HANDS CALL Hands Call Edition 2 | Page 10

Solutions for Ocean Pollution Yarlagadda Sambasiva Rao Ocean pollution is a major threat to both marine life and ocean ecosystems. Changes can be made on global and individual scales to make a big impact towards preserving the oceans and saving its marine inhabitants. A. Large Scale Solutions for Ocean Pollution It's hard to clean up mass pollution once it has occurred, so the best plan is prevention. Several changes can take place to help keep industry in check and encourage sustainable practices in the US and across the globe such as:  Stricter government regulations on industry and manufacturing is one large scale solution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enacted several laws to help protect beaches, reduce pollution from ships, reduce marine debris, and prohibit ocean dumping.  Implement renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to limit off-shore drilling. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tracks renewable ocean energy projects and offers analysis on how renewable energy can impact oceans throughout the United States.  Limit agricultural pesticides and encourage organic farming and eco-friendly pesticide use. There are several federal laws and regulations that help prevent the sale and use of substandard pesticides. The Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to evaluate the impact of pesticides on endangered species and their habitats, including those in the ocean.  Proper sewage treatment and exploration of eco-friendly wastewater treatment options, such as recycling sewage sludge to carbon-phosphorous fertilizer, are other solutions. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA offers assistance for recycling bio-solids and regulates sewage sludge to help minimize metal concentrations in water.  Cut down on industry and manufacturing waste and contain landfills so they don't spill into the ocean. The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments passed in 1984 set standards for landfills and placed restrictions on where landfills may be located.  According to the National Ocean Service, the largest source of ocean pollution is non-source pollution caused by runoff. The best way you can help prevent large scale ocean pollution by agriculture, industry, and manufacturing is to elect and support legislators who back legislation to protect oceans and limit environmental pollution. B. Changes to Make at Home Some of the best solutions for ocean pollution starts with you. Even if you live in a place that is landlocked, your actions still affect the ocean's health. You've probably heard a lot about adopting a "green" lifestyle. Most of these basic principles also apply to protecting the oceans. C. Help Reduce Ground Leaching Take these steps to help reduce the amount of chemicals and toxic materials from leaching into the ground and ultimately, the ocean:  Reduce your use of fertilizers and avoid using chemical pesticides in your yard.  Eat organic whenever possible to help ultimately limit the demand for chemical pesticides.  Clean your home with lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar instead of toxic cleaners.  Properly dispose of motor oil, light bulbs, medications, and other hazardous items.