Plastic pollution of the oceans is a common threat. Everyone is or will be affected by this scourge. From now on, it is important to act in favor of more responsible behaviors. To ensure the sustainability of our maritime heritage. Here are some inspiring initiatives that allow us to see a brighter future for our planet.
The mission was enough to make the greatest adventurers dream. Diving in the Great Blue Hole, nicknamed “the eye of the Caribbean”; an underwater ditch 124 meters deep and more than 300 meters in diameter located off Belize. A Central American country with less than 400 000 inhabitants that attracts more and more tourists curious to discover its paradisiacal landscapes. In particular the superb vestiges of the ever more intriguing Mayan civilization or the richness of its marine life embodied by its impressive coral reef; 380 km long which makes it the second largest in the world. But unfortunately, the team of explorers did not find the treasure they were looking for…
A disturbing discovery
“We were going to the bottom of the largest pit in the world, an unexplored legend of the deep, full of Mayan mysteries and myths about monsters and wonders“. Such were the words of Richard Branson still full of enthusiasm before diving, on December 2, 2018, in the company of researchers and scientists. Nevertheless, after coming to the surface the British billionaire told with disappointment. “Unfortunately, we could see plastic bottles at the bottom of the hole” before concluding the voice full of bitterness. “Well, the only monsters the ocean is facing are climate change and plastic”.
Oceans on the verge of agony due to plastic
Every second, 10 tons of plastic are produced in the world. Only 9% of this plastic will be recycled according to the UN. Even more alarming: 300 kilos are dumped into the ocean every second; feeding a floating dump of nearly 80,000 tons that forms a surface equivalent to three times the size of France…
The bad habit of hiding waste or rather moving it away from our field of vision reduces the chances of a collective awareness. “Garbage islands” have reached dramatic proportions. That make the neighboring populations and ecosystems; at the mercy of these piles of waste in case of a natural disaster. The 2004 tsunami off the Indian Ocean caused, beyond the human losses, a real “ecocide”; by dispersing the open dumps located in the surroundings. The infamous “garbage island” of Thilafushi in the Maldives; for example, alone polluted 170 nearby islands and islets in the wake of the disaster.
According to a January 2016 study by the World Economic Forum and the Ellen McArthur Foundation; there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050
In addition, the UN estimates that the blockage of waterways by plastic bags increases the risk of natural disasters. A real vicious circle; that makes the dumping of waste in the ocean a time bomb for our ecosystem and the surrounding populations; already prone to the contraction of diseases such as malaria following the blockage of sewers by waste.
Reasons to hope
Faced with the scourge of plastic pollution that concerns us all, some actors have decided to react. This is the case of Boyan Slat, and his project The Ocean Cleanup. The 24 year old Dutchman’s mission is to rid the oceans of its garbage; with the help of a huge ultra-resistant floating barrier that rakes the surface and gathers all the garbage on its way to a depth of three meters. An ambitious initiative that seduced many investors, allowing a fundraising of nearly 22 million dollars in 2017. Unfortunately, four months after its launch in September 2018 the device had to be repatriated following the breakage of a parcel of 18 meters from the barrier. However, Boyan Slat does not give up and still hopes for an awareness of the urgency of marine pollution.
The plastic pollution of the oceans is not a fatality
Other such projects have emerged, such as the Race for Water Foundation. Marco Simoni, a Swiss entrepreneur; founder of Race for Water and a true lover of the sea, completed his first round-the-world voyage in 2015. This expedition allowed him to draw up an alarming report on maritime plastic pollution; and to prepare the best possible phase of his project. Thus, the Race to Water crew has once again embarked on a voyage around the globe aboard an ecological trimaran that sails under the impulse of the wind, the sun and the marine currents.
A true technological feat, the ship is made up of 512 square meters of solar panels and a traction kit that works like a sail 2.0 since it has a dynamic system that adapts to the wind and recovers wind energy more efficiently. A real crusade against plastic that began on April 9, 2017 in Lorient and should end in 2021. The crew has defined several goals for its odyssey: on the one hand, to prove that less polluting alternatives exist for maritime traffic by proposing innovative solutions, and on the other hand, to raise awareness among the general public and educate the young people they met during the trip about the issues of plastic pollution. Currently in New Caledonia, you can follow the journey live and support the project by visiting the Race for Water website.
These different initiatives are all reasons to believe in a bright future for our blue planet. It remains important to support ambitious projects that courageously tackle threats that concern us all.
Heartwarming projects
Other such projects have emerged, such as the Race for Water Foundation. Marco Simoni, a Swiss entrepreneur, founder of Race for Water and a true lover of the sea, completed his first round-the-world voyage in 2015. This expedition allowed him to draw up an alarming report on maritime plastic pollution and to prepare the best possible phase of his project. Thus, the Race to Water crew has once again embarked on a voyage around the globe aboard an ecological trimaran that sails under the impulse of the wind, the sun and the marine currents.
A true technological feat, the ship is made up of 512 square meters of solar panels and a traction kit that works like a sail 2.0 since it has a dynamic system that adapts to the wind and recovers wind energy more efficiently. A real crusade against plastic that began on April 9, 2017 in Lorient and should end in 2021. The crew has defined several goals for its odyssey: on the one hand, to prove that less polluting alternatives exist for maritime traffic by proposing innovative solutions, and on the other hand, to raise awareness among the general public and educate the young people they met during the trip about the issues of plastic pollution. Currently in New Caledonia, you can follow the journey live and support the project by visiting the Race for Water website.
These different initiatives are all reasons to believe in a bright future for our blue planet. It remains important to support ambitious projects that courageously tackle threats that concern us all.
