What remains to be done to reduce ocean pollution
This includes recycling a minimum of 50% of the waste collected, the gradual elimination of single-use plastic and the reduction in the global production of plastic packaging. It must be said that supervision of waste management is slow in coming and this is partly what has allowed plastic pollution to develop. Indeed, it is easier to dump waste into nature than to properly manage its end of life and inevitably, it is the environment that suffers the consequences.
But we are now talking about a 41% increase in global production of plastic waste by 2030. It is rather time to adopt a long-term vision that will not put economic issues at the forefront but will refocus on the contrary on the essentials. Namely our environment, and our biodiversity. Our survival, quite simply.
Global collaboration to protect the oceans
To reduce marine pollution, it is up to countries to put in place effective regulatory standards regarding waste disposal practices. These could be accompanied by reinforced controls and higher fines in the event of illegal dumping at sea, to dissuade companies and governments that might be tempted to do so.
Recently, more than 190 countries gathered at the United Nations to discuss a global treaty on the high seas to achieve the protection of at least 30% of the oceans by 2030.
It is difficult to achieve the objectives recommended by scientists without real international cohesion.
International projects
Many of them are already being implemented.
The creation of Giant Plastic Barges, intended to suck up micro-particles, has already been considered, as has The Ocean Cleanup, imagined by a young Dutch entrepreneur. The 600-meter-long float barrier hopes to empty half of the 7th continent of the Pacific or 15,000 tonnes of plastic per year. The first tests have highlighted some flaws in the system but improvements are continuing. The sailboat Le Manta, for its part, should see the light of day in 2023 and will collect and compact waste floating on the surface using an integrated sorting unit. What cannot be recycled will be transformed into fuel for the boat via an incinerator. The Manta will draw its energy from solar panels, wind turbines and hydro-generators.
Solutions at the individual level to combat ocean pollution
1. Reducing Single-Use Plastics: Encouraging the use of reusable items and opting for sustainable alternatives to minimize plastic consumption
2. Practicing Proper Recycling: Utilizing recycling methods effectively to limit waste in water and considering reusing or sharing unwanted items before disposal.
3. Reassessing Seafood Consumption: Addressing overfishing by reducing the intake of endangered or farmed species, thus lessening the impact on marine ecosystems.
4. Minimizing Carbon Footprint: Taking steps like using eco-friendly transportation, reducing energy usage, and avoiding unnecessary heating to curb water acidification and coral depletion.
5. Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Using natural, less harmful alternatives for everyday cleaning, gardening, and personal care routines to prevent the release of toxins into the oceans.
These actions aim to promote a more eco-conscious lifestyle, recognizing the role of individual behaviors in safeguarding marine environments.