While the importance of lightweight, durable, easy-to-use plastics in our lives cannot be denied, the profusion of plastic we’ve immersed our lives in has turned our home into a plastic planet. From carrier bags to automobiles to packaging, there is plastic everywhere, which consequently turns into piles of plastic trash.

Plastic pollution is a major concern of the 21^st century, with the contamination now reaching our oceans, polluting them and endangering marine life. Every year eight million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean. News such as whales dying from eating plastic bags is enough to highlight the intensity of the situation. The extent of plastic pollution is such that it’s now making its place in the food chain from fish and birds, and it’s time to be controlled.

Say “NO” to the Ocean Plastic Pollution

UNO and other international bodies are tackling the ocean pollution issue as a high priority. Continuous awareness has been spread among general public on how to recycle plastic materials. In addition to industries and government organizations taking crucial steps at national levels to curb plastic pollution, this topic has become a great concern and point of debate at large forums such as the G7 meeting. A non-binding Ocean Plastics Charter was signed in the G7 group of Industrial member nations’ meeting in the Quebec on June 9.

One notable goal listed in G7 charter is to reuse and recycle 55% of plastic packaging by 2030 and have 100% plastic recovery by 2040.

Ways to Reduce the Ocean Plastic Pollution

Social activists are making a great impact with awareness campaigns by sharing their vision of a plastic-free world. These groups successfully motivate the general public to be more environmentally responsible and play their part by reducing the plastic waste.

What can YOU do? Check out these easy steps below:

• Restrict use of single-use plastic like plastic bags, straws, water bottles, dry cleaning bags, and straws.
• Dispose plastic materials in bins placed by recyclers instead of regular trash bins.
• Run awareness campaigns for beach or river cleanup and participate in them.

Plastics play an important role in the global economy, and this fact is equally acknowledged by industries and government bodies, but effective steps are to be taken to keep products from landing in our oceans and affecting marine life. Consider taking action by recycling and reusing materials through the Kambine portal!