How Does Plastic Pollute the Oceans?

Plastic Pollution: A Global Issue

Welcome aboard as we dive into one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution. If you're reading this, you might be wondering how this harmful waste is polluting our precious oceans. Let's dive deep into the dark depths of our seas, where plastic reigns mercilessly.

Plastic—a versatile material that has revolutionized our lives—now accounts for nearly 70% of ocean waste, according to a 2019 study by Veeken. Picture a sea suffocated by packaging, bottles, and plastic bags, threatening marine ecosystems and ocean life.
But that's not all. Traces of plastic are now found in all adults—and shockingly, in 8 out of 10 babies.

Our oceans have become massive dumping grounds, and even the youngest among us aren't spared from this wave of waste.
What many don't realize is that most of this plastic pollution doesn't float on the ocean’s surface. No—it hides deep below, far from prying eyes. Some of it sinks so deep it's nearly unreachable, while other fragments—microplastics—are so tiny they're invisible to the naked eye.

And if that wasn't concerning enough, we now face a new threat: nanoplastics. These even smaller particles can infiltrate organisms’ bloodstreams and cellular membranes, potentially leading to unknown consequences for both human health and the environment. 

But the tragedy doesn't stop there. Our fellow travelers of the deep—fish, turtles, seabirds—are the first victims of this pollution. Many mistake plastic debris for food, leading to deadly consequences not only for them but for the ecosystems they inhabit.

The Causes of Plastic Pollution

In 2016, between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste ended up in aquatic ecosystems, mostly from land-based leakage and open-air incineration.

Single-use plastic items like cutlery, bottles, straws, cotton swabs, and cigarette filters account for 50% of marine pollution.

The fashion industry also plays a significant role, with its garments contributing about 9% of microplastic losses into the oceans. Moreover, the industry consumes vast water resources and generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.

A lesser-known source of plastic pollution? Flip-flops. Across Africa and Asia, these shoes are worn daily—and due to poor quality, they’re quickly discarded, ending up polluting beaches and oceans. Flip-flops alone made up a quarter of the 28 tons of plastic waste collected over just five weeks in 2019 during the Aldabra Clean Up Project (Acup), led by volunteers from Seychelles and Oxford University.

The crisis is complex, but understanding its roots is crucial for building sustainable solutions.

The Consequences of Plastic Pollution

As we dive deeper into the reality of plastic pollution, it’s time to take a closer look at its devastating consequences.
 
Plastics don’t just mar our coastlines. They wreak havoc throughout marine ecosystems. Larger debris entangles animals, while plastic fragments are mistaken for food, leading to poisoning and death.
 
Plastic also threatens marine biodiversity by transporting invasive species, disrupting ecosystem balance, and causing a loss of genetic diversity.
 
On top of that, marine debris takes a heavy toll on the economy. A staggering 95% of the value of plastic packaging is lost—harming maritime industries and overall production. Only 5% remains within the economy, highlighting the urgent need for a circular approach.
 
To grasp the sheer scale of plastic's impact, just look at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—a floating mass of waste three times the size of France. Contaminated drinking water brings microplastics directly into the human body, posing unknown health risks.
 
Plastics also carry toxic chemicals that contaminate ecosystems and infiltrate the food chain. Prolonged exposure—through eating contaminated food or drinking polluted water—can disrupt hormones, impair development, and even increase the risk of cancer.
 
These alarming realities underscore the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution—to protect both our oceans and our health.

Solutions to Fight Plastic Pollution

Now that we fully understand the scale of the problem, it’s time to explore solutions that can turn the tide. The battle ahead may be tough—but together, we can make a difference.
 
Building a circular economy is key. By rethinking how we produce and use plastics, we could prevent much of this pollution. The benefits are substantial: a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, $70 billion in savings for governments between 2021 and 2040, and the creation of 700,000 new jobs—primarily in the Global South.
 
A ban on single-use plastics is a crucial first step. European lawmakers have already approved bans on disposable cutlery, cotton buds, straws, stirrers, balloon sticks, oxo-degradable plastics, and certain types of polystyrene.
 
Additional measures have strengthened producer responsibility. Industries like tobacco and fishing gear must now take greater responsibility for waste management. For instance, fishing gear producers must cover the cost of retrieving lost equipment from ports, and EU countries are required to collect and recycle a significant share of lost gear.
 
Ambitious targets have also been set for increasing plastic bottle recycling and informing consumers about the environmental impact of products like hygiene pads and disposable cups.
 
Finally, raising awareness about recycling and encouraging sustainable practices in daily life remain essential. Every action counts—and together, we can save our oceans from plastic pollution.

Eco-Responsible Company Initiatives

Seaqual Initiative is a community of individuals, organizations, and companies working together to help clean our oceans, raise awareness about marine litter, and highlight those fighting this battle. They collaborate with ocean cleanups worldwide to bring value to the waste collected. Seaqual transforms marine debris into Seaqual® Marine Plastic, enabling brands and manufacturers to create inspiring sustainable products.
 
Ocean Sole is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning polluted beaches and providing a sustainable income for artisans in high-impact communities. They transform discarded flip-flops into art pieces and functional products—offering a powerful visual reminder of the plastic crisis.
 
The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit organization focused on developing and scaling technologies to remove plastic from oceans. Their approach is twofold: intercepting plastic in rivers to reduce ocean inflow, and cleaning up existing ocean accumulations that wouldn’t otherwise disappear.
 
Nuoceans is a pioneering company that has created the first sandal made from non-recyclable flip-flop waste, containing the highest concentration of ocean plastic currently available. Their sandals embody sustainability and environmental responsibility—offering a true symbol of commitment to protecting our oceans. Choosing Nuoceans means actively supporting the fight against a problem that's long been ignored and buried under the sand.

Sources:

- Veeken Study (2019)
- Meeker et al. Study (2009)

- The Guardian (December 31, 2019)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/31/ocean-plastic-we-cant-see

- United Nations (June 5, 2023)
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/may-2023/understanding-plastic-pollution-and-its-impact-lives

- OECD (accessed March 25, 2024)
https://www.oecd.org/environment/plastics/rising-plastic-leakage-and-emissions.htm

- United Nations Environment Programme (December 2, 2022) & March 13, 2019
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/41169/K2221533%20-%20%20UNEP-PP-INC.1-7%20-%20ADVANCE_EN.pdf
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret

- European Parliament (November 15, 2023)
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20181005STO15110/marine-pollution-facts-impacts-and-new-eu-rules

- LEESU Lab (June 2, 2021)
https://www.leesu.fr/debris-plastiques-du-macro-au-micro-plastique-presentation

- French National Research Agency (accessed March 26, 2024)
https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-15-CE34-0006

- Institut Supérieur Environnement (January 18, 2023)
https://institut-superieur-environnement.com/blog/impact-of-plastic-on-the-environment-a-global-scourge/

- World Health Organization (June 5, 2023)
https://www.afro.who.int/en/news/acting-health-impacts-plastic-pollution-africa

- Le Monde (May 9, 2012)
https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2012/05/09/the-seventh-continent-of-plastic-these-waste-whirlpools-in-the-oceans_1696072_3244.html