According to statistical data, every year around a whopping 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean. And if humankind proceeds to conventionally clean (via vessels and nets) these expansive areas in which the plastic dumps are concentrated, it would take around 79,000 years to complete the task. Additionally, the tiresome endeavor would cost over billions of dollars, while also having the propensity to cause harm to marine life and generate carbon emission. So, what is the other practical alternative to this seemingly hopeless situation. Well, according to 20-year old Boyan Slat, the solution is to let the ocean ‘clean itself’.
Of course, these massive water bodies will be aided by special ‘Ocean Cleanup’ floating barriers that will be positioned in accordance with the movement of the rotating ocean currents (also known as gyres – see below image). So basically, the plastic waste would flow passively with such currents, and then get sorted out by the V-shaped barriers. We say ‘sorted out’ because these barriers will totally avoid any kind of net-like mechanism that can inadvertently trap marine-based organisms. Instead they will be anchored by floating booms – which would allow both the water current and sea life to flow underneath the supports, while the lighter-than-water plastic gets accumulated along the top section of the barrier. (Article by Dattatreva Mandal – June 2015)
Funnily enough, today while on a walk I was thinking about all the garbage that ends up in our oceans. I was thinking how criminal it really is. It’s not enough that we pollute our own cities that we live in but that we have the audacity to allow our trash end up in the world’s oceans which is not our home. Not only is this bad manners but highly unethical.
I had the idea that if it were possible to have some sort of governing body that could impose strict fines on countries that do not impose its’ own fines on corporations, cities, and people that pollute.
To thwart heavy fines, countries would then fine municipalities, who would then fine cities, and ultimately the cities would be responsible to ensure its’ local businesses and citizens obey the law and be responsible for their trash.
Further, education about the necessity of not polluting and also the severity of this crisis should be mandatory for all children, perhaps part of a kind of “Humanology” or “Earthology” course.
Of course, worrying about pollution is bad for business – it costs money, which hinders profit. Hence, corporations get away with basically destroying our water systems, with practices such as fracking and allowing toxic waste to enter our waters via the sewage systems.
The ONLY WAY things will change is if people get interested, involved, and start voicing their outrage. And, indeed, we should all be outraged because this planet belongs to everyone, not just the elite, and the if we continue this way future generations will simply not survive due to our present carelessness.
Thank you, Johannes, for caring about our planet through your website and spreading awareness about the mistreatment of our global home! Yes, I agree that the problem of the giant mounds of garbage that swirl in our ocean’s vortexes is a disgrace and directly contributes to the destruction of our planet ~ Your insight into the causes and steps that can be taken to clean up our oceans is a wonderful contribution toward healing our Mother Earth ~
Like you said – more people need to get involved ~ At a small local level ..here in my little hometown of Encinitas California the community has taken a step against plastic grocery bags ..and adapted a policy that food stores will no longer offer the free plastic bags and so encouraging shoppers to bring in our own eco-friendly bags ~ While these small steps are taking place – hoping that your suggestions are heard so corporations and nations will take steps to change their destructive practices that have harmed our oceans and planet ~
Here’s an article about the Encinitas plastic bag ban ~
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/10/encinitas-shoppers-adjust-to-plastic-bag-ban/
Although it sounds like an almost impossible task, it is the duty and obligation of the human race to clean up after itself.