Each year, it estimated that over 10 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans. This causes destruction to marine life as marine animals mistakenly eat it, get trapped in it and over 1 million marine animals are killed from plastic pollution each year. Over 50% of the plastic is from single-use plastic, used for a short period of time before being thrown away.
While recycling is beneficial it is reported that only 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled. Methods for finding a solution to the use of single-use plastic as well as getting people to recycle more have to be put in place. As divers, we want to protect the underwater world and all the marine animals that live there. Lots of dive shops and hotels offer beach clean-ups and debris dives where you can go and help pick up some of the plastic that has found its way into our oceans and beaches.
Here are some steps to take to reduce the amount of plastic you use:
- Bring a refillable water bottle that you can refill and avoid purchasing plastic bottles. Bring your own refillable mug too for takeaway coffees and more.
- A cloth bag is a perfect alternative to plastic bags. They are reusable and durable.
- Say no to plastic straws, if you need a straw bring your own metallic one.
- Bring a selection of tupperwares. These reusable containers are great when travelling. Buy snacks in large packets and then use your tupperwares to bring enough for the excursion.
- Avoid products with microbeads. Plastic microbeads found in face wash and toothpaste because of their size often find themselves in the sewage system and then in our oceans. Marine animals eat them and as humans who eat marine life, these plastic particles end up in human bodies too. Some governments have taken measures to ban microbeads but they are still readily available in many countries.
- There are also many personal products that now come in bar form, like shampoos and conditions, which helps reduce the number of plastic bottles and saves space in your luggage.
- Reduce the amount of plastic you use, re-use what you can and recycle what can be recycled. Opt for alternatives to plastic where you can.
Each person can make a difference to the plastic problem and reduce the amount of plastic they use in their daily life. As scuba divers and people that care about the ocean we can make a difference together.
