4 Ways to Tackle Plastic Pollution for Earth Month
BY: Jessica McLean
To kick off Earth Month, Oceana is shining a spotlight on one of the most pressing issues our oceans face: plastic pollution. Found floating on the ocean’s surface, washing up on the most remote coastlines, melting out of Arctic Sea ice, and sitting on the deepest points of the ocean floor, plastic pervades every corner of our blue planet.
Once hailed as a revolutionary material for its versatility and convenience, plastic has now sparked a global crisis, posing a threat to marine ecosystems, wildlife, climate, and even human health.
An estimated 33 billion pounds (15 million metric tons) of plastic wash into the ocean every year, which is roughly equivalent to dumping two garbage trucks full of plastic into the oceans every minute! When plastic enters the ocean, it does not biodegrade. It breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces that are swallowed by marine animals from fish and sea turtles to whales, dolphins, and seabirds, many of which are endangered. Ocean animals can also become entangled in plastic leading to physical trauma, drowning, or choking to death.
Oceana is working to tackle the plastic pollution crisis at the source by urging government leaders to pass policies that reduce plastic production and require companies to phase out unnecessary single-use plastic products. This Earth Month, you can join Oceana by taking meaningful action to protect our oceans, wildlife, and communities from the perils of plastic pollution!
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED THIS EARTH MONTH
Volunteer with Oceana
Our volunteers play an important role in advocating for local policy change and leading on-the-ground efforts for a cleaner and healthier ocean. If you’re in the United States, you can sign up to be a volunteer to receive notifications on how you can participate in local events and activities.
Give to the cause
Oceana has won more than 25 victories to reduce single-use plastic pollution in the countries where we work, including Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Spain, and the United States. This month, when you give to Oceana, you’re joining us in tackling the greatest threats facing our oceans, including plastic pollution, and investing in the future of our planet!
Take action
Your voice can help stop the flow of plastic pollution. Stand for our oceans and sign the petition to ask your members of Congress to protect our oceans and pass the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.
Spread awareness
Explore our resources for parents and teachers to help teach young ocean enthusiasts about the world around them and how they can help protect our oceans from threats like plastic pollution.
Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and pave the path for a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans.