How to Get Involved in Ocean and Pollution Cleanup
If you're looking for a way to contribute to the world's oceans, consider joining an ocean and pollution clean up organization. This nonprofit organization aims to rid the world's oceans of trash, including plastic. They recently debuted a device that can collect 20,000 pounds of garbage from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. However, critics have questioned the effectiveness of the device and whether or not it's environmentally friendly. Subscribing to their newsletter will give you access to special offers, marketing emails, and other partner offers. Also, you'll agree to the Insider's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Waste management system
An ambitious new project in the Caribbean will create a waste management system for the clean up of the region's waterways. A team from the non-profit Marea Verde will deploy a system on the Juan Diaz river that will use a water-wheel to move waste from the river to shore-based processing facilities. The waste will be sorted and recycled.
Ocean Cleanup estimates that there are 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic in the "garbage patch," the majority of which is on the surface of the ocean. Earlier this year, Boyan Slat, the founder of the Ocean Cleanup, presented an idea for a system that would use 24 floating devices to clean up plastic. In two years, Slat raised over $2 million and assembled a team of volunteer scientists. In June 2014, he presented his first feasibility study for the project. The team believes it can manufacture individual systems and deploy them at the mouths of rivers and the sea to capture plastic before it reaches the ocean.
Boom technology
The concept of boom technology for ocean and pollution clean up is nothing new, but it is still in its infancy. The concept involves floating plastics and debris being captured by a boom. These booms are operated remotely and bring floating waste to the surface. Once the boom is full of waste, it converts to a combustible gas. The technology could be used to clean up half of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
The idea for this technology came to Slat when he was just 17 years old. At the time, cleaning up the ocean's tiny plastic particles would take 80,000 years, but with his invention, the plastic can be pulled out and recycled. The concept is now being tested in many countries.
Drone technology
Drone technology is revolutionizing ocean and pollution clean up by using its powerful capabilities to reduce time and costs. For example, researchers are using drones to map ocean plastic pollution and develop algorithms to detect hot spots and help researchers prevent the problem. Ultimately, this will lead to a reduction in the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean.
To date, the cost of this project is estimated at less than $200,000. The project developers plan to expand the program, adding additional sensors to the drones to help them measure even more parameters.
Beach cleanups
Beach cleanups are a great way to get the community involved and educate about the effects of pollution and plastics. While picking up trash alone will not have a lasting effect, these cleanups help the community become more aware of the impact of their actions. They also encourage the public to cut back on plastic usage, which can prevent tons of plastic from entering the ocean. By educating others, beach cleanups can become a chain reaction, resulting in responsible living for all.
Regardless of your location, you can find beach cleanups near you, or plan your own. The best time to start cleaning a beach is early spring or late fall, when low tide allows you to cover more area. If you plan on cleaning a public beach, you might need to get a permit from the local government to do so. Make sure to let others know that you are planning a cleanup so they can join in. You can also tie your cleanup to a local event, or post about it on social media to increase participation.
Impacts on marine life
Oil spills, oil pollution, and other wastes clog up the ocean's surface and cause a variety of health risks to marine life. Marine animals ingest the oil, which clogs their gills and can make them sick and even kill them. Marine plants are also harmed by the oil, as it blocks their ability to photosynthesise. These plants are an important part of the food chain and the habitats of many types of animals.
Many marine animals depend on coral reefs to survive. These species produce most of the world's oxygen, and the destruction of these habitats is harmful to the planet. Changing climates also affect ocean acidification, affecting many marine creatures. Carbon dioxide can dissolve the shells of different marine animals and damage coral reefs.