The spread of plastic and other garbage in our oceans is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. The amount of plastic floating around weighs between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons according to a study published in the journal Science. Larger pieces are breaking down into tiny fragments, creating a toxic underwater smog. Plastic pollution is hurting marine life, poisoning the food chain, and adding to the effects of climate change (5 Gyres).
Cleaning plastic from the world’s waterways is a daunting task but a few entrepreneurs are creating radical devices to take on this issue at multiple levels. From small water vacuums, to harbor cleaning wheel machines, to massive floating barriers aimed at eradicating the great garbage patch, every effort is making a difference. Highlighted below are three noteworthy players in the fight against the spread of plastic pollution and information about their inventions.
1. The Seabin Project was created by Australian pioneers Andrew Turton, and Pete Ceglinski. It involves a debris catchment device immersed in water that sucks local pollution into a bag and pumps clean water back out. Coupled with education and scientific research, the Seabin Project has potential to make a real impact:
2. Mr. Trash Wheel, invented by John Kellett for use in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, not only cleans effectively but has a personality, googly eyes, and social media following. Mr. Trash Wheel uses natural currents and solar power to turn a wheel and run a conveyor belt, allowing it to scoop up floating refuse. Since its inception in 2014 it has removed well over a million pounds of trash:
3. The Ocean Cleanup is a brainchild of Boyan Slat, a rockstar on the ocean cleaning front. This 20-year-old’s project is aiming to use an energy neutral floating barrier and natural currents to draw-in, collect, and remove garbage. The Ocean Cleanup’s goal is to remove half the great garbage patch within 10 years:
While these creative interventions are only part of the solution they’re making real progress, and inspiring others to get involved. Along with working on ways to clean up waste from our waterways, it’s important to prevent the spread of plastic into our oceans in the first place. Below are 5 ways to make a difference:
1. Spread The Word- Raising awareness about what’s going on and how to make an impact is a great place to start. Educate others about the issue in-person and through social media. All three efforts mentioned above incorporate teaching as an integral part of the project. Follow Seabin, Mr. Trash Wheel, and Ocean Cleanup on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share informative articles, photos, and ways to get involved.
2. Support Organizations, Initiatives, And Independent Projects- While it’s a good idea to push for action from within our political system, it’s also necessary to get directly involved without government hang-ups. Donate time, money, energy, or all three to organizations and independent campaigns working on this issue. For organizations worth contributing to look into Surfrider Foundation, 5 Gyres, NRDC, or Ocean Conservancy to name a few.
3. Contact Political Leaders- Put pressure on elected officials to act. Vote, send emails, write letters, call your representatives, and participate in public demonstrations. Make your voice heard and counted.
4. Be Mindful Of Your Own Footprint. Create change in your own life by becoming conscious of your consumption patterns. Try to reduce dependency on things like single use plastic bottles and bags. Recycle, repurpose, reuse, and upcycle when possible. According to the NRDC 20 billion water bottles are thrown away every year. Simply by not buying water in plastic bottles you’re making an impact.
5. Dream Up Your Own Solutions. Seabin, Mr. Trash Wheel, The Ocean Cleanup (and The Good Brine for that matter) all started as an idea. Why not take your own concept to the next level? Experiment with it and see where it goes? The world is in dire need of creative minds, striving to make a difference.
sources and links:
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/347/6223/768
featured photo from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204231753780566&set=ecnf.1429219587&type=3&theater