Solving the entire problem will require radical changes at the individual, corporate, and governmental levels of society. In addition to these efforts, cleanup of the oceanic accumulation zones is necessary; plastic in these zones does not go away by itself and it creates an ecological risk as it breaks down into more dangerous microplastics. Intercepting plastic before it reaches the ocean, rather than waiting for policy/societal change, will also help in limiting the effects plastic has on sea life, economies, and human health.
The Ocean Cleanup can significantly reduce the concentration of plastic in the ocean garbage patches and work with stakeholders all over the world to intercept plastic in the world’s most polluted rivers. With the application of these solutions, our aim is to reduce 90% of the floating plastic pollution by 2040.