Plastic has been found on our ocean floors - and not just a little bit
Image credit: Naja Bertolt Jensen via Unsplash
“Every minute, a garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters the ocean. With plastic use expected to double by 2040, understanding how and where it travels is crucial to protecting marine ecosystems and wildlife.”
This is just one more reason we’re so committed to sustainable practices.
The beauty of our oceans is undeniable, but beneath the waves, a crisis is unfolding. A new study conducted by CSIRO Australia and the University of Toronto has revealed alarming amounts of plastic accumulating on the ocean floor - possibly up to 11 million tons (as of 2020)! These plastics, ranging from large debris to microplastics, are not just unsightly; they are hazardous to marine species and the overall health of our planet's oceans. We’re absolutely horrified (but sadly not surprised) by these findings. This is exactly why we’re so committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly products and practices.
An extract from the press release:
Dr Denise Hardesty, Senior Research Scientist with CSIRO, said this is the first estimate of how much plastic waste ends up on the ocean floor, where it accumulates before being broken down into smaller pieces and mixed into ocean sediment.
“We know that millions of tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans every year but what we didn’t know is how much of this pollution ends up on our ocean floor,” Dr Hardesty said.
“We discovered that the ocean floor has become a resting place, or reservoir, for most plastic pollution, with between 3 to 11 million tonnes of plastic estimated to be sinking to the ocean floor.
“While there has been a previous estimate of microplastics on the seafloor, this research looks at larger items, from nets and cups to plastic bags and everything in between.”
Ms Alice Zhu, a PhD Candidate from the University of Toronto who led the study, said the estimate of plastic pollution on the ocean floor could be up to 100 times more than the amount of plastic floating on the ocean’s surface.
“The ocean surface is a temporary resting place of plastic so it is expected that if we can stop plastic entering our oceans, the amount would be reduced. However, our research found that plastic will continue to end up in the deep ocean, which becomes a permanent resting place or sink for marine plastic pollution,” Ms Zhu said.
- Source: CSIRO press release
Why It Matters:
Plastic on the ocean floor does not decompose quickly. It lingers for decades, if not centuries, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics as it slowly breaks down. Marine life, mistaking these plastics for food, ingests them, leading to a cascade of health issues and, in many cases, death. The cycle continues as these plastics enter the food chain, potentially also impacting human health.
OUR COMMITMENT TO Marine Conservation:
At E3 Products, we are acutely aware of our responsibility towards the environment. Our commitment goes beyond words; it's reflected in our actions and products:
Sustainable Souvenirs: Our range of souvenirs, including those made from recycled plastics (rPET), are designed to reduce waste and promote recycling.
Repurposed Waste: Where possible, we reuse products and materials that would have otherwise gone to waste. Just like this example from Zero Plastics Australia of reusing the offcuts from creating the rPET bag tags we sell!
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Beyond the products themselves, we also strive for no plastics in our product packaging or boxes, using sustainable solutions as much as possible.
Educational Initiatives: We partner with schools and community organisations to participate in sustainable initiatives and raise awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing plastic use. (Did you know our range of rPET products comes from plastic bottle caps collected by Aussie school kids?)
Support for Ocean Cleanups: We’re proud to hold the annual Great Ocean Road Clean Up Day with the aim of reducing the amount of rubbish reaching our waterways. We also participate in other local clean-up initiatives and do our bit every day.
Selective Partnerships: When it comes to both sourcing and selling our Aussie souvenirs, we’re very particular about who we deal with. We’re proud to partner with suppliers like Zero Plastics Australia and provide products to organisations doing incredible conservation work, like Healesville Sanctuary.
How You Can Help:
Joining the fight against ocean plastic pollution is easier than you might think. Here are a few ways you can help:
Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable products whenever possible.
Participate in Local Cleanups: Get involved in or organize local beach and river cleanups (like our Great Ocean Road Clean Up Day!)
Support Responsible Brands: Choose products from companies that prioritize sustainability (like us!).
Spread the Word: Education is powerful. Share information about the impact of plastic pollution with your community.
The findings of the recent study on ocean floor plastic are a call to action for all of us. By understanding the scale of the problem and taking concrete steps to reduce our plastic footprint, we can help preserve the health of our oceans for future generations. At E3 Products, we remain committed to this cause, continuously seeking new ways to minimize our environmental impact and promote a culture of sustainability.