AN OCEAN FULL OF PLASTIC
Ocean pollution from plastic is a critical global issue, with millions of tons flooding our seas annually. It’s unbelievable that plastic could outnumber fish in our oceans by 2050, but it’s a reality we must confront. Beyond harming marine life and polluting coastal areas, plastic pollution poses a hidden threat to our health. Invisible microplastics may be making their way into our food, posing a risk we may not even be aware of.
AROUND THE WORLD AGAINST PLASTIC
Ocean pollution has many faces. I’ve witnessed plastic bottles drifting miles offshore and waste patches floating in harbor areas. These scenes motivated me to take action against this enormous problem. That’s when I decided to contribute my part through the Voyage for the Voiceless Campaign. During my solo circumnavigation as the youngest German-speaking sailor, I focus on collecting waste from the ocean.
Along the way, we organize public beach cleanups to directly tackle the pollution problem. After these cleanups, we host movie nights, showcasing inspiring films about the incredible efforts people have made to fight environmental pollution. These events aim to raise awareness and motivate others to join the cause.
Our oceans don’t have a voice. But we do.
STATISTICS
Start Date:
25.09.2024
Distance sailed:
Waste collected:
Progress:
WHERE WASTE WAS FOUND
On the map below you can see where waste was found along the way. Zoom in and click on an item for more information.
Next Cleanup soon to be announced!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OCEAN POLLUTION
Plastic waste in the ocean primarily comes from improper disposal on land, where litter is carried by wind and rain into rivers that lead to the sea. Additionally, stormwater and sewage systems often transport plastics directly into waterways. Maritime activities like shipping and fishing also contribute by releasing debris, while industrial processes can introduce plastic pellets and microplastics into the environment.
Plastic waste severely impacts marine life and ecosystems, causing harm or death to sea creatures through ingestion or entanglement. Chemicals from plastics can leach into the water and enter the food chain, leading to broader ecological consequences. This pollution disrupts habitats and threatens biodiversity in the oceans.
Large plastic debris in the ocean over time breaks down into microplastics, which are difficult to remove and enter marine food chains. Plastic waste is described as microplastics if it’s smaller than 5 mm. Those little pieces of plastic can enter the food chain of marine mammals and cause serious health-related risks or lead to death. Even if you probably didn’t notice it by now, also you could have eaten microplastic through the consumption of fish.