Plastic gets into the ocean mostly from the land! It travels through rivers, streams, and even drains from streets and parks, eventually reaching the sea.
Did you know? Around 80% of the plastic found in the ocean actually starts on land.
Here are the main ways plastic makes its big journey to the ocean:
1. Wind and Water Carry It Away
Sometimes, plastic trash like empty bottles or snack wrappers doesn't make it into the bin. It gets left on streets, in parks, or near bins that are too full.
- Wind Blows It: A strong wind can pick up lightweight plastic from the ground.
- Water Washes It: When it rains, water flows over streets and parks, carrying litter with it.
This plastic can get blown into rivers, streams, and even sewers. These water paths act like highways, all leading towards the ocean!
2. From Rubbish Bins and Landfills
Not all plastic waste is managed perfectly.
- Overflowing Bins: If bins are too full, plastic can fall out and get blown or washed away.
- Landfill Sites: Even at special places where rubbish is stored (called landfill sites), plastic can sometimes escape, especially if they are near water or if wind carries it off.
This plastic also ends up traveling through water systems towards the sea.
3. Through Our Drains
Another sneaky way plastic gets into the ocean is through our drains.
- When we wash things down the sink or flush certain items down the toilet (like some wet wipes, even if they say "flushable"), they go into the sewer system.
- Tiny pieces of plastic, like microbeads from some face washes or fibres from synthetic clothes washed in a machine, also go down drains.
These drains often connect to systems that lead to rivers and eventually the ocean.
What Can Kids Do to Help?
You can be a superhero for the ocean!
- Always use a bin: Make sure your rubbish goes in the bin.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Try to use less plastic, reuse plastic items when you can, and always recycle correctly.
- Participate in Cleanups: Join a beach or park cleanup with your family or school.
- Talk About It: Teach your friends and family about how plastic gets to the ocean.
By keeping plastic out of rivers, streams, drains, and off the ground, we can help keep the ocean clean for amazing sea creatures!
Learn more about protecting our oceans here! (Note: This is a placeholder link)
