A large amount of plastic debris has accumulated in the ocean and become the most visible sign of modern society’s environmental footprint. Visually striking images of vast amounts of ocean plastic pollution, as well as the harms inflicted as marine species ingest plastics, have increased awareness of the issue and made it a key focus of public attention.

Additionally, run-offs from agriculture and poor wastewater management continue to be a major source of ocean pollution.

Since eliminating plastic would negate the many benefits the material has provided, the harms of plastic pollution must be mitigated with responsible consumption and improved waste management. Waste management is neither costly nor technically difficult.

Businesses have a key role to play and a great responsibility to innovate solutions and adopt practices that “close the loop” and promote a circular economy. By reducing their environmental foot- print and use of virgin plastics in production, and addressing waste management within their industries, businesses can support ocean sustainability.

Ending waste entering the ocean will contribute to keeping our ocean clean and represents a tipping point for fostering a healthy and productive ocean.