If The Oceans Die, We Die.

An estimated 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans every single year.

There’s an 80,000 tonne beast lurking in the Pacific Ocean, currently 3 times the size of France, with no indication of getting smaller. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch - a phenomenon more feared than the Loch Ness Monster - is carrying 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, in what is now the largest accumulation of ocean debris in the world.

Without meaningful intervention, the ocean will continue to pile up with plastic waste, the majority of which can be easily avoided.

“If no action is taken, the ocean is expected to contain more plastics than fish, by 2050”

Ellen MacArthur, Founder of The Ellen MacArthur Foundation

In the wake of ‘Blue Planet II’, the global impact of plastic waste has been brought to the UK’s attention. Although it’s encouraging to see that the issue has been acknowledged and is being worked on, this is merely the tip of the plastic-infused iceberg.

With 70% of plastics in the ocean coming from less developed countries, where population growth and changes in consumerism are creating difficulties, it’s difficult for other nations to establish an effective solution.

While there is no quick fix for this problem, many brands are showing initiative by taking action to create change. In the world of fashion, Adidas and Parley have joined forces to create a line of sustainable footwear made from ocean plastics; while GANT are incorporating PET waste recovered from the seas into their new range of stylish shirts.

The general consensus of the feedback which we received, from 1964 waste management professionals, was unsurprisingly positive. 93% claimed that their business would be open to implementing a scheme, which would contribute to helping clean up the ocean.

Our respondents highlighted the importance of stopping the problem at its source. Due to this, it’s been made evidently clear that businesses are moving towards a circular economy, wherein durability and recyclability are essential to product manufacturing.

It was reported that 71% of our respondents indicated that their public and/or private body has been actively looking into greener packaging measures for some time now. Some sectors are admittedly further ahead of others, when it comes taking positive action in reducing waste.

The amount of plastic waste in the ocean is set to triple in the next decade, unless urgent action is taken.

“For society to progress, we should not only move forward but also clean up after ourselves”

Boyan Slat, CEO & Founder of The Ocean Cleanup

There are major opportunities for robotics, artificial intelligence and automated technology to fill the gaps in understanding the ocean and the best way in which to rid it of the waste.

Though many factors contribute to pollution, plastic waste has been deemed as the main culprit. While many people will support others’ effort to clean up the environment, it’s important that innovative organisations tackling the issue help inspire the rest of us to develop effective waste management solutions.

Sea2See Eyewear, who create sustainable eye-wear from 100% recycled ocean plastic waste, as well as Seabin, whose floating bin collects half a ton of debris each year, are two such organisations paving the way in effectively dealing with ocean pollutants.

In order to achieve environmentally friendly waste disposal, more innovation is desperately required to be introduced and administered by every business; so that disposal doesn’t happen in a haphazard manner, destroying the marine environment.

For more information on ocean waste management, and to stay up to date with the latest industry trends, make sure to visit the 350 expert-led seminars & 500 cutting-edge exhibitors at RWM 2018! For your free tickets to attend, click here now to register!

If your company offers ocean waste management solutions, and are interested in exhibiting to over 20,000 waste management professionals attending the show, contact me now on 0117 929 6083, [email protected], or simply message me on LinkedIn.