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Data last verified: Wednesday, 03/27/2024

Ocean-bound plastic

Plastic Bank operates under the global standard defined by Jenna Jambeck. Ocean-bound plastic is defined as plastic that has not yet found its way into the ocean but is classified as "mismanaged waste". That is, plastic that is not being (formally) collected, is not likely to be collected, and is found within 50km of an ocean-bound waterway or coastal area.

Community Members

Individuals within a recycling community who collect plastic and exchange it at a Plastic Bank collection branch for secure income and life-improving benefits.

Equivalent Bottles Stopped

The amount of ocean-bound plastic collected and recycled in our recycling communities converted into bottles. Conversion rate is 50 bottles per kg (the average weight of a 500mL bottle is ~20g)

Recycling Communities

Community of plastic collectors living within 50 kilometres of ocean-bound waterways involved in plastic collection and its exchange at Plastic Bank collection points.

Alchemy

Alchemy is the blockchain platform that powers the Plastic Bank app. It enables fully traceable recycling processes, secures income for recycling community members and tailors impact reports for our stewards.

Solutions for Plastic Pollution: Ways to a Cleaner Ocean

Minutes to read: Less than 3 minutes

Plastic Bank female community member collecting plastic waste in front of the ocean in Brazil

Ocean-bound plastic has undoubtedly become a buzzword in the environmental space. You might have heard of it, but many wonder the same thing – what does it really mean and what are the solutions for plastic pollution?

Simply put, ocean-bound plastic is any discarded plastic material within 50 kilometers of our precious seas, streams, rivers, and lakes that is likely to enter the ocean.

As explained in a research published by Jenna Jambeck et al1, plastic makes its way to our coastal environments and marine ecosystems due to improper waste management, or a lack thereof.

Plastic, even in communities in-land from coastlines, finds its way from households, shops, and streets, to rivers, and streams, and drifts onward to seas and the ocean.  

Ultimately, wherever you live, it’s safe to assume that plastic waste from your community can leak into the environment and into our waters.

The Alarming Truth

We really need to find some solutions for plastic pollution. According to the UNEP2, it is estimated that more than 11 billion kilograms of plastic enter the ocean each year – this equates to 1 garbage truck per minute. Plastic waste in the ocean comes in different forms –  beverage bottles, shampoo sachets, takeout food containers, grocery bags, and straws. 

Unlike other forms of waste, plastic packaging and other plastic products can take over a hundred years to decompose fully. Some plastic materials float, some stay at the bottom of the ocean, and others break down into tiny pieces called microplastic. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food which causes death by suffocation, starvation, plastic poisoning, and drowning.

Much like our marine animals, humans are not immune to unknowingly eating microplastic. According to an article from National Geographic3, Belgian scientists announced in 2017 that seafood lovers could consume up to 11,000 plastic particles a year by eating mussels alone. But seafood is not the only culprit – microplastic is finding its way into all types of food sources at an alarming rate.

Solutions for Plastic Pollution: Ocean-Bound

By 2030 ocean plastic is expected to double, and by 2050 there will be more plastic waste in the ocean than fish. This statistic alone is enough to overwhelm us.  Is it even possible to do something to stop the growing numbers of plastic waste entering the ocean every day? Where do we even begin?

There’s never going to be a perfect time to start, and the world can’t wait for us to have all the right answers. All we need to do is start where we are, with what we have. 

Be Part of the Solution to Plastic Pollution

There are many ways you can find solutions for plastic pollution, just join the Social Recycling movement and help save the ocean from plastic pollution. Here are some recommendations to get you started: 

  • Find out how much plastic you consume through our Plastic Footprint Calculator, then take steps to reduce that plastic footprint. 
  • Avoid single-use plastic and choose reusable containers and bottles instead. Buying groceries in bulk is also another way to reduce plastic consumption. 
  • Exhibit demand. Talk to your local grocers and ask for products and packaging that are helping to regenerate our resources by integrating reusable, recycled or biodegradable materials. 
  • Join the Plastic Bank movement. Check out our Partnership Programs to find out how you can get involved. 

Become a part of our growing community of Ocean Stewards and the solutions for plastic pollution! Visit plasticbank.com to learn more. 


 

  1. Jenna Jambeck et al, “Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean,” Science, Feb 13, 2015, https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.1260352?cookieSet=1
  2. “World leaders set sights on plastic pollution,” UNEP, Feb 16, 2022, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/world-leaders-set-sights-plastic-pollution#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20an%20estimated%2011,)%2C%20From%20Pollution%20to%20Solution
  3. Laura Parker, “Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?”, National Geographic, April 26, 2022, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us