Turning the Tide on Marine Plastic Pollution

A Call to Embrace Sustainable Choices

This month, we are confronting the substantial environmental toll of single-use plastic, constituting a staggering 89% of marine waste. Plastic bottles, bags, wrappers, and straws find their way into our oceans, wreaking havoc on marine life, wildlife, our precious oceans, and even our own well-being. It's time to embrace change by saying no to single-use plastic and adopting sustainable products such as reusable shopping bags and glass bottles.  These seemingly small actions yield significant positive impacts.

The Environmental Toll of Single-Use Plastic:

The convenience of single-use plastic comes at a high cost to our environment, the deepest plastic bag being discovered in the Marina Trench – the world’s deepest ocean trench – 10,89km below the surface. The devastating impact on marine life, wildlife, and the overall health of our oceans cannot be ignored. It's a crisis that demands immediate and sustained action.

The Journey to reducing Single-Use:

Single-use plastics have long been a significant environmental concern, contributing to pollution and adversely impacting our planet. The South African Plastics Pact has undertaken ambitious targets to address the challenges posed by problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging. Let's take a quick look at the data to understand the progress made and the positive steps towards creating a sustainable future.

Significant strides have been made in reducing single-use plastics, with notable achievements which include a 70% reduction in phase 1 plastics since 2020, with a focus on eliminating items like PVC pallet wrap and plastic straws. Recyclability of plastic packaging has improved to 82%, surpassing 2021 results. Efforts towards a 70% effective recycling rate by 2025 are evident, with a rise from 29.6% in 2020 to 43.9% in 2022. Explore the detailed report for a comprehensive overview of the positive impact on plastic sustainability. Read the full report here.

Embrace Sustainable Choices:

• Say No to Single-Use Plastic: The first step in turning the tides is to say no to single-use plastic. Select reusable alternatives like bags, containers, and straws. It's a simple change that significantly reduces your plastic footprint.
• Choose Glass Bottles: Plastic bottles contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Choosing glass bottles not only reduces plastic waste but also encourages recycling and a more sustainable approach to packaging.
• Embrace Reusable Shopping Bags and Straws: Invest in reusable shopping bags and straws. Keep them handy, so you're prepared to refuse single-use alternatives. Small, consistent choices make a big impact over time.

Positive Impacts of Small Actions:

• Reduced Marine Pollution: By reducing the use of single-use plastic, we directly contribute to less plastic ending up in our oceans. This protects marine life and preserves the health of our oceans.
• Wildlife Preservation: Many animals mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion and often fatal consequences. Embracing reusable alternatives helps protect wildlife and ensures a healthier ecosystem.
• Human Well-Being: The health of our oceans directly affects human well-being. Cleaner oceans mean healthier seafood, better water quality, and a more sustainable environment for future generations.

Let’s turn the tides on single-use plastic together. Say no to disposable items, choose reusable alternatives, and encourage others to do the same. By making sustainable choices, we can collectively make a significant impact on the environment, preserve our oceans, and protect the life they sustain. These seemingly small actions, when multiplied across individuals and communities, have the power to create a wave of positive change for our oceans and the life they support.