Saving Our Oceans from Plastic Waste

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​ Nowadays, plastic waste in the ocean has become one of the major environmental
problems in the world. Since the 1905s, the amount of plastic produced globally has increased
dramatically, from just 2 million tonnes annually to over 450 million tonnes as of 2019 (Our
World in Data, 2023). The main cause of the problem is that a lot of plastic ends up in the
environment. In 2019, the condition of the world’s oceans become worse, it is being polluted by
the plastic between 75 and 199 tonnes, with an additional 8 to 12 million tonnes annually
(OECD, 2023.). The large plastics breakdown and produce a smaller particle, microplastics,
which is 92% of all ocean plastic. The particle is being estimated around 50 to 75 trillion can be
found throughout the ocean, from seafloor to the surface. Plastic waste is spread all over every
ocean in the world, with hotspots at river months in Asian Africa. Beside that, massive garbage
patches as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, covers over 1.6 million square kilometers (The
Ocean Cleanup, 2025). Scientists warn that the amount of pollution produced by plastic could
quadruple by 2060 if there is no direct action taken (Ecodrive Community, n.d.)

The amount of plastic in the ocean keeps increasing which will harm marine life,
ecosystems, and human health. The pollution that is produced by the plastic waste has affected
more than 700 marine species(Greenpeace, n.d.). Studies show that almost all the seabirds,
one-third of sea turtles, and half of the mammals in the ocean ingest plastic or become entangled
with it which causes injury or even death (Ecodrive Community, n.d.). While it causes growing
risks to human health, plastic pollution also damages the oceans ecosystems such as coral reefs
and coastal environments. Research shows that we could find microplastics in seafood, bottled
water, and even in the human body such as blood and placentas, highlighting their global
reach(Time, n.d.). Estimated to be more than tens of thousands particles of microplastics being
ingested by humans each year. This pollution also affects the local economies especially for
those who are dependent on tourism and fishing in coastal communities. The most serious issue
is that plastic does not biodegrade. Instead, it breaks into smaller particles, microplastics, which
makes it almost impossible to remove from the environment. If there is now action taken
directly, the consequences will be suffered by the future generations.

Solving this complex problem will require coordinated efforts on multiple fronts. The
main solution to this issue is banning the usage and production of single-used plastic for bags,
straws, and food packaging or at least it being reduced. There are over 100 countries that are
already applying these rules in their country (OECD, n.d.). The other key step is that the
government must also invest in improving and managing the waste of plastic by providing
sorting and recycling infrastructure, especially in countries which have a high level of
mismanaged waste (Greenmatch, 2024). They also need to support large-scale ocean and beach
cleanup efforts, such as those led by organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, which can help
remove existing debris (The Ocean Cleanup, 2025). At the same time, emphasizing companies to
start using biodegradable or reusable packaging can reduce reliance on plastics. To encourage
behavior change and the development of sustainable habits, community events, school initiatives,
and public awareness campaigns are crucial. A binding agreement is anticipated in late 2025, and
a UN treaty addressing plastic pollution throughout its whole lifecycle is presently being
discussed globally (OECD, n.d.).

Despite increased efforts, there are still significant obstacles in the way of the fight
against ocean plastic pollution. It takes a significant amount of money and sustained dedication
to build effective garbage and recycling systems. In many places, public behavior is slow to
change because there are few or costly alternatives, and industries that depend on low-cost
plastics frequently oppose change (Greenpeace, n.d.). Impact is also limited by lax enforcement
of environmental rules. International collaboration, policy incentives, education, and more
stringent enforcement can all help to remove these obstacles. Reduced plastic output, cleaner
beaches, and fewer marine animal deaths are examples of quantifiable progress (Our World in
Data, 2023). Stronger coastal economies, better human health, and healthier ecosystems are all
advantages of resolving this issue (Ecodrive Community, n.d.). By lowering emissions associated
with plastic, it also advances climate goals. Above all, it promotes environmental responsibility
on a worldwide scale. Cleaner oceans and a safer, more sustainable future for everybody depend
on taking a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying causes and long-term
repercussions.
 REFERENCES

Global Plastic Pollution Statistics and facts. GreenMatch.co.uk. (2024, September 17).
https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/plastic-pollution-facts

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The Ocean Cleanup. (2025, June 24).
https://theoceancleanup.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch/

The Ocean Plastic Crisis: Key Statistics and facts. Ecodrive. (n.d.).
https://www.ecodrive.community/updates/the-ocean-plastic-crisis-key-statistics-and-fac
ts

Ocean plastic pollution explained. The Ocean Cleanup. (2025, July 3).
https://theoceancleanup.com/ocean-plastic-pollution-explained/

Ocean plastics pollution. Ocean Plastics Pollution. (n.d.).

Parker, L. (2025, March 20). Microplastics are invading our bodies. how severe is the
damage?. Environment.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodi
es-how-much-do-they-harm-us

Plastic pollution. Greenpeace Southeast Asia. (n.d.).

Plastics | OECD. (n.d.). https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/plastics.html

Ritchie, H., Samborska, V., & Roser, M. (2023, November 1). Plastic pollution. Our World
in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

UNESCO Ocean Literacy. UNESCO. (n.d.). https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/about/