TRASH TALK
"The ocean and the earth will survive, but we may not.'" Andrea Neal, PhD,Project Kaisei
SMELLS LIKE TROUBLE
MARINE DEBRIS: Solid materials, typically waste, that has found its way to the marine environment is called marine debris. Plastic materials are the most common types of marine debris and cause the most problems. At least 267 different species are known to have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris including seabirds, turtles, seals, sea lions, whales and fish. (WWW.UNEP.ORG)
EFFECT ON HUMANS: Humans are also affected by marine debris. Plastic bags can cause economic losses to recreational boats when they block water intakes and result in burned out water pumps. Boats and ships can also incur costly repairs when derelict fishing gear such as nets and ropes get entangled around propellers and rudders. This can also be a safety concern should a propeller become clogged in a storm. Recently it was reported that an entire Russian submarine became entangled in discarded fishing net in 600 feet of water off the Kamchatka coast. There is also the danger of humans consuming sea life that has ingested marine debris, plastic and toxins. (www.unep.org, www.projectkaisei.org)
TURN THE TIDE: The solution to plastic waste in our global ocean is halting the flow of materials from shore. Each one of us can have a positive impact on our ocean by taking a few easy steps. Many people making small changes can make a big difference for our environment. Some things you can do to help include:
* Lead by example: stop using single-use plastic & Styrofoam items and replace with long-lasting durable ones, drink tap water or install a water filter at home-ask your work to do the same.
* Educate & Encourage: educate the people around you about the problem, encourage them to make changes, and get involved in your local government's environmental policies.
* Take a proactive role in the solution: Volunteer and support the organizations, such as Project Kaisei, who are working on solutions to this problem. Participate in clean-up events, buy products with little or no packaging, are recycled, or contain little or no plastic.
SMART WOMAN CONTACT:
Mary Crowley
info@projectkaisei.org
