The Great Pacific Ocean Patch…

Plastic is one of the most used, and hazardous, products that man has made.  During my energy assessment training, provided by the Seeds program, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was brought to my attention.  Of all the plastic humanity uses [about 200 billion pounds a year], ten percent ends up floating in the ocean.  This sad fact can be seen in in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, where four ocean currents meet.  At this gyre, an ocean mass of garbage, bigger than the size of Texas, floats. Scientists say that there is six times more plastic than there is the natural organism, plankton.  Among this synthetic material, creatures like sea anemones, crabs, and sponges are trying to cope with the inexplicable loss of their home. Not only is this a problem in the Pacific Ocean, but is also affecting the Atlantic. More and more garbage buildups are appearing.  Though, there may be a solution. It is said by scientists that the plastic can possibly be turned into fuel.  Yet, humanity can indeed find better ways of putting a stop to the growing collection of waste materials in the precious water systems of this planet.  Simply…Recycle. Reuse. Reduce.

Intern:  Elizabeth Danon