PLASTIC OCEAN June 2014 | Page 15

by M. Mims

Independent scientists, government agencies, private industry and others have been conducting research for decades on the scope and sources of marine debris. Interest in marine debris rose with the widespread use of long-lasting fishing nets and gear, as well as lightweight plastic products that float instead of sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Over the years plastic makers and recyclers have invested billions of dollars to develop and help support a nationwide infrastructure to recycle plastics, and we continue to develop new, innovative programs to collect additional plastic products. The plastic industries of the American Chemistry Council also support a growing number of education and research programs around the country to encourage people to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.8

HAS ANYONE NOTICED THE PLASTIC OCEAN?!