What is Plastic Pollution and Where does it come from?
Plastic pollution is particularly concerning in Southeast Asia. Countries in the region are major contributors to the global marine plastic debris, with rivers acting as significant pathways for plastic waste to enter the ocean. The improper disposal of single-use plastics, inadequate waste infrastructure, and limited recycling facilities exacerbate the problem. Plastic debris harms marine life through ingestion and entanglement, disrupts ecosystems, and poses risks to human health when microplastics enter the food chain.
Plastic pollution originates from various sources:
- Single-Use Plastics:
Single-use plastics, including items like plastic bags, bottles, straws, food packaging, and disposable cutlery, contribute significantly to plastic pollution. These items are used once and then discarded, often ending up in landfills, rivers, or oceans.
- Improper Waste Management:
Inadequate waste management systems, especially in developing countries, can lead to plastic waste being improperly disposed of or littered. Insufficient recycling infrastructure, lack of waste collection services, and inadequate public awareness contribute to the problem.
- Plastic Microbeads:
Microbeads are tiny plastic particles commonly found in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and shower gels. These microbeads are often too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers and oceans.
- Industrial Activities:
Plastic pollution can result from industrial activities, such as manufacturing processes and industrial waste disposal. Plastic pellets, known as nurdles, used as raw materials in the production of plastic products, can be accidentally spilled during transportation or mishandled by industries.
- Fishing Gear and Maritime Activities:
Lost or abandoned fishing gear, such as nets, lines, and traps, also known as "ghost gear," contributes to plastic pollution in oceans. Additionally, maritime activities, including shipping and offshore oil and gas operations, can lead to accidental spills and release of plastic waste into the marine environment.
- Land-Based Runoff:
Plastic waste from inland areas can be carried by rivers and runoff into oceans. Urban areas, coastal tourism, and agricultural activities contribute to the plastic waste that reaches water bodies through runoff.
What should we do to Reduce Marine Pollution?
Reducing marine pollution requires collective effort to safeguard our oceans and marine life. And every action counts in the fight against marine pollution, Here are two key actions we can take:
- Minimize Single-Use Plastics:
Make a conscious effort to reduce the use of single-use plastic items like bags, bottles, and straws. Opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel bottles, and eco-friendly straws. By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, we can prevent them from polluting our oceans and harming marine ecosystems.
- Responsible Waste Management:
Responsibly to prevent them from entering waterways and reaching the ocean. Utilize recycling facilities and separate recyclable materials from general waste. Encourage proper waste management practices in your community and participate in beach cleanups to remove litter from coastal areas. By actively addressing waste management, we can significantly reduce the pollution that affects marine life and habitats.
Together, by minimizing single-use plastics and adopting responsible waste management practices, we can contribute to the preservation of our oceans. Let's work hand in hand to protect and restore the beauty and vitality of our marine ecosystems for future generations.
Conservation of Ocean
Also, as an eco-friendly brand, we’re proud to announce that we had parntered with CleanHub. It’s an organization that help to slove the problem of plastic pollution. For every purchases you make can help to clean up 1kg of ocean litter. Join us now to create a more sustainable marine eco-system.