Around 6 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic pollution enter oceans annually worldwide, with small and micro plastics being an increasing concern.
One trillion plastic bags are produced worldwide and used for an average of 12 minutes each.
The key to marine health is to reduce entry of plastics into rivers, creeks and lakes (and reducing the amount of stormwater as well).
Behavioural change is needed, especially in lower socio-economic areas, to cut down on plastic litter. Some councils have banned balloon events, others plastic utensils, etc. This pollution is very obvious with the increasing number of severe storm events. There are an increasing number of organised clean up actions and educational events targeting tourists, cafes, markets and fetes.
One Perth company, UST, is implementing a basket system for regular collection of plastics from stormwater drains called Catch Basin Insert. Along with the plastics the company found that blocked drains are a breeding ground for mosquitoes!
Scientists around the world are working with various groups (e.g. Globelet, Tangaroa Blue) and citizens to assess the extent and distribution of pollution. Governments are working on policy via UN forums.
A key focus throughout the conference was on the Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which may take the form of a reuse, buy-back, or recycling program. Examples of recycled products include plastic pallets, plastic-bitumen materials for road making, biodegradable plastic made from cassava, seaweed and palm oil (Indonesia), use recycled plastics to make new products (e.g. clothes/fabrics (e.g. Waste2Wear), shopping bags (e.g. Onya), computer cases (Dell) and sculptures.
New recycling initiatives being investigated in Australia include child car seats, solar panels, textiles, building materials, energy storage materials, automotive recycling.
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