An Ocean Full of Plastic
More plastic in our oceans than fish? It sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? But what if I told you that this could become a reality by 2050? Yes, you heard right. Ocean pollution from plastic is a critical global issue, with millions of tons of plastic flooding our seas every year. The problem extends far beyond harming marine life and polluting coastal areas. Have you ever considered that you might be eating plastic? It might seem unlikely, but the invisible microplastics could be making their way into your food, posing a hidden threat to your health, which you might 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.
Campaign Statistics
Start Date:
25.09.2024
Distance sailed:
Waste collected:
Progress:
The map below shows information about collected waste along the route and places where beach cleanups are held. To see information about an item click on it.
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.