Top Ways to Fight Ocean Plastic Waste

While you’re enjoying the soothing sound of waves at the beach, it’s easy to forget that the ocean is now basically a giant soup of garbage. The harsh truth is that there are millions of tons of debris floating around, with most of it being plastic.

This flood of trash—equivalent to 136 billion milk jugs every year—seriously threatens marine life. Animals can get tangled up in it or mistake it for food. Tiny bits of plastic, known as microplastics, are especially dangerous as they float around in the water and get ingested.

What’s even scarier is that plastic pollution in the ocean is almost permanent. It can take hundreds of years for plastic to break down, and while it does, it releases harmful chemicals. Most of this plastic doesn’t come from people tossing their trash overboard; about 80% of it starts on land, ending up in the ocean through storm drains and river runoff.

Plastic isn’t just a problem for the ocean. It’s everywhere, affecting animals on land, our climate, and even our health. But there’s good news: there are lots of small actions you can take to help reduce plastic waste and make a big difference.

1. Wean yourself off single-use plastics.

Half of all plastic made is for items we use just once and then toss: think grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids. Start paying attention to how often you use these single-use plastics and switch to reusable options. It might seem like a hassle at first, but bringing your own tote bags to the store, a garment bag to the dry cleaner, silverware to the office, or a travel mug to the coffee shop will soon become second nature. It just takes a few tries to turn it into a habit.

2. Stop buying bottled water.

Every year, nearly 20 billion plastic bottles end up in the trash. By carrying a reusable bottle with you, you can save money, cut down on plastic waste, and you might even be choosing a safer option by sticking with tap water.

3. Boycott microbeads.

Those tiny plastic beads in many beauty products—like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes—might seem harmless, but their small size lets them slip through water treatment systems. Sadly, these beads can look like food to marine animals. Instead, choose products with natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt.

Be cautious with cosmetics, too. A test by the Plastic Soup Foundation, a Dutch nonprofit, revealed that only 13% of nearly 8,000 products from Europe’s top cosmetics brands were free from microplastics. So, it’s a good idea to check labels and choose wisely!

4. Cook more.

Making your own meals is not only healthier, but it also means you skip the takeout containers and doggy bags. When you do order in or eat out, ask the restaurant not to include any plastic cutlery or carry-out bags. For bonus points, bring your own containers for leftovers.

Another kitchen tip: opt for wooden cutting boards. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that plastic cutting boards can be a major source of microplastics in our food. With proper care, wooden cutting boards are a safer choice and can last for many years.

5. Purchase items secondhand.

The excitement of new toys, gadgets, and trinkets fades quickly. Instead of always buying new, check out thrift stores, garage sales, or online listings for gently used items. You might find perfectly good stuff that’s already been used. For things you don’t need often, think about borrowing them rather than buying new. By cutting down on new plastic and reusing more, you’ll save money and help the environment too.

6. Recycle.

A recent report from Beyond Plastics revealed that the recycling rate for plastics in the U.S. was only about 6% in 2021. While recycling can’t completely solve the plastic problem, it’s still important to help cut down on waste. To figure out what can be recycled, check the number on the bottom of your containers. Most drink and cleaner bottles are #1 (PET), which most curbside recycling programs accept. Bottles marked #2 (HDPE), like those for milk and juice, are also widely recyclable. Some places also recycle #5 (PP) containers, such as plastic cutlery and yogurt tubs. For details specific to your area, visit Earth911.org’s recycling directory.

But remember, reducing the amount of plastic you use is still the best choice.

7. Support a bag tax or ban.

Encourage your local officials to take action like San Francisco, Chicago, and over 500 other places have. Ask them to support or introduce laws that make using plastic bags less appealing.

8. Buy in bulk and look for eco-friendly packaging.

Think about the amount of packaging versus the product when you shop. Instead of buying lots of small yogurt cups or tiny nut packages, go for the bigger containers. For things like rice and pasta, buy from bulk bins and store them in jars at home. Also, when you can, choose items with non-plastic packaging, like a glass jar of honey instead of the plastic squeeze bottle.

9. Choose clothing made from natural fibers.

Around 9% of the microplastics in the ocean come from synthetic fibers like those in nylon, acrylic, polyester, and fleece. These tiny fibers shed from our clothes, go through our washing machines, and end up in the environment. To help cut down on this pollution, try to choose clothes made from natural materials like cotton and wool when you can.

Also Read: Is a Future Without Plastic Possible

10. Put pressure on manufacturers.

We can definitely make a difference with our own choices, but big corporations have an even bigger impact. If you think a company should use less plastic and improve their packaging, let them know! Write a letter, tag them on social media, or better yet, spend your money with a more eco-friendly competitor. Your voice and choices can really make a difference!