"Wipe Out Plastic Takeout" Campaign:

What's the big deal with plastic?

In a nutshell:
Plastics make-up between 60-80% of the debris in oceans worldwide. The Problem? Made from oil, plastics are non-renewable and non-biodegradable and often end up in landfills or littering our land and waterways. It is estimated that only 5.5% of plastics thrown away are recycled. Compounding the problem is the fact that plastic persists in the environment. It never completely biodegrades - it only breaks down into smaller and smaller particles and releases harmful chemicals into the environment. These plastic pieces are often mistaken for food and ingested by marine animals, birds, and fish.

Additional facts:

• Because of the challenges of food contamination and economic factors, no meaningful recycling of food service polystyrene occurs currently.
• According to the Calif. Dept. of Transportation study during 1998-2000, plastics represented over 43% of the total volume of litter recovered from storm drains.
• Plastic in the marine environment results in significant problems for wildlife:
  • Small plastic pieces, similar in size to plankton and more abundant than plankton, represent a particular risk to filter feeders
  • Worldwide, people have reported entanglement of at least 143 marine species
  • At least 163 marine species, including most sea birds, have been reported to have eaten plastics
  • Ingestion of polystyrene pieces, which look like food to many species, results in reduced appetite, reduced nutrient absorption, and starvation for wildlife
• And also boat users:
  • Marine debris also creates problems for fishermen and recreation boaters, particularly when plastics get into boat engines and causes damage.
• And Humans:
  • Medical studies suggest that chemicals in polystyrene foam are carcinogenic and may leach into food or drink.

5 ways you can reduce and prevent plastic marine debris:

Be a part of the solution, it's sooooo easy! By taking action as an individual, you can help reduce and prevent plastic marine debris that harm and kill marine wildlife and threaten ecosystems:

1. Bring your own! Reduce your use of single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable shopping tote, beverage mug, and take out containers. Use cloth bags for groceries.
2. Can it! Dispose of your garbage properly. Garbage that is littered on land inevitably ends up on the beach and in the ocean. Rivers, streams, and storm drains carry water to the ocean and often carry trash from land- based sources.
3. Pick it up! Every time you go to the beach, pick up three pieces of thrash, even if it isn't yours. It's an easy way to reduce the litter that's already made it to the coast.
4. Fish responsibly! Retrieve all fishing line. Marine life can get entangled in and die from fishing line that is left around the ocean.
5. Speak up! Talk to the businesses you patronize. Let them know you support efforts that curb their use of single-use plastics and offer more sustainable alternatives. Contact your elected representatives. Communicate your interest in reducing and preventing plastic marine debris and encourage them to take action.

phone: 831-476-7667
e-mail: surfridersantacruz@yahoo.com