Ocean Conservation: reading informational text; Boyan Slat and Plastic Pollution 6

The Human Behavior Solution

1. Pollution and human waste put our oceans at risk. In response, various cleanup groups have developed ingenious ways to remove tiny plastic pieces called microplastics from the ocean using technology. Some experts, however, are skeptical about whether technology is the best solution. They say it doesn't tackle the real problem—human behavior. While using technology is a good way to start cleaning plastics out of the ocean ecosystem, the real long-term solution is in changing human behavior.
2. Efficient technologies can remove large amounts of debris from the ocean. They don’t require a lot of money or natural resources to work. They’re an important part of keeping our oceans safe, but individuals have to play a part, too. What if we all worked to keep plastic from ending up in the ocean in the first place? What if we addressed the problems that threaten the ocean before the plastic ever floats out to sea?
3. About 40 percent of plastic is used one time before it’s thrown away. This includes plastic bags, straws, and containers. One easy change is to use fabric or reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags. Another option is to stop using straws in restaurants, or to replace single-use straws with bamboo or stainless-steel straws that are reusable. Reusable water bottles made of stainless steel, aluminum, and reusable plastic can also help keep plastic out of the ocean.

4. Another action everyone can take is to recycle. According to National Geographic, recycling in the United States has remained at nine percent since 2012. Europe is at 30 percent, and China at 25 percent. Find a recycling center near you and see what types of plastic they accept, and set up a recycle bin at home. You can also let people in your community know what you’ve learned so they can recycle, too.
5. Finally, we can clean up litter before it reaches the ocean. This can be done in neighborhoods, communities, and cities. You don’t have to live near a beach. You can still pick up plastic and other debris from streets, parks, or around buildings. The items can be sorted and taken to the recycling center.
6. It takes plastic over 400 years to degrade. Instead of focusing on cleaning oceans, we can make changes to human behavior today. This could make a real difference to the future of our oceans. The steps are simple; our only barrier is our own willingness to change.

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