends far beyond Halong Bay. I so wanted to take a dip in the ocean while enjoying the magnificent scenery around me but I didn’t dare. I felt I was already taking enough of a chance eating the fish caught in those waters.

The message I want to send is to the citizens of Vietnam as well as those who love the environment and all that nature has to offer worldwide, including Halong Bay. Please encourage the Vietnamese government to do all in its power to save this rare and astounding place. NGOs, please try to come here and help. I hope that our grandchildren will someday enjoy the bay as our grandparents did – unspoiled. Until then, tourists come, but insist on using tour operators that utilize clean practices. If they don’t have the highest of standards, then please get the word out so others know who NOT to support. I truly believe it is the only possible regulation that can currently exist for the boats in those waters. I know in my heart and mind Vietnam will not take a chance on losing the valuable income that comes from the tourist who visit Halong Bay. I just hope it is taken seriously before it is too late.