Plastic Pollution Solutions

Plastic pollution in our oceans is a cause of grave concern for all life. The amount of plastic and the slowness with which it decomposes, if ever, creates an overwhelming crisis for all who depend on life and sustenance from the ocean.

Dr. Nichols, a research associate of California Academy of Sciences, and relentless champion for our oceans and the life within it, offers a comprehensive yet succinct article, detailing the issues of plastic pollution and movements that may possibly make the difference. Nichols’ article is featured here at PostStar.com.

Dr. Nichols states that plastic is the overwhelming pollution plaguing our oceans, specifically: “plastic ropes, fishing nets and traps, plastic bags and bottles, plastic food containers, bottle caps, rubber ducks, flip-flops, plastic syringes, toothbrushes, diapers, tampon applicators and condoms, plastic cigarette filters and lighters. Gazillions of nurdles—those little tiny pellets that are the raw industrial material for many molded plastic items…”

As many have seen and heard, ocean life (such as, sea turtles, albatross and whales) die from consuming all of the plastic inundating their lives, — some consuming many whole plastic objects, others consuming tiny plastic particles mistaken for plankton. Dr. Nichols shares his own eye witness account of this alarming emergency the ocean is experiencing:

“Recently, on a research expedition to Indonesia, I witnessed a line of plastic on remote island beaches that are nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles. I saw walls of burning plastic sliding down cliffs into the sea. I found plastic fishing gear wrapped around reefs. Plastic bags clogged the intake of our outboard motor every fifteen minutes.”

If that doesn’t get your attention, and motivate you to change habits and choices, what will?

Whether a person lives near the ocean or not, makes no difference. We all depend on the health of the ocean and her inhabitants. We all are connected and are effected by the health of all the waters of this planet.

The North Pacific Gyre, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the Pacific Trash Vortex, or The 8th Continent…the plastic pollution in the oceans goes by many names, and it is one of the most pressing crises of our time. Solutions and conscious, eco-minded actions/choices are dearly needed right now.

Hopes and current work for solutions rest with the recent globally attended meeting in Washington DC regarding research on the problem, entitled “A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris”. Dr. Nichols adds that biodegradable plastics are being developed and others are currently available for us to purchase. Also, Mother Nature may be able to evolve just the right kind of bacteria to gobble up plastics as well, but that could take too long.

Finally, Dr. Nichols identifies some biodegradable brands to shop for and other solutions to make a difference for our oceans and all life:

“EcoTainer, NatureWorks and Worldcentric and can be easily found on-line. Encourage local leaders and businesspeople to follow China, India, Ireland and dozens of U.S. cities, by banning certain disposable plastic items and taxing others. Reusable bottles, utensils and shopping bags are a simple solution. Wax paper is a good choice for many household and lunchbox needs. Avoid plastic “to go” containers. See if you can make it through a single day without using any disposable plastic. It’s not as hard as you might think.”

Also, visit www.oceanrevolution.org/

to join forces with an organization dedicated to the health of our oceans.

And at LIVBLUE, you can spread love for the earth and oceans with blue marbles, start having good fun that creates positive change, go to bluemarbles.org.

Love and gratitude to all life, to our oceans and all who care deeply and seek to act consciously!

namaste,

Chandra