Plastic is cheap and efficient, which is why it has become such an essential part of our daily lives. However, with such widespread use of plastic comes pollution, which is harming our oceans and all the marine animals that live in them. As we celebrate World Oceans Day this year, here are seven facts about ocean plastic pollution for kids to learn.
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1. More Than 8 Million Tonnes of Plastic Enter the Ocean Every Year
We generate more than 380 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, and 8 million tonnes of it end up in the ocean. That’s the same amount as the weight of 2 million elephants combined.
2. 3 Billion People in the World Regularly Eat Fish
About half of the world’s population eats fish regularly. When fish eat plastic waste, we are also eating food that is contaminated. We still don’t know the full extent of how consuming plastic could harm human bodies.
3. Marine Animals Will Accidentally Eat Plastic Waste
Plastic waste floating in the water can look a lot like food to marine animals. 33% of fishes were found to have consumed plastic, which is chemical and toxic, and poses threats to their health or even kill them.
4. Plastic Waste Traps Animals
Plastic waste in the ocean can trap animals easily. Unlike us, they don’t have hands to untangle themselves from fishing nets or plastic packaging rings, which prevents them from eating or swimming, and can even cause them to drown.
5. Plastic Breaks Down into Microplastics
When plastic decomposes, it breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics. Although we can easily pick up plastic waste littered on coastlines to reduce pollution, it’s near impossible to get rid of microplastics as they are so tiny that they cannot be seen by the human eye. And yet, despite their size, they are just as harmful as other plastics.
6. Ocean Plastic Pollution Will Triple by 2040
It is estimated that ocean plastic pollution will triple by 2040 if we keep producing plastic at the current rate. However, if we take action to reduce plastic litter and start investing in new, more sustainable solutions, the amount could be cut by 80%!
7. Plastic Waste Will Never Go Away
Okay, this is not entirely accurate. Plastic will eventually disappear, however, the decomposition process takes nearly 450 years! That is why we have to take action now and stop polluting our environment and especially our oceans.
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