Pollution in our Seas

Understanding Plastic Pollution: From Macro to Nano

Plastic pollution has become a pervasive environmental issue, affecting oceans and marine life worldwide. Plastics are categorized based on their size:

• Macroplastics: Items larger than 25 millimeters, such as fishing gear, plastic bottles, bottle tops, seals and and every type of plastic you can think of.

• Mesoplastics: Particles between 5 and 25 millimeters, often originating from degraded larger plastics and plastics that originate in that size.

• Microplastics: Particles smaller than 5 millimeters, including degraded larger plastics, hurdles, bio beads, microbeads from personal care products and fibers from synthetic clothing.​

• Nanoplastics: Particles smaller than 1 micrometer, resulting from the further breakdown of microplastics and also of polymers originating in that size.

The Scale of Plastic Pollution

The magnitude of plastic waste entering our oceans is staggering:

• Approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans daily. ​

• In 2019, global plastic production reached 460 million metric tons, highlighting the rapid increase in plastic usage.​

• Alarmingly, 79% of plastic waste accumulates in landfills or the natural environment, with only 9% being recycled.​

Plastic Bottles: Consumption and Recycling

Plastic bottles significantly contribute to plastic pollution:

• Globally, approximately 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, totaling about 480 billion bottles annually. ​

• In the United States, around 50 billion plastic water bottles are sold each year, with a recycling rate of only 12%

• In the United Kingdom, 13 billion plastic bottles are used annually, but only 57% (7.5 billion) are recycled, leaving 5.5 billion bottles to end up in landfills or the ocean.

Embracing the Circular Economy

Addressing plastic pollution requires a shift towards a circular economy, a system designed to eliminate waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible. Unlike the traditional linear economy—which follows a take, make, dispose model—the circular economy rethinks how we use resources, ensuring that products and materials are reused, repaired, and repurposed rather than discarded.

• Refuse: Avoiding single-use plastics.​

• Reduce: Minimizing plastic consumption.​

• Reuse: Utilizing durable, reusable products.​

• Refill: Opting for refillable containers.​

• Repair: Fixing items instead of discarding them.​

Implementing these principles can significantly reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable resource use.​

PFAS: The Hidden Threat

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," are synthetic compounds used in various products for their water and stain-resistant properties. They are persistent in the environment and have been linked to health issues such as cancer and immune system suppression.

Plastics as Vectors for PFAS

Recent studies have shown that microplastics can adsorb PFAS, effectively acting as carriers for these toxins. This interaction facilitates the transport of PFAS through aquatic environments, posing additional risks to marine life and potentially entering the human food chain.

Plastic pollution, encompassing visible debris to microscopic particles, presents a complex environmental challenge. Coupled with chemical pollutants like PFAS, the urgency for comprehensive solutions becomes evident. Adopting circular economy principles and enhancing our understanding of pollutant interactions are crucial steps toward mitigating the impact on our oceans and health.

How We Tackle Plastic Pollution

1. Taking Action on the Ground: Clean-Ups

• Beach, river, and seabed clean-ups remove plastic before it breaks down into microplastics.

• Community-led initiatives empower individuals to make a direct impact.

• Engaging volunteers builds awareness and fosters long-term behavior change.

Cleaner Seas Project organizes and supports beach clean-ups globally, removing thousands of plastic items annually.

2. Policy & Government Lobbying

• Stronger legislation is key to reducing plastic pollution at its source.

• Bans on single-use plastics and extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws hold manufacturers accountable.

• Deposit return schemes (DRS) for plastic bottles increase recycling rates.

Cleaner Seas Project actively campaigns for stronger laws and corporate accountability, working with policymakers to drive systemic change.

3. Circular Economy: Rethinking Waste

A sustainable future lies in a circular economy—where waste is minimized, and resources are reused.
Key principles:

• Refuse single-use plastics.

• Reduce unnecessary packaging.

• Reuse sustainable alternatives.

• Refill water bottles and containers.

• Repair instead of discarding.

• Recycle responsibly.

Cleaner Seas Project promotes circular economy models, supporting businesses and individuals in reducing their plastic footprint.

4. Scientific Research & Innovation

• Supporting biodegradable alternatives and ocean-friendly materials.

• Advancing research on microplastics and PFAS to understand and mitigate their effects.

• Partnering with universities and scientists to develop breakthrough solutions.

Cleaner Seas Project collaborates with researchers to track pollution levels and push for evidence-based solutions.

5. Education & Awareness

• Teaching individuals how their everyday choices impact ocean health.

• Working with schools, businesses, and communities to create plastic-free environments.

• Encouraging brands to switch to sustainable packaging.

Cleaner Seas Project runs educational programs, empowering people to become ocean stewards.