The growing problem of plastic pollution in the world's oceans is no longer a local issue. Plastic in the ocean affects all of us because its causes are global and its impacts reach every sea, coastline, and marine ecosystem around the world.
How Does Plastic Reach the Ocean?
According to WWF, up to 19 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. However, most of this ocean plastic does not originate at the coast. Instead, it starts on land.
Around 80% of marine plastic pollution is transported to the ocean through rivers. These waterways act as pathways for plastic waste from cities, industries, and households, carrying it downstream until it reaches the sea.
The scale of the problem is evident even in countries with established waste management systems. A 2018 study of German rivers found that approximately two-thirds of the collected litter consisted of plastic. This potential ocean-bound plastic can travel through river networks and eventually reach the world's oceans.
Plastic Accumulation in the Ocean: The Rise of Microplastics
Once plastic enters the marine environment, removing it becomes extremely difficult. Exposure to sunlight, waves, and saltwater gradually breaks larger items into smaller fragments known as microplastics. While the material becomes smaller, it does not disappear and can remain in the environment for centuries.
For example, a plastic bag requires approximately 450 years to fully break down in the ocean.
One of the most visible examples of marine plastic pollution is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California. This vast accumulation of marine debris is estimated to cover roughly 1.6 million square kilometres, making it larger than many European countries.
Most of the material found there consists of microplastics, which continue to accumulate due to ocean currents and circulating gyres.
The Consequences of Plastic Pollution for People and Nature
The impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems are severe:
More than one million seabirds die every year due to plastic pollution.
Approximately 135,000 marine mammals are killed by plastic waste annually.
Many animals mistake plastic for food and can starve despite having full stomachs.
Marine species can suffer internal injuries caused by plastic fragments and debris.
As plastic breaks down, it may also release harmful substances into the environment. These pollutants can be absorbed by marine organisms and may affect hormonal systems, reproduction, and genetic processes over time.
Humans are not unaffected. Microplastic particles have already been detected in human organs, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution across the entire food chain.
Our Solution: Removing Plastic from Rivers Before It Reaches the Sea
Because most ocean plastic enters the marine environment through rivers, this is where everwave focuses its efforts.
Through targeted river cleanup operations, plastic waste is collected before it can reach the ocean. This approach helps prevent the continued accumulation of marine litter and reduces the amount of plastic that could eventually break down into microplastics.
Since our founding, everwave has removed more than 3 million kilograms of waste from rivers and waterways, making a direct contribution to reducing marine plastic pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Conclusion: Plastic in the Ocean Affects Everyone
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a global problem with largely local causes. Effectively reducing marine pollution requires stopping plastic waste before it enters rivers and waterways.
Every action taken to remove plastic from rivers is also an action to protect the oceans. By preventing waste from reaching the sea, we can reduce marine plastic pollution, protect biodiversity, and help preserve healthy ecosystems for future generations.