Plastic is the third greatest invention of our time. We may have created a monster. After working with environment groups some years ago the effects of plastics on our environment became more noticeable. The amount of plastic along our coastline is startling. It is a deluge that seems to be overtaking the oceans. The fish population is being decimated. Encyclopedia Britannica says there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. We have to take action to overcome the deluge of plastic in the oceans.
Community Efforts
Many communities and groups are involved in cleanup drives. Isolated groups cannot accomplish the cleanup task alone. Each person has to take responsibility to clean up their own square block. Personal cataloging of the items in my home made of plastic showed that it is in every room in my home, medicine cabinet, garage, and garden. Environmental groups and scientists continue to make efforts to reduce the amount of non-biodegradable plastics in our oceans. Nineteen billion pounds of plastics (more than 8.5 million metric tons) of plastic waste ends up in our oceans each year . One study suggested that by the year 2050 there will be more plastic by weight in the oceans than fish! This situation is dire and begs the question of how to survive the deluge of plastic in our oceans that is currently affecting the food chain.
Environmental Efforts
Environmental groups in communities around the world have been working diligently to clean up the beaches. This has to be a two sided effort. We have to support these efforts by finding better ways to dispose of that our plastic waste so that it does not end up in the oceans. Plastic waste is inundating the coastline of remote communities villages around the globe without electricity or internet . In addition, countries that sold plastic waste to other countries have to find other solutions as purchasing countries are refusing to purchase their plastic waste. Malaysia to send 3,000 tonnes of plastic waste back to countries of origin. We are obviously running out of storage for all our plastic waste.
Environmental Efforts
Environmental Science is working on finding replacements for plastic that are environmentally friendly and efficient as the product we now use. A biodegradable plastic made from shrimp shells. This project started about two years ago.
Testing is continuing to develop plastic from Cassava roots .These processes are in their infancy and it will take years to bring the products to market and move the mindset of people and big business to embrace a more Eco-friendly type of plastic.
One idea started by a German youth three years ago was a giant vacuum that sucked the plastic debris out of the ocean. The system is still is testing mode. The project cost millions and is still in testing mode.
Scientific Research
The seabin looks like a pail that floats on the surface of the ocean and sucks in the floating plastic without affecting sea life. Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski’s called Seabin invention which is literally vacuuming plastic waste out of the ocean.
The methods to do physical and scientific cleanups must be accompanied by a change in mindset. We have to revive the old rules that encouraged us to old system of Reduce, Reuse and recycle. By reusing plastics in our homes we dispose of less in the trash. Remember to make a conscious use not to purchase plastics without thought as to whether it is necessary.
Individual Responsibility
Reusable water containers for traveling . We can each use refillable refillable bottles for our trips and avoid single use disposable bottles.
Reduce: Invest in recycled bags for shopping and keep them with us always for shopping.
Reuse Plastic containers as planters or storage items in the workshop or tool shed. We need to more self disciplined in monitoring what we use and recycle . We will be making a huge dent in surviving the deluge of plastic in our oceans by monitoring ourselves as to what we are discarding each day.
What are your views on this subject? Can we overcome this huge problem. Let us know your thoughts.
