Problem and Solution Essay: The World's Ocean Are Filling Up With Waste Plastic

Dangers of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Plastic has become a much liked material in making packaging, not only for food packaging, but also for other packaging, the reason being that plastic prices are far more affordable and plastic durability is far better than other packaging. However, the large use of this plastic causes plastic pollution, especially in the oceans. Although there are many problems that arise due to plastic pollution in the ocean, there are several solutions that can be done.

One of the first problems is Consumption of plastic by marine creatures; in the ocean plastic pollution injures and kills fish, seabirds and marine mammals. Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species. In 2010, a California grey whale washed up dead on the shores of the Puget Sound. Autopsies indicated that its stomach contained a pair of pants and a golf ball, more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, duct tape and surgical gloves. Another problem is plastic pollution in the seas affects human beings in different ways. In addition to the risks from polluted marine waters, ingestion of plastic by fish and other marine beings also in-turn causes harm to people who consume marine food. Plastic contains a lot of substances which might otherwise be hazardous. In a 2008 Pacific Gyre voyage, Algeria researchers began finding that fish are ingesting plastic fragments and debris. Of the 672 fish caught during that voyage, 35% had ingested plastic pieces. This caused health problems to the end consumers. Studies have found that toxins in plastics cause several of health issues including cancers, immune system problems, and birth defects.

It is very important to take action to this problem. Reduce Use of Disposable Plastics is the easiest and most direct way we can start. Disposable plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, glasses, and other plastic items that are used once and then discarded. We can use the product in a reusable version, such as a reusable grocery bag, refillable drinking bottle, reusable straw, and so on. The role of government is needed in providing environmental policies to work together and overcome this global problem. The government can issue regulations on safe plastic manufacturing standards and regulations regarding the disposal of plastic waste at sea. Personal responsibility, we all also need to take personal responsibility and significantly limit the use of our plastics. For example, we can bring drinking water bottles or coffee cups, carry our own cloth bags or bags that can be reused when shopping, dramatically reducing the consumption of disposable plastics.

In conclusion, there is no way that can stop plastic pollution in the ocean quickly immediately, but by reducing the use of disposable plastics, adequate government regulations and self-awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution in the oceans, plastic pollution in the ocean can be reduced, and we can improve the environment for good in the future.