Ideas for cleaning up the oceans
On the oceans, expeditions follow one another to collect plastic waste visible at sea, like Plastic Odyssey, which has set itself the goal of cleaning up the planet’s oceans aboard a ship capable of transforming waste into fuel. With its floating structures and state-of-the-art technology, the Ocean Cleanup hopes to clean up 50% of the plastic floating in the North Pacific garbage patch within 5 years.
Projects which do not yet make it possible to eradicate the problem of plastic pollution in the long term but which are already helping to raise awareness around the world.
Solutions at the individual level to fight against plastic pollution
While studies have found that current measures will only reduce marine pollution by 7%, and while the United Nations Environment Program seeks to implement a global agreement on plastics, every individual gesture counts.
Changing purchasing behavior
Since the solution lies above all in reducing the production of waste at source, there is no longer any question of buying disposable plastic cutlery or fruits and vegetables presented in stretch film, for example. If chosen, we will favor cardboard, which is much less damaging to the environment despite a still imperfect global recycling system. And then, why opt for bottled water when Georgia has excellent drinking water? A stainless steel water bottle will allow you not to contribute to the 20 billion plastic bottles thrown away each year.
When checking out, we say no to plastic bags by systematically bringing one or more reusable cotton or hessian bags. To be completed with a few nets and glass jars for your bulk purchases, and the wholesale purchase of products that you use in large quantities. And to go further, we will equip ourselves with durable alternative objects such as steel or bamboo straws so as to refuse plastic even around a drink with friends.
On the hygiene side, we will learn to do without products and cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. Make way instead for traditional solid soaps which are back in fashion and which remain much more economical while producing less waste.
Recycle as much as possible
As technology improves, recycling is increasingly extending to plastic bags and packaging. Do not forget to carry out a careful selective sorting, even if it means contacting the local authorities or the nearest recycling center to find out what is accepted, and what is not!
Buy a second hand
We also think of the second-hand economy, cheaper and perfect for limiting waste by giving second-hand items a second life. Many specialized platforms exist today.
Participate in or organize a clean-up in Sandy Springs
By the sea or river, join collections organized by local organizations, or take advantage of a weekend to clean up a beach with your friends. A quick way to prevent the dispersion of plastic waste in the environment!
Organizing a clean-up event in Sandy Springs, GA, is a proactive way to engage the community in environmental stewardship while addressing local pollution concerns. Here’s a guide on how to plan and execute such an event:
- Define the Objective: Clearly state the purpose of the clean-up. Whether it’s cleaning a park, a riverbank, or a neighborhood, having a specific goal will help motivate volunteers.
- Get Permission: If your clean-up is on public property, contact the appropriate authorities for permission and permits. For private property, seek the owner’s consent.
- Select a Date and Location: Choose a date that accommodates most participants and a location that requires attention. Sandy Springs has several parks and waterways that may benefit from clean-up efforts.
- Gather Supplies: Arrange for trash bags, gloves, trash pickers, and any necessary safety equipment. Consider partnering with local businesses or organizations for donations.
- Promote the Event: Use social media, community bulletin boards, and local news outlets to spread the word, such as Sandy Springs Dumpster Guys. Create eye-catching flyers and online event pages to attract volunteers.
- Volunteer Coordination: Assign roles like team leaders, first aid responders, and waste collectors. Provide clear instructions on safety guidelines and waste disposal procedures.
- Execute the Clean-Up: On the day of the event, gather volunteers, distribute supplies, and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities. Encourage participants to separate recyclables from trash.
- Celebrate and Thank Volunteers: After the clean-up, acknowledge everyone’s efforts. Consider a small event, like a picnic or refreshments, to show appreciation.
- Waste Disposal: Coordinate with the city or a waste management company for proper disposal of collected waste.
- Evaluate and Plan for the Future: Reflect on the clean-up’s success and areas for improvement. Consider making it a recurring event to maintain community engagement in environmental efforts.
Organizing a clean-up in Sandy Springs can help foster a sense of community, raise environmental awareness, and make a tangible impact on the local environment.
Spread the word
Share information, documentaries, events around you to raise awareness of the problem.
In the end, renouncing the plastic material turns out to be a challenge as complex as that of getting out of carbon energies. It must be said that the sector is a vast source of wealth and jobs.
Almost every proposed solution today faces technical or economic obstacles. Despite everything, while global plastic production increased again by 3.2% in 2018, the time has come for a real upheaval in our societal model in the wake of the changes initiated through the fight against climate change. The coming years will definitely be decisive and will allow us to witness new projects both locally and globally.
