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Oceans Integrity: Implementing the Ocean Clean Up!

Oceans Integrity 2023: If you’re a fan of DNCE and are eager to eat “Cake By the Ocean”, that might only be possible with the help of Oceans Integrity. With an estimated 200 million tons of plastic already accumulated in the oceans, you might be able to walk across the ocean before your cake is baked. But don’t stop dreaming, because Oceans Integrity is fighting to bring about lasting change that will reduce ocean pollution and reverse the impact of plastic on our beaches, rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. What sets Oceans Integrity apart is cutting-edge technology and local indigenous communities to move beyond surface-only cleanup. So, read on to understand the deeper issues that affect plastic in the ocean that also boost local economies that are affected by our garbage.

Who is Oceans Integrity?

Oceans Integrity is an organization dedicated to preserving the health of our oceans and stimulating local economies. The team works with local communities, leveraging their knowledge and expertise to create new and innovative approaches that benefit both coastal areas and the people who rely on them for their livelihoods.

The team developed Oceans Integrity to tackle the Earth-wide issue of plastic waste in our oceans and waterways. Its main goal is to prevent any additional dumping of plastic, as well as greatly reduce already existing contamination levels.

New innovative ways to clean the ocean

Unique patented technology

Their first advantage is the technology that they have created. By taking advantage of this patented technology, Oceans Integrity is able to stop pollution in rivers that act like highways for plastic entering our seas. By preventing plastic from being swept away into the ocean, they help to reduce its devastating impacts on marine life and lessen the potential costs for retrieval. What truly sets Oceans Integrity apart is its capacity for removing microplastics as well. Surface skimmers are not capable of catching the minuscule pieces of plastic that are consumed by fish and eventually make their way into our food systems.

Stimulating local economies

The second advantage: Not only is plastic in our oceans an immense threat to marine life, but it also has a tremendous impact on the livelihoods of communities that depend on Fishing and Tourism. After all, who wants to eat their Cake by the Ocean on a beach that is covered in garbage? By joining forces with local fishermen and their communities, they have become a trailblazer in giving life back to economies that are greatly impacted by the growing plastic pollution.

Three issues, one approach

They have a unique local approach to taking action and are making an impact worldwide to address three monumental issues:

  1. Restoring the planet’s oceans by reclaiming plastic at the source
  2. Pumping money back into area economies by creating jobs in vital industries such as fisheries and tourism which are directly affected by the accumulation of plastic on their shores.
  3. They work with people on every continent to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and promote better waste management solutions through education.

Not only does this reduce waste but also promotes sustainability of the entire ecosystem! People, planet, profit. With the aid of advanced technologies and close collaboration with local communities, Oceans Integrity is dedicated to educating and implementing innovative plastic waste reclamation and recycling solutions. Learn more by scrolling down and getting a copy of How to Clean the Plastics From Our Oceans, available exclusively right here!

Meet Harri, Ambassador with Oceans Integrity in Asia

Bio: Harri Jordan

Harri has always been drawn to the sea and its preservation. After finding plastic bags on her fishing line in the middle of her crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, she vowed to find solutions for this increasing problem. It was then that she discovered Oceans Integrity, a transparent organization devoted to eradicating plastic waste in waterways on an immense scale. Without hesitation, she joined their team and went to work on saving our oceans and the communities that they support.

What is the plastic circular economy?

As it suggests, the plastic circular economy is a closed-loop production system for plastic materials. It works to reduce the need for virgin raw materials and energy by keeping products, components, and materials at their highest value throughout the entire product lifetime. The goal of this approach is to keep plastic out of landfills and our oceans – reducing pollution while creating jobs.

What is the new plastics economy global commitment?

In October 2018, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the UN Environment Programme joined together to launch the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. It is a groundbreaking agreement connecting businesses with a common goal of reducing plastic consumption. In response to this Commitment, Oceans Integrity developed new technologies to be used in the fight to remove plastic from the oceans.

Where is Oceans Integrity active?

They are currently active in a number of countries whose economies have been affected by plastic pollution. These include the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Columbia, and India. By creating eco-friendly businesses in these countries, they are helping to improve the livelihoods of locals while providing green jobs that benefit both people and the planet. The team is passionate about restoring our marine environment, one community at a time.

FAQ on ocean cleanup

How does supporting local businesses help the economy?

In many developing nations, plastic waste is a major issue and an undeniable pollutant. Supporting local businesses to collect, process, and recycle this waste into usable products can create green jobs that help the community become more stable and self-sustaining. Furthermore, the revenue generated from selling these recycled goods can be reinvested in education, infrastructure, and other projects beneficial to the local population. This helps to create a positive environment for economic growth and development. As a result, the entire community benefits from these initiatives!

How many tons of plastic enter the ocean each year?

It is estimated that there are over 14 million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. This amount is expected to double in the next decade if no action is taken. Oceans Integrity is committed to reducing this number through their various initiatives, and by working closely with local communities. They believe that together we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for our oceans and planet!

What are blue carbon credits?

Blue carbon credits are what link conservation and restoration projects to the climate change mitigation goals. These credits are awarded to projects that store carbon in coastal ecosystems such as wetlands, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and salt marshes. The carbon stored in these areas helps reduce global warming by keeping carbon dioxide out of Earth’s atmosphere. While ocean plastic pollution is not considered a major source of carbon, the clean-up projects that Oceans Integrity works on help draw attention to eroded areas.

How much plastic is removed from the ocean each year?

It is estimated that less than 1% of the 14 million tons of plastic that finds its way into our oceans is removed every year. This statistic does include the 200 million tons of plastic garbage that have already accumulated in the oceans. Nor does it include the millions of tons of plastic that are choking the 372,000 miles or 598,675 kilometers of coastline around the globe.

What’s the black economy?

Also known as the black market, the black economy is a system of underground economic transactions that exist outside of government regulation. Transactions in the black economy are illegal and often involve activities such as drug dealing and human trafficking. The sale of goods and services within the black economy results in lost taxes to governments and a lack of consumer protection for buyers. This can have serious economic implications for countries around the world.

What is the brown economy?

The brown economy refers to illegal and often environmentally damaging activities such as wildlife poaching and hazardous waste dumping. This type of activity has a devastating impact on ecosystems and can have serious consequences for local communities. Governments are working to reduce these types of activities through enforcement and regulation in order to create a more sustainable future.

What is the white economy?

The white economy refers to healthcare. This industry encompasses a multitude of services, products, and activities related to caregiving manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and technologies. Furthermore, it includes wholesalers and retailers along with a host of services such as private hospitals, health professionals, and spas.

What is the orange economy?

The orange economy is rooted in the idea that creativity and culture can be used as a powerful driving forces for economic growth. It encompasses all activities related to creativity, innovation, art, design, and culture that generate monetary value when exchanged in the marketplace. This involves businesses from a wide range of industries such as fashion, music, film, gaming, publishing, and digital media.

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