Did you know today is “Ocean Mother Day”?
There are many days of observation and celebration across cultures, religions, and the centuries. One such day of observation is Ocean Mother Day and that’s today, 10 May. It’s a time set aside for us to celebrate the five oceans of Earth .
Unfortunately, after centuries of disregard and human greed, the seas have been continuously polluted by sound from motor boats, sonic pings from submarines, chemicals, plastics, along with residential and industrial waste.
How many photos have we seen of toys, trash, and plastic washed onto a once pristine beach? How often have we heard about the substantial growth of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. While this is the biggest of the five major ‘garbage patches’ in the ocean it is not the only one. Were you aware that scientists have recently determined that the vortex of plastic particles is 16 times larger than previously thought?
Plastic waste poses a severe threat to marine life as well as humans. Sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals often 
ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. Straws get stuck in their nostrils. Discarded paracord, twine, and netting wind up wrapped around a seal’s neck.
These things can lead to starvation, internal injuries, even death. Microplastics which are tiny plastic fragments less than 5mm have been found in the digestive systems of fish and shellfish and, by extension, humans.
An educated estimate of 80,000 tons of trash are floating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and that researchers found99% of this waste was made of plastic. For a bit of perspective, the size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is twice the size of Texas and up to 9 feet deep.
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. One key solution is reducing plastic production and consumption. Governments can implement policies such as bans on single-use plastics and incentives for alternatives like biodegradable packaging. For example, in 2019 the European Union banned a range of single-use plastic items, including straws and cutlery, aiming to significantly reduce marine litter.
Improved waste management systems are also essential. Inadequate and aging infrastructure results in large volumes of unmanaged plastic waste entering waterways. Investing in efficient recycling systems and community education can dramatically reduce this waste load.
Public awareness and behavior change are equally vital. Education campaigns can inform consumers about the impacts of plastic pollution and encourage sustainable habits, such as using reusable bags and bottles.
On a corporate level, extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies can help in holding manufacturers accountable for the lifecycle of their plastic products. Plus, deciding not to support corporate greed and mismanagement of resources consumers can opt to purchase alternative items.
Additionally, supporting more models such as regenerative living and circular economies are critical. Designing & producing products that can be reused and recycled can help lessen plastic pollution.
As you celebrate the expansiveness and beauty of the ocean remember she needs us to care for her just as much as she has shared her bounty to us.