There are approximately over 5 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. These unattained plastics can break into microplastics which will affect marine life.
However, the problem does not just end there, these microplastics will enter our food chain, which will affect the health of the people. It affects the metabolism, fertility, and neurological function of the body.
For this reason, there are many institutions, governmental, non-profit, and private that care about the well-being of our ocean. This passion has created technologies that aim to clear the ocean quickly and efficiently. There are many benefits if we stop using plastic items and recycle them instead, we can all help to keep our planet safe.
This blog will explore the technologies used to clean up plastic from the ocean. It’s crucial to keep our oceans clean as it’s an urgent and alarming situation that affects the ecosystem.
What are some technologies used to clean up plastic from the ocean?
Floating Barrier by Ocean Cleanup
The floating barrier is a net that is meant to stop the plastics from floating into the ocean. They are made from nylon and trap stray plastics in the ocean. If you wonder if this would disturb the fish, no it doesn’t. It is specially designed so that the fish can move through the net.
The interceptor by Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup does not just collect plastic garbage from the ocean. They know that by not allowing the plastics from the river to enter the ocean more than 50% of the plastics can be tackled.
It is a barrier in about 1000 rivers, which does not let the plastics get to the ocean. It is U-shaped and placed in the mouth of the rivers to prevent any plastics from floating into the ocean.
4Ocean Pixie Drone
This drone has helped combat the plastic debris in the ocean. This drone can carry material that is 0.12 inches. They can be both remote-controlled or fully automated. Another perk of this aquatic drone is that it can also detect oil spills and can also help us remove them from the water body.
4Ocean Collec’thor
The Collector is another one of 4Ocean’s technologies that aid in keeping plastic out of the water. These ocean waste collectors have no problem running all day. They are quiet so they do not have much impact on marine life. It can carry about 100 kg of waste and is efficient in power consumption too.
4Ocean BeBot
BeBot is one of the more advanced technologies that is used to keep the ocean clean and plastic-free. These robots tirelessly sift through the sands on the beach to locate plastic and debris that are left behind by the people or that may have found their way onto the beach themselves.
It does not release any toxins and operates quietly, making them safe for the flora and fauna on the beach.
What can you do to keep the plastics out of the ocean?
Switch to an eco-friendly alternative in your everyday life
Change begins with you. If you want to make a difference, it should start with you. You cannot preach what you do not follow, that would make you a hypocrite. Some brands use sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, you can begin by supporting these brands.
Influence people to reduce plastic consumption
Many times it is people’s lack of awareness that is making them make the wrong choice. People may have heard ‘plastic is bad’ but may not know what ‘microplastics’ are or how serious ‘the plastic problem’ is to marine life.
Don’t be pushy with the knowledge you have or you can come off as a bigot who is annoying. Just let them know about the alternatives and how they would help themselves and the environment if they make a change.
Take part in clean-up programs
So many institutions are conducting campaigns to clean the oceans and reduce plastic waste in the ocean. Some campaigns are; the Clean Sea CAmpaign, Parley for the Ocean, End Plastic Pollution Campaign and Save the Ocean Campaign. You can also look up for campaigns near you on social media.
You can go on the government site or follow non-profit organizations to keep up with the campaigns so you can make a difference too. There is power in numbers and it does not just make things easier for them but it also increases their credibility.
Support activists and people who genuinely want things to change
You will notice that people will just do things for the gram and publicity. This affects the image of real activists who want to change things for marine life. See who is passionate and genuine and attempt to support them.
You can make donations to support them or tell them how their work is making a positive change and how it has changed your perspective too.
We are aware of the technological advancement that aims to make our lives comfortable. It is high time that we learn about technologies that aim to make the world a better place for both us and the life that we share our earth with. The technologies mentioned in the article are some of the many technologies used to clean up plastic from the ocean.
We need to understand that the ocean getting sick means that we will fall ill too. How we treat marine life, will get us in the long run. There is an equilibrium in the ecosystem and eliminating even the smallest of organisms will threaten the balance and our well-being.
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FAQs
What is the Save the Ocean campaign?
It is a campaign by the Mirpuri Foundation that promotes smart fishing and the creation of new marine reserves.
What is being done to clean up plastics in the ocean?
A non-profit organization has been making technological advancements to remove plastics in the ocean.
What is the ocean cleanup invention?
It is also known as the Slat invention which consists of a giant tube made of durable nylon and plastic screen which is meant to trap plastic garbage in the ocean. This does not trap fish.
What is the new technology to break down plastic?
Scientists have developed an artificial ‘worm gut’ that will supposedly break down plastics.
Has the ocean clean-up been successful?
The ocean clean-up project has collected about 8,000,000 kg worth of plastic waste. This shows that this campaign is indeed successful.
What technology is against plastic pollution?
Technologies like the floating barrier help the ocean become plastic-free. Drones and satellites are also used to help spot the plastics in the ocean to get them removed.