How much plastic is in the ocean?
- A. Less than 1 million tons
- B. 5-10 million tons
- C. 15-25 million tons
- D. More than 50 million tons
What is the largest source of plastic pollution in the ocean?
- A. Land-based litter
- B. Fishing gear
- C. Industrial waste
- D. Shipping
What is the most common type of plastic found in the ocean?
- A. Polyethylene
- B. Polypropylene
- C. Polystyrene
- D. PVC
What are the biggest threats that plastic pollution poses to marine life?
- A. Entanglement
- B. Ingestion
- C. Smothering
- D. All of the above
What can you do to help reduce plastic pollution in the ocean?
- A. Reduce your use of single-use plastics
- B. Recycle plastic whenever possible
- C. Properly dispose of plastic waste
- D. All of the above
What is the name of the organization that Mandy Baker works for?
- A. The Ocean Conservancy
- B. Greenpeace
- C. Plastic Oceans
- D. World Wildlife Fund
What is the goal of Mandy Baker’s work?
- A. To reduce plastic pollution in the ocean
- B. To protect marine life from the harmful effects of plastic pollution
- C. To raise awareness of the issue of plastic pollution
- D. All of the above
What is the most important thing that you can do to help reduce plastic pollution in the ocean?
- A. Reduce your use of single-use plastics
- B. Recycle plastic whenever possible
- C. Properly dispose of plastic waste
- D. Spread the word about the issue of plastic pollution
Plastic Pollution in the Ocean
Plastic pollution is a major threat to the health of our oceans. Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean, where it can harm marine life, damage ecosystems, and threaten human health.
Sources of Plastic Pollution
The largest source of plastic pollution in the ocean is land-based litter. This includes plastic bags, bottles, straws, and other items that are improperly disposed of and end up in our waterways. Other sources of plastic pollution include fishing gear, industrial waste, and shipping.
Effects of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
Plastic pollution can have a devastating impact on marine life. Marine animals can become entangled in plastic, which can restrict their movement, cause injuries, and even lead to death. Animals can also ingest plastic, which can block their digestive tracts and cause starvation. Plastic can also smother coral reefs and other marine habitats, destroying vital ecosystems.
Effects of Plastic Pollution on Human Health
Plastic pollution can also have a negative impact on human health. When plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, it can release toxic chemicals into the environment. These chemicals can accumulate in the food chain and pose a health risk to humans.
What Can You Do to Help?
There are many things that you can do to help reduce plastic pollution in the ocean. Here are a few tips:
- Reduce your use of single-use plastics. This includes plastic bags, bottles, straws, and utensils.
- Recycle plastic whenever possible. Check with your local recycling program to see what types of plastic are accepted.
- Properly dispose of plastic waste. Never litter plastic. Place it in a trash can or recycling bin.
- Spread the word about the issue of plastic pollution. Talk to your friends, family, and community members about the importance of reducing plastic pollution.
Mandy Baker
Mandy Baker is a marine biologist and the director of the Plastic Free Seas program at the Ocean Conservancy. She has dedicated her career to reducing plastic pollution in the ocean. Baker has worked with governments, businesses, and communities around the world to implement solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.
The Ocean Conservancy’s Plastic Free Seas Program
The Plastic Free Seas program is a global initiative to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean. The program works with partners around the world to implement solutions to the plastic pollution crisis, including:
- Reducing the use of single-use plastics
- Improving waste management systems
- Cleaning up plastic pollution from our oceans and waterways
The Plastic Free Seas program is making a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution. Since its launch in 2016, the program has helped to reduce plastic pollution by more than 1 billion pounds.
What Can You Do to Help?
You can help the Plastic Free Seas program reduce plastic pollution in the ocean by:
- Reducing your use of single-use plastics
- Recycling plastic whenever possible
- Properly disposing of plastic waste
- Spreading the word about the issue of plastic pollution
- Donating to the Plastic Free Seas program