Our Polluted Waters
Our oceans are one of our most prized possessions on Earth. This is why, on June 8th, each year we celebrate World Oceans Day. On this day, we raise awareness for the need to clean up our oceans. We learn how to help make them as clean, beautiful, and pollutant free as possible. As the human population increases, so does our amount of waste.
According to Sea Education Association, “Scientists estimated that 14 billion pounds of garbage were being dumped into the ocean every year.” In fact, studies now find evidence of plastic particles in the deepest point on Earth, Mariana’s Trench. Scientists have even found deep sea creatures that feed on plastic! It is outrageous that this vast spectacular place on Earth is being bombarded with trash. This is not right. There has to be another way. I believe that with an immense drawback in plastic use and worldwide cooperation, we can have our oceans looking almost as magnificent as they did in the past.
Our oceans contain 99% of the living space on the planet. This is why we must do everything in our power to protect every sea turtle, every dolphin, every whale, every shark, and every fish from the deadly pollutants that are currently damaging this aquatic environment and every living organism that lives there. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest accumulation of marine debris in the world and it’s said to be double the size of Texas. There are so many wondrous creatures, and each and every one of them deserves a crystal clear ocean to thrive in, rather than die in.
Why This Matters
Over one million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals are killed by pollution every year. These numbers alone should be sufficient reason for taking action to prevent the use of plastic as much as possible. Plastic kills. Yet we continuously use it for our benefit and convenience. By using such an enormous amount of plastic, we are slowly but surely contributing to the injury and death of millions of sea creatures. Eighty percent of pollution in water comes from land. In other words, it comes from humans and human activity. According to the National Ocean Service, “One of the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks, cars, trucks, and boats, plus larger sources, such as farms, ranches, and forest areas. Millions of motor vehicle engines drop small amounts of oil each day onto roads and parking lots. Much of this, too, makes its way to the sea.”
Humans become so focused on the issues on land that we sometimes forget about all our oceans and the numerous and fascinating creatures that live in them. The oceans are a vital source for Earth and humankind, holding 97% of the world’s water and producing more than half the world’s oxygen. They absorb the most carbon from the atmosphere (an increasingly urgent issue as global warming and climate change continue to affect every location and every organism on the Earth). Our oceans are also a source of food, natural resources, and transportation. We have every reason to protect them and the species they support.
How We Can Help
With this bittersweet information, you can now find out what you can do to help. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference in your community. Using fewer plastic products whenever you can is a simple way to start reducing your impact. There are also many opportunities to support organizations that work to protect the ocean. National Geographic has committed to reducing plastic pollution and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society specializes in protecting marine wildlife. You can educate yourself and others on the issues regarding ocean pollution, the impact it has on marine life, and the inevitable effect of climate change on our oceans. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the seafood choices you make by choosing healthy, sustainable seafood. Being more aware of water usage can also make a difference.
On June 8th we must appreciate the value of our oceans and their fragile nature. It is up to us to start protecting them and undo the damage we have done. After all, this is our only planet and we must do everything in our power to sustain it.
Written by Emily Mack
Nice writing, Emily!