5 Organizations Working To Clean Up The Ocean
Clean oceans are critical to the survival of our global ecosystem, which is why it's urgent that we protect them from the growing hazards of plastic and industrial pollution. The groups listed here are all committed to this conservation mission, operating around the world to ensure the safety and longevity of the sea and the environment at large. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Groups Saving the Ocean From Pollution
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| The Ocean Cleanup | Remove 90% of floating ocean plastic with the help and support of individuals, corporations, and governments all over the world |
| Plastic Pollution Coalition | Work toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impact on humans, animals, waterways, the ocean, and the environment |
| Tacoma Ocean Fest | Bring the community together through arts, sciences, and water fun to celebrate the ocean, tell about its threats, and inspire people to protect it |
| Project Seagrass | Ensure that seagrass meadows are protected globally, for the biodiversity and people that depend on them |
| Plastic Ocean Project | Educate through field research, implement progressive outreach initiatives, and incubate solutions to address the global plastic pollution problem, working with and for the next generation to create a more sustainable future |
How We Can Keep Plastic Out of Our Oceans
Fascinating Facts About the Sea
- Oceans cover nearly three quarters of the earth's surface
- Cigarette butts are the most common form of ocean litter
- Hurricanes are formed by a combination of thunderstorms and warm ocean waters
- Sand is composed of decomposed rocks, volcanic material, organic by-products, and fish feces, among other things
- Some waves are caused by friction between wind and the water's surface and others are caused by the pull of the sun and moon
- The ocean produces over half of the world's oxygen and stores 50 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere
- Seventy-six percent of all U.S. trade involves some form of marine transportation
- Many medicinal products come from the ocean, including ingredients that help fight cancer, athritis, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease
- The ocean transports heat from the equator to the poles, regulating climate and weather patterns
An Explanation of The Ocean Cleanup's Technology
5 Tips For Responsibly Viewing Marine Wildlife
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Learn about wildlife, viewing sites, and local regulations before you go
- Use binoculars and zoom lenses to get a good look without getting too close
- Never touch, handle, or ride marine wildlife
- Do not feed wildlife or attempt to lure it with decoys, sounds, or light
- Never chase or harass wildlife
What Seagrass Does For the Planet
In Depth
Each year, hundreds of tons of garbage, waste, plastic and debris enter the earth's waters. This is one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time and if left unaddressed, will create grave obstacles for the survival of humankind and the planet. In no particular order, here is a list of groups who are dedicated to undoing the damage caused to the marine ecosystems.
First up at #1 on our list, The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization that is developing advanced technologies to rid the world's waters of plastic. Founded in 2013, this company aims to clean up 90% of pollution in the oceans. Based in Rotterdam, the team consists of more than 90 engineers, researchers, scientists and computational modelers working daily to advance their cause.
This organization has developed a passive cleanup method, which uses the natural oceanic forces to rapidly and cost-effectively clean up the plastic already in the water. The company's Interceptor is a scalable solution designed to efficiently intercept plastic in rivers before it reaches the seas. It is 100% solar-powered, works autonomously, and is capable of operating in the majority of the world's most polluted rivers.
The company's Interceptor is a scalable solution designed to efficiently intercept plastic in rivers before it reaches the seas.
Up next at #2, Plastic Pollution Coalition is a growing global alliance of more than 1,200 organizations, businesses, and thought leaders working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impact on humans, animals and the environment. This organization envisions a world in which individuals embody zero-waste values and governments and businesses enforce environmentally conscious regulations, legislation, and practices.
The Last Plastic Straw is a project that aims to make disposable straws a relic of the past. The coalition works to encourage eateries to no longer automatically offer these items to customers. Educating individuals and consumers is also a priority of this initiative, as is working to change government legislations and regulations to ban single-use plastic.
Moving on to #3, Tacoma Ocean Fest is a one-day festival on Tacoma's waterfront that celebrates World Ocean Weekend. It brings the community together through arts, sciences and aquatic activities. The goal of the festival is to celebrate the seas, talk about the threats they face and inspire people to protect them. The festivities encourage people to have fun and learn about how they can help the cause through daily actions.
The festivities encourage people to have fun and learn about how they can help the cause through daily actions.
Tacoma Ocean Fest is known to be entertaining and educational for children as well as adults. Kids can enjoy face-painting, stories, painting, LEGO tables, virtual scuba diving, as well as an animal show and tell. The Youth Story Contest encourages young adults to submit a poem, short film or data graph about the ocean for prizes and to gain exposure.
At #4 on our list, Project Seagrass is an environmental charity that is devoted to the conservation of seagrass ecosystems through education, influence, research and action. Made up of a dedicated team of scientists, this organization works to protect and support marine conservation more broadly by using social media to help disseminate information.
Project Seagrass prioritizes the innovation and scientific research of conservation measures that help facilitate the long-term resilience of marine ecosystems. The initiative was created with the goal of turning cutting-edge research into effective conservation action and education schemes. The organization also puts emphasis on collaborating with local communities and other stakeholders to further the cause.
The initiative was created with the goal of turning cutting-edge research into effective conservation action and education schemes.
At #5 on our list, the mission of Plastic Ocean Project is to educate through field research, implement progressive outreach initiatives, and incubate solutions to address the global pollution problem. This organization seeks to create a global community focused on reducing plastic use so as to build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
This organization is inspiring people to take on the challenge of removing plastics from our oceans while creating sustainable businesses in the process. The coalition includes government leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, artists, fishermen, and students. Through a collective effort, this organization encourages the mining of plastic on and offshore.
