![Image Credit
[Description: Plastic pollution and juvenile fish]](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1621451537084-482c73073a0f?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&q=85&fm=jpg&crop=entropy&cs=srgb)
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No doubt, many will agree that with every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, we're connected to the ocean. Likewise, our planet depends on the vitality of the ocean to support and sustain itself.
Please think of these iconic images of outdoor exploration:
Water bodies are a symbol of harmony in the balance of nature. It is vital for the survival of all living creatures. But what happens when the source of relaxation and survival is threatened by pollution? How can we sustain it?
This article will focus on ocean sustainability and the effects of ocean pollution.
[Video Credit [Description: Clear blue ocean with waves, the sunrise, and sunset, with Ocean Eyes music by Billie Eilish]](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/133322f4-b8c2-4520-a0c2-d4fe8f5af13f/B4AF5C75-D24D-4752-B16A-FD80487F3797.mp4)
Video Credit [Description: Clear blue ocean with waves, the sunrise, and sunset, with Ocean Eyes music by Billie Eilish]
The ocean is a continuous body of salt water that covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and provides over 97 percent of the world's water supply plus over 70 percent of the oxygen we breathe. Ocean currents govern the world's weather, and humans depend on these teeming waters for comfort and survival. However, global warming, overfishing, as well as natural and manufactured pollution are but a few of the present threats we face to Earth's largest habitat. Ocean pollution occurs in many forms, but the most prominent factors affecting the ocean include plastic, toxic chemicals, litter, oil, and much more.
“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.” - Jacques Cousteau.
[ Credit [Description: Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans. Plus, an interactive map on plastic pollution]](https://youtu.be/1iprGAg7uoY)
Credit [Description: Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans. Plus, an interactive map on plastic pollution]
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In the present age, plastics are everywhere, from our single-use packaging to consumer goods that fill the clothing stores and even in clothes that shed micro-plastic fibres in the washer and dryer.
<aside> 💙 Here is a link on how to protect your clothes and the ocean
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Studies estimate there are now 5–51 trillion pieces of plastic in the world's oceans — from the equator to the poles, from Arctic ice sheets to the seafloor — which makes it a dire concern as time passes by. The effects of plastic pollution affect life as we know it—on land and in the sea and create environmental implications (Source).
Animals going about their daily habits can get entangled in the plastic waste that drifts in the ocean or mistake it for food. Animals who are most often the victims of plastic debris include turtles, dolphins, fish, sharks, crabs, sea birds, and crocodiles. They can choke, sustain an internal injury, and die — or starve by thinking they’re full from eating plastic.
The central theme here is that plastics are life-threatening in the wrong environment.
Tragically, research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic. In addition, recent studies find that plastic pollution is so pervasive on many beaches that it affects animal reproduction (Source).
Image Credit [Description: Plastic pollution and juvenile fish]
Based on the problem of plastic pollution, do you believe there is a solution to this problem? What steps can we take to reduce this problem?
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Reduce The Use of Single-Use Plastics
A straightforward way to reduce plastic pollution is to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Alternatively, use reusable versions of those products that include, but are not limited to, plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, etc.
Participate In a Beach or River Cleanup
Participating in a social distancing cleanup at the beach or a nearby park is a direct and rewarding way to fight ocean plastic pollution.
Recycle Properly
To help reduce plastic waste.
Spread the Word
By staying informed on issues related to plastic pollution, we can make informed decisions and help others become aware of the problem.
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What is oil?
Oil is an ancient fossil fuel that is used to heat our homes, generate electricity, and power large sectors of our economy.
In a nutshell, it is used to make a wide range of fuels and products; it also powers some of the greatest inventions known in human history. But as with most good things, a balance must be maintained to sustain the environment.
When oil accidentally spills into the ocean, it can cause big problems.
![Image Credit
[Description: Toxic effects on oil spillage in the environment and ocean]](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/d0b6edd9-71d6-407c-8a49-204452572f6c/B279116B-FFB7-42B5-BEDF-6D92848B0B65.jpeg)
Image Credit [Description: Toxic effects on oil spillage in the environment and ocean]
The negative impact of oil spillage is experienced not only around the oil spill, but is seen at shorelines and in terrestrial wildlife thousands of miles/kilometres away from the site of the spill.
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No matter the form of ocean pollution, they are all harmful to life and our planet's sustenance.
To sustain the planet, we need to reduce the use of single-use plastics and become more aware to make informed decisions and help others become aware of this problem.
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