4ocean is an environmentally focused company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic pollution crisis. 4ocean just surpassed retrieving over 27 million pounds of trash and plastic from the oceans. In the following article, 4ocean reviews how plastic pollution affects climate change.
Plastic is a ubiquitous part of everyday life. It is in clothes, packaging, and recently, even in our bodies. While there are arguments that plastic is a huge convenience, there is no question that plastic is negatively affecting the planet and is making climate change worse.
4ocean on How Plastic Pollution Contributes to Climate Change
According to NASA, climate change is a long-term change in average weather patterns, mainly caused by human activity. 4ocean reviews that the planet’s overall temperature is rising, which can cause more extreme weather and more sporadic weather patterns.
Is 4ocean legitimate and how does plastic play into all of this? There are several ways 4ocean scam reports that plastic pollution contributes to climate change.
Landfills
4ocean reviews that some plastic is notoriously hard to recycle despite many robust recycling programs throughout North America. The percentage of plastic that is actually recycled is depressingly low, with most of it going into landfills or ends up in the ocean.
Landfills are anaerobic environments, meaning that there is little to no oxygen. Because there is no oxygen to help break things down, potent greenhouse gases are released instead, including methane, which is 80% more warming than carbon dioxide.
Plastic Breakdown Toxicity
Plastic, no matter if it is dumped in a landfill or the ocean, releases toxic gases when it is breaking down. Sunlight and heat cause plastic to release methane, but also ethylene, which is made from fossil fuels.
In addition, plastic materials can leach into soil and waterways, affecting the food that is grown for consumption and getting into drinking water systems. Because plastic pollution is so ubiquitous, it is hard to track when and where toxic materials are coming from and what areas it is affecting.
Burning Plastic
4ocean reviews that many countries do not have the infrastructure or land space to dump plastic, so they end up burning it instead. While this might seem like a good way to reduce plastic from getting into landfills, burning plastic waste causes dangerous air pollution and releases a lot of poisonous chemicals into the atmosphere.
For example, burning plastic can release something called black carbon, which is 5,000 times more warming than carbon dioxide. The majority of plastic is still dumped into landfills, but incineration is becoming more of an issue as more communities turn to burning plastics.
Is 4ocean Legitimate
Effects on Marine Animals
4ocean reviews that plastic pollution will eventually break down but what it turns into is potentially worse for the environment and for marine life: microplastics. Oceans are vital to the planet because many marine animals will take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere via photosynthesis and release oxygen.
Studies have shown that microplastics can affect organisms’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide, which results in more warming carbon dioxide hanging around. When microplastics are ingested, creatures have more issues growing, reproducing, and capturing carbon.
What is the Solution to Plastic Pollution and Climate Change
More people are reducing their carbon footprint through greener transportation and energy use; however, plastic continues to be an issue. 4ocean reviews what can be done:
Be a Conscientious Shopper
So much plastic comes from shopping. From plastic bags to take-out containers to products made with plastics, it is everywhere. Read labels and look for natural fibers, such as cotton. Bring reusable items, such as straws and utensils when going out, and invest in a reusable water bottle to reduce the need for plastic water bottles.
In addition, there is no need to buy or use plastic when shopping. Instead of using plastic bags for groceries or produce, bring a reusable bag, or use a mesh produce bag. There are a lot of options for cute reusable straws, containers for household products, and makeup. It just takes a little extra effort!
Fight for the Circular Economy
4ocean reviews that the circular economy is one where society focuses on reusing, repairing, or sharing things rather than throwing them away and buying new items. This is easier said than done, but communities can do their part by voting for greener legislation or finding places that will take items they no longer need.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that by supporting the circular economy, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 25% and generate annual savings of $200 billion. It will not be easy because polluting infrastructures are already in place, but with knowledge and education, people can change the world for the better.
