Plastic pollution in the ocean is, unfortunately, a problem of the utmost urgency. It is not news that our trash is killing thousands of marine animals every year. It is also no news that the more polluted our oceans become, the higher the risks we face as humans.
To honor all water-saving superheroes out there, we prepared a detailed infographic. We based it on our article about the effects of bottled water on the environment. If you want to learn more about water pollution and what pollution does to everything around us, we also recommend you check out our guide on the fast fashion’s environmental impact!
How Does Plastic Pollution Affect Humans?
Ocean pollution is among the top 6 types of water pollution and, unfortunately, we do not limit our impact only to plastic. Nevertheless, plastic ocean water pollution is among the worst things we do to our oceans, with catastrophic consequences.
Learn More about Water Pollution Types!For a more detailed answer to this subject, we recommend you check out our guide on the water pollution effects none of us can ignore anymore. From eutrophication to the destruction of ecosystems, and from severe economic losses to extreme water poverty, wars, and death, water pollution – plastic or otherwise – could take Apocalyptic proportions if we don’t take a stand right now!
Why Is It Important to Understand the Effects of Plastic Pollution In the Ocean?
Our goal was to answer the most frequent questions related to plastic pollution in the ocean. In addition, we also want to raise awareness of how bottled water contributes to the rapid degradation of the aquatic environment.
These are some of the questions we hope our infographic will help clear up:
- How much plastic do humans generate from drinking bottled water alone?
- Why and how do water bottles contribute to plastic pollution at a global level?
- What is the amount of plastic bottles in the ocean?
- How many plastic bottles do we make each year?
- What solutions do we have to save the planet from plastic asphyxiation?
Let’s dive in and explore the facts!
Water Pollution in the Ocean: Facts and Figures
We hope this infographic on plastic pollution in the ocean made some things clearer. Humanity’s impact on the environment is harder and harder to deny these days. Our only hope is that more people embrace some of the solutions experts propose to reduce water pollution.
As you could see from the infographic above, the plastic pollution in the ocean is among the most severe issues humankind needs to tackle before it is too late. Plastic water bottles are the bane of a healthy and sustainable environment that we could leave for our children. The more plastic bottles, single-use plastic bags, and single-use plastic items we use and throw away without even trying to recycle or reuse, the worse things will get in the immediate future.
To give you a glimpse of how bad things really are, take a look at our guide on the most polluted rivers in the world. While pollution encompasses more than just plastic, but also industrial waste, human waste, and overall garbage, plastic is the hardest one to deal with because it takes hundreds of years to biodegrade.
Learn More about Water Pollution Effects!How To Reduce Ocean Water Pollution: Awareness and Small Lifestyle Changes
- We have to be aware that water pollution inevitably leads to water crises all over the world. In case you thought that only under-developed countries face water crises, you are in for a surprise. Beyond the Flint case, the United States of America lives now through one of the most disturbing water crises in its recent history. Besides the droughts, the poor water quality in America is an issue people cannot ignore anymore.
Additionally, we should also understand how the fashion industry takes a huge toll on the environment as well. Moreover, we can also keep an eye on the food industry and even lower our water footprint by making wiser choices when it comes to our food.
- We do not only turn the ocean into a garbage pile. We also transform rivers into trash cans. In turn, this endangers all aquatic environments.
More than that, however, river pollution threatens the health and life of humans.
Read More about the 9 Most Polluted Rivers in the World!- But we did not lose the fight yet! Some may consider we just started. As you probably know, we do have the means and resources to reduce plastic water use.
Following a few simple sustainability guidelines can help us achieve a plastic bottles-free life. In turn, our small but impactful actions can save lives.
- We also enjoy a handful of solutions to drinking safe water without buying bottled water ever again.
Filtering our tap water is the easiest, most affordable, and most efficient way to drink clean and tasty water without touching a plastic bottle.
Check Out the Best Water Filter Pitchers of 2020!A Few Words on Water Conservation and Zero Wasting
We can stay safe from the common contaminants we currently have in our water. We can use whole house water filters to remove all those plastic microparticles that are now suffocating the planet or we can at least install under-sink water systems to drink safe water every day. But, as you can easily imagine, it is not enough.
We can push the break on plastic pollution in the ocean and on landfills by taking things up a notch. Giving up on water bottles and refusing to use shopping plastic bags is just the beginning. We can also embrace the zero-waste or at least the minimal waste movement. Here is how you can achieve a zero-waste bathroom and try to limit the use of all-things plastic in your daily routines.
Moreover, the more we understand why water conservation is crucial for life on this planet, the more we will feel inclined to take other measures as well. For starters, why don’t you try switching from regular detergents to washing clothes without detergent or with eco-friendly clothes cleaning solutions?
Are you living in a nice house with a beautiful landscape and garden? Check out our guides!
- Reuse greywater to save money, water, and the planet;
- Water your plants without wasting any water;
- Conserve water at home and build a water-smart lifestyle;
- Make all the efforts necessary to reduce your use of water bottles!
Plastic Pollution in the Ocean Affects Us All
If you have other facts and figures on water pollution, let us know in the comments section below! We are always happy to meet other environmental advocates who speak their minds and make their voices heard!
Feel free to add your own data to the mix! We should all have a comprehensive view of plastic pollution. Moreover, we must all understand the solutions at hand to protect the environment and human life!
So, it is time for you to share your input! What do you know about plastic pollution in general and plastic pollution in the ocean in particular? What are the solutions you implemented to reduce plastic pollution in the water or on land? Share some of your experiences with us and be an inspiration for our community!