08 Jun Celebrating World Oceans Day
8th June is World Oceans Day signifying how essential oceans are to food security and the health and survival of all life. Unfortunately, the ocean is in trouble now and is now in need of support because of the plastic menace that has been brought about by careless human activity. There is now more plastic in the ocean than fish and whatever marine life is left is choking from the heavy plastic that finds its way into the ocean
Marine Plastic Pollution
Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year for use and plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change there is an urgent need to explore new and existing legally binding agreements to address marine plastic pollution. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish, and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey; most then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic.
Impact on food and human health
Microplastics have been found in tap water, beer, and salt and are present in all samples collected in the world’s oceans. Chemicals used in the production of plastic interfere with the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders in both humans and wildlife.
Impacts on tourism
Plastic waste damages the aesthetic value of tourist destinations, leading to decreased income from tourism. It also generates major economic costs related to the cleaning and maintenance of the sites. The build-up of plastic litter on beaches can have a negative impact on a country’s economy, wildlife, and the physical and psychological well-being of people.
Fighting Ocean Plastic Pollution
1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that are used once and then discarded. Refuse any single-use plastics that you do not need.
2. Support Legislation to Curb Plastic Production and Waste
We also need legislation that reduces plastic production, improves waste management, and makes plastic producers responsible for the waste they generate.
3. Recycle Properly and Participate in Cleanups
When you use single-use (and other) plastics that can be recycled, always be sure to recycle them. Help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from getting there in the first place by participating in or organizing a cleanup of your local beach or waterway.
4. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution
There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution in a variety of different ways. These organizations rely on donations from people to continue their important work. This is why this is not
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