The ocean: what does it mean to you? The ocean makes up approximately 70% of the globe[i] meaning that at least once in your life you have experienced its natural glory.  If you haven’t, you’re missing out. For us humans, the ocean is the best way to cool down on a hot day, relax, and add a little warmth to our skin. The tingling feeling in your toes when you first enter the ocean and the sensation of the waves crashing over you is one of the many reasons why the ocean is such a popular location. However, we tend to forget that the ocean is also a home to many creatures; unfortunately, the dolphins, whales, and fish we long to see are in critical condition. But what is the reason behind this? Or better said, who? The wasteful use of plastic by humans is quickly deteriorating the ocean we claim to love and care for. Although some may articulate that there are more crucial issues harming ocean life, the use of plastic waste should be reduced, if not completely eliminated, because it takes a heavy toll on wildlife and affects the quality of air we inhale.

There is roughly a variety of 1 million living species in the ocean, and of those 1 million, over 800 are heavily affected by the plastic waste we dispose carelessly.[ii] Marine life plays an impactful part in everyone’s life whether we recognize it or not. The ocean plays the esteemed role of providing oxygen to us, human beings!

How often do you think about breathing? It’s something we do quite literally all of our life, but not much thought is put into the process. Over 50% of the oxygen we naturally breathe comes from photo synthesizers.[iii] Photo synthesizers are species such as phytoplankton, seaweed, algae, etc.[iv] They use carbon dioxide, water, and energy from the sun to release oxygen into the atmosphere.[v]  Waste from plastic water bottles, straws, disposable razors, and even gum is slowly lessening a significant portion of our humble oxygen provider, the ocean. Since all these objects are lightweight, they easily are blown to the ocean, creating this pollution. Also, a lot of the plastic materials are flushed down the drain which usually leads straight to the ocean.

Now that we have established that marine life provides us oxygen, let’s discuss the quality of the air we inhale. Plastic waste is generally composed of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas.[vi] When extracted from the earth, the plastic waste releases toxic emissions which are harmful to the oxygen we breathe. To make plastic flexible, a chemical called phthalates is added.[vii] Not only is phthalates not healthy for us to breathe in regularly, but it can also harm our lungs. Ultimately, plastic is affecting the one factor keeping us alive without our knowledge of it; however, people still carelessly and wastefully use plastic bags, and drink out of plastic water bottles and straws.

 As aforementioned, plastic waste can affect marine life quite drastically in other ways. Yes, plastic waste can deteriorate the being of the species itself, along with causing the marine species to be poisoned. Plastic can also ruin different habitats by moving invasive species. Plastic waste usually floats since the density is usually lighter than 1 gram milliliter.[viii] Scientists have observed that invasive species have been using the plastic waste that floats in the ocean to move them around the globe.[ix] Meaning, that the invasive species use the plastic as a transportation device to another place where their kind does not belong. Scientists have observed that certain species have survived up to 6 years off of the floating plastic in the water to carry them to new environments. They then proceed to harm the native species and ruin the food cycle for that environment. Invasive species have the ability to cause the extinction of already inhabitant species in that area the encroaching species took over. So yes, the plastic water bottle that may have been accidentally left on the beach is now being used as a flotation device to ruin other environments. Plastic is not only making a destructive change to humans, but also other species throughout the globe.

 So how do we go about stopping this detrimental issue when plastic is EVERYWHERE in the world today?

The usage of plastic is something that is utterly impossible to completely abolish, as there is so much of it on Earth and us humans rely dependently on it. It is up to us to reduce the plastic waste around the world. Awareness is the key factor in diminishing the number of plastic pollution debris. Imagine the decrease in pollution if everyone were to be aware of the damage caused by plastic; the environment would be healthier, cleaner, and stronger. But awareness alone won’t do the job. The idea of convenience, rather than spending the extra time to avoid plastic use, sounds much more convincing to many people now a days. A bigger step needs to be taken. A bigger step needs to be put into action. A bigger step can change the world. In New York, large consumer companies have committed to invest money to plastic waste collection and have raised close to 90 million dollars to properly dispose plastic waste.[x] Having large companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Danone can spark a huge impact on the issue of improperly disposing waste, as these are vast companies with lots of connections, sponsorships, and money.

Fighting the battle between plastic and humans is almost too large to completely obliterate; however, it is one we can tame. There are multiple ways to benefit our environment and improve its condition and all it takes is initiative and drive. Our friendly neighbor, the ocean, is an essential part of life and deserves to be treated the same way it treats us.

[i] Chesley, P. (2019, March 22). Find out about the world's ocean habitats and more. Retrieved April 21, 2019.

 
[ii] Reddy, S. (2018, September 24). Plastic Pollution Affects Sea Life Throughout the Ocean. Retrieved April 21, 2019.

 
[iii] Morsink, K. (2018, May 09). With Every Breath You Take, Thank the Ocean. Retrieved April 21, 2019

 
[iv] Morsink, K. With Every Breath You Take, Thank the Ocean. 2019

 
[v] Morsink, K. With Every Breath You Take, Thank the Ocean. 2019

 
[vi] Terry, B. (2016, May 12). Plastic Use Increases Air Pollution. Retrieved April 21, 2019.

 
[vii] Terry, B. Plastic Use Increases Air Pollution. 2019

 
[viii] Howard, B. C. (2019, January 11). Retrieved April 21, 2019.

 
[ix] Tracy, B., & Tracy, B. (2018, August 28). Invasive Species Are Riding on Plastic Across the Oceans. Retrieved April 21, 2019.

 
[x] Howard, B. C. (2019, January 11). A running list of action on plastic pollution. Retrieved April 21, 2019.