OCEAN TRASH FACTS for KIDS
When you think of the ocean, what comes to mind? Sapphire blue water, colorful coral, or maybe even schools of bright fish that look like sparkling gems against the blue abyss.
Have you ever thought it would look like this?
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| Plastic becoming a common sight in oceans. Photographer Unknown |
Sadly, trash is gathering in our oceans fast. Faster than our research can handle. Although we can understand the damage large pieces of trash can do to our ocean's wildlife, the research on what happens when plastic begins to breakdown is still new.
What is the big deal about plastic?
Unlike a resource like paper or wood, plastic does not decompose (breakdown into natural elements the Earth can reuse). Instead it breaks into smaller, rice-sized particles called micro plastics. These small fragments are causing great concern because we still do not completely understand the effect it has on the food chain. Scientists have found these particles in animals ranging from the size of filter feeders to whales.
Where does all the trash go?
According to a National Geographic article:
"There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float in the surface, while some 4 billion plastic microfibers per square km litter the deep sea."
"There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float in the surface, while some 4 billion plastic microfibers per square km litter the deep sea."
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| Image source |
Over 80% of our ocean's trash comes from many miles away from the shore, on land. This means that our daily routine impacts the amount of trash that enters the ocean via runoff, wind and obvious littering. When these objects make it into the ocean, they drift in the currents and collect in gyres, or giant vortexes. There are 5 major gyres in the world and all are known to contain large amounts of trash, especially micro plastics . Unfortunately some of these gyres are taking on the nickname of "garbage patches" due to the tremendous amount of contaminants they are collecting.
Many think these "Garbage Patches" are just floating piles of bottles and bags, but it is much worse than that. Imagine a big soup floating in the ocean like oil does. Once this "soup" reaches a gyre, the circling water draws in the trash and keeps in is the middle. Making it almost impossible to distract. Click for more information about ocean garbage patches.
Prevention is key to keeping our oceans and wildlife well for our upcoming generations. Even if you are not near an ocean, there are so many ways to help. Simple things like joining trash cleanup group, choosing reusable bags when grocery shopping, picking up litter (even if it isn't yours), and recycling can make such a huge impact. Remember that most of the ocean's trash comes from many miles inland. Every piece counts.
Visit my 20 easy ways to save the ocean blog for helpful tips.
For more kid friendly ocean facts, please visit some of my favorite links.
**Please comment below on ways you help protect the environment so others may get some fresh ideas!**
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