Plastic Pollution: a worldwide problem
Here are some shocking facts: * 12 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the ocean every single year * 100,000 animals die from plastic entanglement each year * Humans ingest 5 grams of plastic every week * 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone * 700 species are at risk of becoming extinct due to plastic waste
in oceans to collect plastic from gyres. In rivers, projects like Tactical Recovery System Hellas and The Litterboom Project use containment booms to capture plastic before it enters the open ocean. This can help stop the problem before it even gets to the ocean. A final way to help stop plastic pollution is YOU! People going litter picking on beaches is a very good way to help against plastic pollution. Many small - scale solutions and charities have been created by ordinary
However, some new technologies may help to reduce plastic waste.
people, such as the Seabin Project, WasteShark, FRED, Hoola One, and biofences made of plastic bottles, contribute to cleaning up plastic in
One is biodegradable plastic . Biodegradable plastic is plastic that can break down into compost. This means it can be put in a food bin, and even if it does end up in the ocean it is quickly broken down, meaning that it won ’ t kill any animals or cause any disruption to sea creatures. It is also made from renewable resources unlike the crude oil most plastic is made from, and produces a lot less carbon than traditional plastics during manufacture. A second is bio-recycling Biological recycling, or bio - recycling, is an emerging technology that uses microbes, such as bacteria or fungi, to break down plastic into its basic components for reuse. This would make sure that no plastic would need to enter the sea as it can be broken down and cheaply reused. A third is machines Boom technology, exemplified by The Ocean Cleanup's efforts, has been deployed
harbours, ports, and beaches. Anyone can play their own part in preventing plastic pollution, including you. In conclusion, while plastic pollution poses a formidable challenge, a combination of technological innovations and individual efforts can significantly contribute to its reduction and eventual eradication.
Mark Gill.
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