Plastic bags: a danger to ocean health and responsible for marine pollution

The plastic bag has become one of the most used items in the world. Despite being very affordable, it has become one of the biggest villains for the health of the environment and, above all, the oceans. According to data from the United Nations (UN) in 2018, the oceans receive around eight million tons of plastic every year. This is a shocking amount and, according to experts and researchers in the field, it could grow over the years.

Although some packaging is presented as biodegradable, this does not guarantee a considerable difference in consumption and reuse. That\'s why it\'s important to find alternatives that can truly save the planet.

In Mozambique, the problem of plastic is also evident, with specific challenges that need to be understood in order to find efficient solutions.

Mozavibe interviewed GésicaCanivete, an oceanographer and founding member of Marmo (Mar Moçambique), an association of young people who are passionate about the oceans and their diversity, and concerned about the health of the ocean.

 

Mozavibe (M): Why has plastic become one of the biggest environmental challenges of the century? Is it just because it can\'t be degraded or are there other reasons?

GésicaCanivete (GC):

Plastic has become a significant environmental challenge due to its resistance to degradation, resulting in massive accumulation and pollution. Intensive oil production, harmful chemicals and impacts on wildlife also contribute to its negative impact. Improper disposal amplifies the problem, affecting ecosystems and human health. The challenge lies in finding sustainable and practical alternatives to reduce dependence on plastic.

 

M: A lot of plastic packaging is labeled as biodegradable. Does so-called biodegradable plastic make a considerable difference to consumption?

GC: The term \"biodegradable\" on plastic packaging refers to the material\'s ability to decompose more quickly than traditional plastics. However, the presence of the \"biodegradable\" label does not guarantee a considerable difference in the consumption and reuse of plastic. In concrete terms, it can be considered a solution with limited impact, i.e. biodegradable plastics may break down faster, but the environmental impact still exists, with possible toxic waste. Secondly, there must be specific conditions: effective biodegradation requires specific conditions, which are not always present in ordinary landfills. Thirdly, Microplastics have to be considered, which come from the fragmentation of some biodegradable variants, which maintains environmental risks. Fourthly, the production and recycling of biodegradable plastics has limitations in terms of scale and infrastructure. Finally, I can say that the key is responsible consumption, reuse and the promotion of durable materials to tackle the plastic problem.

 

M: What percentage of the plastic produced in Mozambique is recycled? What would be the best way to tackle the difficulties surrounding plastic recycling?

GC: In Mozambique, the problem of plastic is also evident, with specific challenges. Waste management infrastructure can be limited, which increases the likelihood of improper disposal of plastics, contributing to environmental pollution. Environmental education initiatives are key to raising public awareness about the proper disposal of plastics and promoting sustainable practices. Exploring and promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics can be crucial, considering the diversity of ecosystems in Mozambique. A focus on local innovation to develop specific solutions can play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of plastics. International cooperation is needed. International cooperation can strengthen efforts to tackle shared challenges, such as plastic pollution, by promoting good practices and sustainable technologies. Thus, the plastics issue in Mozambique requires an integrated approach that considers existing infrastructure, promotes awareness and fosters local innovation for sustainable solutions.

 

M: Legislation on the use of plastic bags in supermarkets has been discussed in the country for a few years now, and the possibility of banning the use of these bags has also been considered, but the measure has not met with popular support. Why, in your opinion, is there still resistance to this?

GC: Several reasons can explain the resistance to banning or restricting the use of plastic bags, even when discussed in terms of legislation. Some of these reasons include resistance due to the convenience and ingrained habit of using plastic bags or when sustainable options are not easily available or perceived as expensive, a lack of awareness about environmental impacts and the need for change, resistance based on ingrained social practices associated with the use of plastic bags, and resistance when measures are not effectively enforced or penalties are not applied.

To overcome all these forms of resistance, it is essential to involve the community, provide affordable alternatives, raise awareness about environmental impacts and ensure a smooth transition through well-implemented policies and adequate enforcement.

 

M: You\'re part of Marmo (Mar Moçambique), an association of young people who are passionate about the oceans and their diversity and concerned about ocean health. What actions have you been developing for a healthy ocean?

GC: As Mar Moçambique, we are dedicated to the preservation, conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems. We have implemented several specific initiatives to mitigate and prevent marine plastic pollution, including: coastal clean-up campaigns, with the organization of events to clean up beaches and coastal areas, especially mangroves, removing waste and plastics before they reach the ocean. Environmental education actions, with educational programs for elementary school and communities, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of marine preservation, valuing mangroves and reducing pollution. We carry out studies and monitoring projects to assess the health of marine ecosystems, looking at biodiversity, water quality and the impacts of climate change. We also run programs to promote sustainable fishing, which means working with local fishermen to promote sustainable fishing practices, raising awareness of the importance of conserving marine species, and involving them in aquaculture projects, training community technicians. We collaborate with other organizations, government agencies and companies to implement joint strategies for ocean health and conservation.

These activities reflect our commitment to addressing marine plastic pollution in a comprehensive way, involving the community and establishing partnerships to achieve sustainable results.

 

M: Despite the focus on the plastic bag, for Marmo, are there other villains that jeopardize the cleanliness and sustainability of the ocean?

GC: Yes, in addition to plastic bags, Marmo recognizes that other plastic waste, such as bottles and packaging, pose significant threats to the cleanliness and sustainability of the oceans.

 

M: What hypotheses exist so far? Can Marmo envision a future without plastic in the oceans?

 

GC:Marmo believes that with continued efforts to raise awareness, effective regulation and investment in sustainable alternatives, it is possible to envision a future with less plastic in the oceans.

 

M: How has the deposit of plastic in the seas impacted the oceans? Is it possible to estimate the percentage of plastic deposited in the oceans today? Can you give us examples of how marine biodiversity has been affected as a result?

GC: The deposit of plastic in the seas has serious impacts on marine life, causing pollution, accidental ingestion by animals and damage to ecosystems. Marine biodiversity suffers from contamination and habitat degradation.

Estimating the exact percentage is challenging, but studies indicate that millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, resulting in widespread pollution.

 

M: Is it still possible to imagine a reality without addiction? Do we have alternatives to plastic today?

GC: Yes, it is possible to reduce dependence on plastic and there are several alternatives available on the market today. Although plastic is widely used due to its versatility and durability, its significant environmental impact, especially in terms of pollution in the oceans and damage to ecosystems, has made the need to look for more sustainable alternatives evident. Bioplastics can be used, which are materials similar to plastic, and can be biodegradable or compostable, reducing the environmental impact compared to conventional plastics. On the other hand, there is packaging made from biodegradable materials such as paper, straw, etc. Promoting the reuse of products and packaging can significantly reduce the need for new plastics. Opting for reusable items such as water bottles, reusable shopping bags, metal cutlery and reusable storage containers instead of disposable plastic products helps to reduce plastic consumption. But constant research is also being done to develop new materials that can replace plastic, such as more sustainable bio-based plastics, compostable materials and innovative packaging alternatives.

Although there are alternatives to plastic, the transition to these options may require large-scale changes in industries, favorable government legislation, public education and a coordinated effort by various stakeholders, including companies, governments and consumers.

 

M: Anything else you\'d like to add?

GC: The challenges we face are substantial, yet Marmo, like other organizations dedicated to marine conservation, sees crucial opportunities in innovation, education and collaboration between communities, governments and the private sector to confront the plastic crisis in the oceans. Although public interest in the problem is growing, we recognize that there is still much to be done. Every small individual change towards more sustainable alternatives represents a significant long-term step towards reducing our dependence on plastic. We believe that raising awareness and adopting sustainable practices can catalyze a positive transformation, and we are committed to inspiring change on both an individual and collective level. Together, we can build a healthier future for our oceans and the planet as a whole.