Plastic Paradise Sydnie Hall introduction plastic Paradise Or ✓ Solved

Plastic Paradise, or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is located in the middle of the Great Pacific Ocean. It is estimated to hold approximately 6,000,000 square kilometers, or twice the size of Texas. This plastic accumulation is estimated to be ten feet thick in spots and affects over 236 species.

Every single piece of plastic that has been created since the 19th century can be located in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Most plastics contain BPA, which is a very harmful chemical. On average, 50% of plastic is used once and then thrown away, ultimately ending up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The plastic we use can last on Earth for over 1,000 years before it begins to dissolve.

As a society, we thrive on convenience, and it will always be more convenient to toss our plastics into the trash rather than take the time and effort to separate them. This is evident, as roughly 10-12% of plastic is recycled or regenerated each year. Plastics that are not recycled end up in the ocean, where birds and local wildlife consume them, which inevitably leads to early death and increases their risk of extinction.

However, we are the only ones who can help start the reduction of the harm plastic has caused on the environment. Simple steps can be taken, such as separating and recycling plastic waste and volunteering in local communities to help clean up the water. While these may seem like small solutions, collective participation can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, Plastic Paradise is located in the middle of the Great Pacific Ocean and serves as the dumping ground for most plastics. It is twice the size of Texas, and the harmful plastic pollution impacts wildlife, shortening the lifespan of local species and birds. We can make a change by recycling or volunteering locally to clean up water. We are where the change starts!

Paper For Above Instructions

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, often referred to as "Plastic Paradise," is a vast expanse of marine debris, primarily composed of plastic waste. It serves as a striking illustration of humanity's detrimental impact on ecosystems and is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive action to address plastic pollution. This paper delves into the characteristics of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the implications of plastic waste on the environment, and potential solutions for mitigating the issue.

Characteristics of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch spans an area estimated to be about 6,000,000 square kilometers, making it twice the size of Texas. The patch comprises two distinct areas: the Western Garbage Patch and the Eastern Garbage Patch, both of which contain a substantial concentration of marine debris suspended in the water column (Lebreton et al., 2018). This debris is primarily made up of microplastics, which are small plastic particles less than five millimeters in length. Microplastics originate from larger plastic items that degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight and ocean currents (Andrady, 2011).

Impact on Marine Wildlife

The repercussions of plastic pollution extend far beyond the aesthetic degradation of our oceans. The ingestion of plastics by marine animals has led to numerous health problems, including digestive blockages, malnutrition, and exposure to harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) (Derraik, 2002). As plastic debris accumulates in the food chain, the toxins can bioaccumulate, adversely affecting not just marine organisms but also birds and mammals that rely on these creatures for sustenance.

For instance, studies have shown that sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to entanglement or ingestion (Schuyler et al., 2014). The alarming trend has led researchers to estimate that by 2050, the weight of plastics in the oceans could surpass that of fish (World Economic Forum, 2016).

The Convenience Dilemma

The convenience of single-use plastics exacerbates the problem. Americans alone use approximately 300 million plastic straws daily, and 50% of plastic is used only once before being discarded (Geyer et al., 2017). Unfortunately, only 10-12% of plastic waste is recycled, indicating a systemic issue in waste management practices (Thompson et al., 2009). This convenience culture fosters a throwaway mindset, encouraging consumers to dispose of plastic without considering its long-term environmental impact.

Solutions for Reducing Plastic Waste

Addressing the challenges of plastic pollution will require collective action at local, national, and global levels. Individuals can contribute to the reduction of plastic waste by taking simple yet impactful actions, such as practicing responsible consumption, advocating for policy changes, and participating in local clean-up efforts. Volunteering for community clean-up initiatives can significantly reduce plastic waste in local waterways and educate residents on the importance of environmental stewardship.

Moreover, recycling programs should be improved and expanded to increase the percentage of plastic waste that is recycled or repurposed. Promoting the use of biodegradable alternatives could also alleviate the volume of plastic entering the oceans. Countries such as France have already begun implementing bans on single-use plastics, paving the way for a more sustainable approach to plastic consumption (Katz, 2020).

The Role of Education and Awareness

Education plays a critical role in combating plastic pollution. Raising awareness about the importance of recycling and responsible plastic use can inspire individuals to take action. Schools, non-profit organizations, and governments should collaborate to create educational campaigns that inform the public about the consequences of plastic waste and provide practical solutions (Nielsen, 2016).

Conclusion

Plastic Paradise, represented by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, poses a significant threat to marine life and global ecosystems. While the convenience of single-use plastics continues to hinder progress, collective efforts at the individual, community, and policy levels can drive meaningful change. It is imperative for stakeholders to come together and address the plastic crisis, as the health of our oceans and the survival of countless species depend on it.

References

  • Andrady, A. L. (2011). Microplastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62(8), 1596-1605.

  • Derraik, J. G. B. (2002). The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44(9), 842-852.

  • Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782.

  • Katz, L. (2020). France becomes first country to ban plastic utensils in the name of sustainability. NPR.

  • Lebreton, L., Greer, S. D., & Borrero, J. C. (2018). Numerical modeling of the transport and accumulation of floating debris in the global ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 91(1), 70-83.

  • Nielsen, T. (2016). The role of education in reducing plastic waste. Environmental Education Research, 22(3), 276-291.

  • Schuyler, Q., Hardesty, B. D., & Wilcox, C. (2014). Plastic ingestion by sea turtles: A global review. Conservation Biology, 29(2), 286-297.

  • Thompson, R. C., Swan, S. H., & Moore, C. J. (2009). Plastic debris in the ocean: The facts, and priority actions. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58(5), 896-899.

  • World Economic Forum. (2016). The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics.