We all love our blue planet, and we all know how important the oceans are for life on Earth. But did you know that 70% of our planet is covered by oceans, and yet we are polluting it at an alarming rate?
The situation has reached a point where, according to a 2019 study from the University of Newcastle, the average person consumes the equivalent of a credit card worth of plastic every week through water sources alone!
As awareness grows about the invisible plastic crisis, even remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic seas have been found contaminated by these microplastic particles. These plastics enter our food chain via the oceans. It's estimated that for every pound of plankton produced in the ocean, six pounds of plastic is generated. Just last week, scientists discovered the first traces of microplastics in human blood! This is an urgent global problem.
We don't need to wait for politicians to act. Each of us can make small but significant changes in our daily lives to tackle plastic pollution. The good news is, there are simple steps we can take that will make a big difference for our oceans.
1. Rethink Your Purchases and Say No to Fast Fashion
Every purchasing decision we make has the power to change the world, even in small ways. This is where we start using our power responsibly. In many developed countries, fibers are one of the largest sources of plastic pollution in waterways. Synthetic fibers shed microplastics when washed. In fact, over 60% of textiles produced by the fashion industry in 2020 were polyester fibers, which equals 1.7 million tons of microfibers ending up in the oceans every year!
Did you know that a fleece jacket can shed up to 250,000 fibers in just one wash? In New York City alone, 6.8 billion microfibers flow into the harbor every day. It's a serious issue, so it's time to reconsider our fashion choices and go for sustainable, organic materials that last longer. Yes, they might cost more, but they are a worthwhile investment that will help the planet.
2. Prevent Microplastics from Entering Waterways
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have become a major environmental problem, polluting freshwater and saltwater systems worldwide. One of the leading causes of microplastic pollution is laundry. Every time we wash synthetic fabrics, plastic fibers shed into the water.
To prevent these fibers from entering local waterways, consider adding natural, non-synthetic clothing to your wardrobe. But if you already own synthetic items, you can take steps to reduce microfiber shedding by up to 86% simply by adjusting your washing habits. For example, use a microfiber filter for any clothes made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.
3. Protect Seagrass
Seagrass beds act as natural filters in our oceans, capturing suspended sediments and particles as water flows through them, providing cleaner, more filtered water. Without seagrass, sediments are stirred up more frequently, lowering visibility and allowing industrial runoff to reach vulnerable ecosystems more easily.
Seagrass covers just 0.1% of the seafloor but stores 11% of the ocean's buried carbon, which helps reduce ocean acidification and supports healthy coral reefs. However, we are losing one football field of seagrass every 20 minutes. If we don't act fast, most of these habitats could disappear within 20 years.
The solution is simple—help protect seagrass. Organizations like PADI partner with The Ocean Foundation to support seagrass restoration programs. You can even plant seagrass in tribute to a loved one, helping to offset carbon emissions and improve the health of our water supply.
4. Be Mindful of Your Behavior
So far, we've produced approximately 83 billion tons of plastic, and only about 9% of that has been recycled. Every year, about 11 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, and by 2040, this number could double. When plastic breaks down, marine animals may ingest it, causing growth issues and reproductive problems. Plastics have even been found in human organs and in the soil.
The easiest way to help improve local waterways is by properly disposing of trash and picking up litter you find. Even if you're far from a beach or river, picking up trash in your neighborhood will have a positive impact on the environment.
5. Reduce Single-Use Plastics
The pandemic has made us all rely more on plastic than ever before—plastic bags, takeout containers, straws, utensils, and plastic wrap have reentered our lives. But now that we know better, it's time to rethink our habits.
Limit single-use plastics as much as possible. Next time you order takeout, bring your own reusable straws, cups, and utensils. Stop using plastic bags and plastic wraps when there are plenty of alternatives—from biodegradable materials to silicone and beeswax wraps.
6. Learn to Dive and Become a Trash Collector
Did you know that many divers also appoint themselves as ocean trash collectors? PADI-certified divers have a unique ability to physically remove and report ocean trash. The PADI AWARE Foundation launched the Dive Against Debris initiative over a decade ago, and since then, over 30,000 divers from more than 50 countries have participated in clearing plastics from the ocean.
You don't even have to be a diver to get involved. PADI also offers mermaid courses, where participants organize “tail whips to trash” activities—taking part in environmental efforts while having fun.
7. Give Plastic a New Life
Tiny changes at the individual level can add up to make a big difference for our oceans. Where possible, choose products made from recycled plastic—whether it's sunglasses, outdoor furniture, dog collars, or running shoes.
PADI Gear is committed to using recycled materials in its products, from masks made from ocean plastics to sun shirts made from discarded fishing nets. Every purchase helps remove plastic from our waterways.
8. Make Your Voice Heard and Vote
Every voice and every vote matters. Support legislation that protects our oceans by making informed voting decisions and signing petitions to ensure politicians hear us.
PADI and SeaLegacy have teamed up to accelerate ocean protection efforts with the SeaLegacy 30×30 campaign, which aims to protect at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. This grassroots effort encourages leaders to adopt effective and fair management of marine protected areas.
By taking these steps, we can work together to protect our oceans, just as we celebrate the many ways water nourishes our lives every day. Let's join forces and make a real impact on this beautiful planet—one small action at a time. Let's protect our oceans, Lykkers!
Plastic Ocean
Video: Birleşmiş Milletler
