DROWNING IN PLASTIC

Our oceans, once pristine and teeming with life, are now becoming dumping grounds for plastic waste. This synthetic material, created for its durability and convenience, has permeated every corner of our marine ecosystems, creating a crisis that affects not only the environment but also the wildlife that calls the ocean home. In this blog, we'll dive into the sources of plastic pollution, its devastating effects on marine life, and what we can do to combat this growing threat.

What’s the problem?

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into our oceans. It's estimated that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by weight. This plastic comes from many different sources:

• Single-use plastics: Items like straws, bags, and bottles are used once and discarded, often ending up in the ocean.
• Fishing gear: Abandoned or lost nets and lines, known as "ghost gear," often trap and kill marine life.
• Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles from cosmetics, clothing fibres, and degraded larger plastics are eaten by marine organisms.

There are a lot of ways that the plastic in the ocean affects our wildlife:

1. Ingestion: Marine animals, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales, mistake plastic for food. Turtles, for example, often eat plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish. Eating the plastic can lead to blockages in their digestive systems, causing starvation, malnutrition, and often death.
2. Entanglement: Animals can become snared in plastic waste, such as fishing nets and six-pack rings. This entanglement can cause injuries, impair movement, and lead to drowning.
3. Toxicity: As plastic breaks down, it releases harmful chemicals that can accumulate in the food chain. These toxins can cause reproductive issues, developmental problems, and even lead to death in marine organisms.
4. Habitat Disruption: Coral reefs and other marine habitats are smothered by plastic debris, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels and hinder the growth and survival of many marine species.

Real-Life Examples

• Albatross Chicks: On an island in the US called Midway Atoll, albatross chicks are often found dead with stomachs full of plastic. The birds’ parents mistake floating plastic for food and feed it to their chicks, causing them to die.
• Sea Turtles: Nearly all species of sea turtles have been documented ingesting plastic. A study found that turtles that ingest just 14 pieces of plastic have an increased risk of death.
• Whales: In recent years, several whales have washed up on shores around the world with stomachs full of plastic debris. These magnificent mammals, vital to marine ecosystems, suffer because of our irresponsible handling of plastics. 

What can we do?

Addressing plastic pollution requires a variety of different approaches involving individuals, communities, industries, and governments. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Reduce plastic use: Opt for reusable items over single-use plastics. Bring your own bags, bottles, and containers.
2. Proper disposal: Ensure plastic waste is properly disposed of and recycled. Participate in local clean-up efforts to remove plastic from beaches and rivers.
3. Support legislation: Support policies that reduce plastic production and improve waste management systems. Bans on single-use plastics and incentives for sustainable alternatives are crucial.
4. Educate and advocate: Spread awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Educate others on how they can make a difference.

Final thoughts:

BLYNC LDN is a proudly sustainable company, our awareness and outrage at the plastic polluting our oceans inspired us to create our “Women’s Ocean Breeze Set”, made entirely of recycled plastic bottles from the ocean. For many of our other products we use ECONYL® regenerated nylon which rescues waste such as discarded fishing nets and puts it through a radical regeneration and purification process. This process allows us to create high-quality polyester for our collection. By making responsible and sustainable choices in developing our products, we aim to inspire other brands to join us in protecting our oceans and the diverse wildlife that depends on them.