plastics:The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Answer

We had a

need...

Humans are an ever-developing,

innovative species.

Our intelligence and drive allow us to adapt to our changing world,

finding ways to support our population and bridge inequities. One

surprising example is the creation of man-made plastics.

Originally manufactured to reduce the pressure on expensive natural

resources such as ivory, shellac, and turtle shell, plastics were a sturdy

and inexpensive innovation that burst onto the scene in the early 1900s

to make useful products more available to the poorer communities,

helping alleviate some of the challenges they faced.

But with plastics comes great

responsibility

Little did we realize...

...that our increasing plastic use would have a huge environmental

impact. Particularly after World War II, the production of single-use

plastics was encouraged, escalating plastic waste. The only way plastics

break down is under direct sunlight (photodegradation). This process

results in tiny pieces of plastic, along with the release of toxic chemicals

used during plastic production. Landfills filled up, plastic washed and

blew into the ocean, and one question begged an answer: “What do we

do now?”

It got out of

control

Plastic debris was first observed in

the ocean in the 1960s.

Plastic companies funded recycling centers to manage the growing

problem of plastic waste. However, the production of plastics has

continued to outgrow the limitations of this singular solution, and plastic

waste continues to pollute the oceans. Today, it is estimated that 90% of

floating marine debris is plastic. The effects on wildlife are detrimental,

including ingestion, suffocation and entanglement, particularly from lost

fishing gear that continues to function long after it’s vanished.

But we are the

answer

We can get plastics back

under control.

By working together we can ease the demand for single-use plastics. We

can talk to others about recovery plans for plastic products, and engage

public servants and corporations in these conversations. We can clean

our shorelines and protect our waterways from litter. We can spread the

word that there’s a better place for plastics than in the oceans through

education and by encouraging our peers to do their part.

Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution.

We want to thank:

• 5 Gyres• The Marine Mammal Center

For more information visit:

Sea Lion Center 5gyres.orgPIER 39, San Francisco415.262.4734 sealioncenter.org

Photo Credits:• Page 2- https://www.flickr.com/people/ilike/ • Page 6 - https://www.flickr.com/people/ coastguardnews/