Marine Pollution Part 2: A Glimmer of Hope

Today, we use 20 times more plastic compared to 55 years ago and only 2 % of the used plastic is recycled. The only way to save the highly contaminated oceans would be transforming 21st-century plastics economy from waste dominated to recycling focused approach. Recently, organisations around the globe have been working in the name of change.

Start-up, the Ocean Cleanup founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat is an organisation devoted to saving the oceans from extensive plastic contamination. The organisation has been working on a mechanism which resembles a large array which will be anchored to the bottom of Pacific Ocean, with arms spreading out over 100 km for maximised plastic capture. The system is designed to be passive which uses ocean currents for plastic transport, aiming to be efficient and cheap. The aim of the organisation is to clear 70 million kg of plastic out of the Pacific Ocean in the next 10 years at a price of 4.53 euros per kilo.

Future of the Extracted Plastic:

The extracted plastic is targeted to be recycled as a result of increasing commercial value of recycled plastic waste which has been the focus of companies. Parley for the Oceans, an organisation working on the elimination of single-use plastic consumption, has recently been partnered with Adidas for the production of shoes with 100% recycled plastic. The prototype shoe was produced with PET bottles and nylon fishing nets.

The terrazzo-effect table designed by Brodie Neill and produced with recycled ocean plastics is another commercial use of plastic waste. The table was constructed from tiny pieces of plastics salvaged from beaches around the world including Tasmania, Hawaii and Cornwall.

Upcycling is another effective way of plastic waste reduction which supports the closed-loop system of plastic use. Musician Pharrell Williams’ collaboration with G-star for the production of ‘bionic-yarn’ made from PET bottles is another commercial attempt for upcycling of plastic waste.

Alternative Solutions:

The New Plastics Economy Initiative launched by the Ellen MacArthur Organisation has been working on projects aiming for the formation of material resembling plastic but would dissolve safely in the water. Another project launched in by an Indian start-up, Bakeys, has been producing edible alternatives to plastic cutlery. The cutlery made of celery, black pepper and cumin could also biodegrade safely within a 5-day time span.

Needed Change:

A needed change in the current consumption of plastic products is undeniable. The challenge asserted by this change upon the human race would be only taken over with coordination between producers, recyclers, consumers and governments through innovation.

A collaborative action would be key to the solution to the plastic waste crisis.

Scientific term definitions are available.