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.