Life Below the Water Matters

The amount of plastic trash that flows into the oceans yearly is expected to nearly triple by 2040 to 29 million metric tons. If there are no changes to current production, consumption, or waste management of plastic we will get to a place where it may be impossible to turn back and fix the issue.

The ocean is our friend because it helps the human population survive and in return, we must treat it with love and respect.

WHAT IS THE ISSUE? -Plastic is a synthetic organic polymer made from petroleum use to make many products including packaging, household and sport equipment, vehicles, electronics, etc. -Plastic is cheap, lightweight, strong, and malleable. -Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year and half of that is designed to be used as “single-use” items including shopping bags at the stores, plastic cups, straws, and more. -At least eight million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. -Waste plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris.

Why Is It Important? -Plastic not only effects the marine life animals but also threatens the human population -Plastic also contributes to global warming. -It impacts the marine environment because the plastics are either ingested, suffocated, and entangles of hundreds of marine species.

How Has The Ocean Been Effected? -The marine life has been deeply affected by plastic pollution in the ocean. These animals have been caught entangled in plastic or have ingested the plastic debris leading to suffocation, drowning, or starvation. -

How Can We Make A Difference? -REDUCE, REUSE, RECYLE -Think about the environment and ways you can reduce unnecessary waste. -Avoid one-time use plastic. -Attend beach clean ups. -Shop in stores where you get to bring your own container to package food.

Allison Lee takes full responsibility for the information posted. The information on this page represents that of Allison Lee and not that of California State University, Sacramento.