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Our underwater environment is dying because of ocean pollution.

Not sure because at the end of the year Awareness has been translated through measures for ocean pollution at the global level.

If I spoke to you a few days ago about the moratorium on the definition of a protected area in the Arctic signed at the end of November. Wednesday, December 6, some 200 countries have pledged to fight against plastic in the ocean.

Concretely the leaders of these 200 countries have signed an agreement. For the establishment of a tool to fight against this ocean pollution that takes measures as drastic as they are impressive. This tool is meant to be binding. But it is still unclear what form it will take except that it puts forward a reduction in the amount of plastic spilled into the oceans. This is already reflected in some parts of the world by a better recycling of plastic. The ban on the use of plastic bags or the creation of new marine reserves.

The increase of the amount of plastic in the oceans is scary. UN Program specialists talk about more plastic than fish by 2050, that is, TOMORROW!

It must be said that with the eight million tons of plastics we discard each year in the seas and oceans. Marine life is in great danger: microplastic in mussels, plastic bags in the belly of marine mammals, straw and others Plastic waste ingested by cetaceans, turtles, …

Many people are working every day to clean up the oceans from human-caused pollution. As we saw in the article presenting 5 great innovations to clean up the oceans

But of course, if you have to applaud with both hands their determination and creativity. The ideal would be not to have to clean up … by stopping ocean pollution, simply.

Some simple actions to set up individually for ocean pollution

1 Refuse plastic packaging

If plastic bags are slowly starting to disappear from our consumer habits. There is still a gigantic use of packaging that could be avoided: reusable bags for fruits and vegetables too (supermarkets start to offer reusable net bag), bulk purchase and / or large quantity (It is ridiculous to use a plastic bag for two apples … and throw it when you get home?), limit the amount of purchased product (the example of the number of bottles of all kinds in a bathrooms is usually explicit), …

2 Skip the straws for ocean pollution

I know it’s really nice to use straws to sip your fruit juice or drink after a dive. Just be aware of the plight of turtles dying in Kenya to understand that straws. (especially used in countries that do not have a waste management policy and will see these bits of colored plastic come to swell the pollution of the oceans) are an aberration for who wants to protect the underwater world.

3 Ban the plastic dishes

It is probably the simplest to realize as other options are present on the market. Reusable tableware (obviously) but also tableware in cardboard, in corn, …
No more excuses to consume plastic dishes and ocean pollution!

4 Glitter stars, not just to shine brightly

Recently, glitter pollution has been highlighted. These micro pieces of non-biodegradable plastics are able to pass the filters of purification systems and are found in the oceans where they are ingested by fish and marine microorganisms! Fish … that sometimes ends up on our plates !
51 trillions of glitter would be in the oceans. A figure that makes you feel dizzy and impossible to imagine.

At this time of celebration, even if it’s super beautiful, could we try without it?

But if we act, do states also do their share of the work?

Fortunately, States are increasingly aware of this ocean pollution problem. And many have already put in place strong measures, as is the case in Costa Rica, which will ban single-use plastics by 2021 or Kenya has already banned for several months the manufacture, use and / or import of plastic bags under penalty of fines and even imprisonment!
For its part, China is one of the “big ocean pollution” concerning plastics, seems determined to take the subject very much to heart not wanting to the last one to react.

However, countries like Norway stress that we must act quickly and strongly rather than make agreements to reduce pollution.

It remains to be hoped that it is not too late, and to continue, each of us to treat our environment with all the respect it deserves.

And above all … do not forget to be happy

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Helene

What are your own solutions to participate in the fight against this ocean pollution by plastic ?
Do not hesitate to leave in comment below