Plastic pollution has become an ever-growing threat to marine life, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic being dumped into the ocean each year. This plastic pollution has a devastating impact on the ocean, its inhabitants, and ultimately, us.

The most obvious impact of plastic pollution is the physical harm it causes to marine life. Animals can become entangled in plastic, leading to injury and even death. Plastic can also be ingested by animals, leading to further physical harm and even starvation. Some animals, such as sea turtles, mistake plastic for food and ingest it, leading to a buildup of toxins in their bodies and a decrease in their reproductive success.

Plastic also has a more subtle, yet equally damaging effect on marine life. It can absorb pollutants from the water, such as heavy metals, and then be ingested by animals, leading to a buildup of these toxins in their bodies. This can lead to physical ailments, such as anemia, and can even lead to the death of some species.

Humans are the primary cause of plastic pollution in the ocean. We produce massive amounts of plastic, which then finds its way into the ocean via landfills, rivers, and other sources. We also produce a wide variety of products that contain microplastics, such as facial scrubs and laundry detergents, which can easily find their way into the ocean.

The good news is that we can all do our part to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean. One way is to reduce our own plastic consumption. We can do this by using reusable bags and containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and properly disposing of our plastic waste. We can also support companies that are working to reduce plastic pollution, such as those that use biodegradable packaging or that use recycled materials. Finally, we can support legislation that seeks to reduce plastic pollution, such as bans on single-use plastics.


By taking steps to reduce our own plastic consumption and supporting companies and legislation that seek to reduce plastic pollution, we can help ensure that our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them remain healthy and protected.