So my eldest came home from school this week and told me that 14 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Well, she’s right. Plastic is the most common debris found in our rivers and oceans. In fact, the WWF tells us by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in our oceans. I use ‘our’ because the waters belong to all of us. We are intrinsically linked to the ocean. It provides us with oxygen, food, climate regulation, jobs, and travel. It’s something shared that we can all protect and nurture.

So what are the effects of plastic pollution?

Ocean pollution can destroy ecosystems and hurt sea animals like whales, fish, birds, and turtles. Not only does it affect our marine species and ecosystems, but it also impacts human health. Microplastics are found in tap water and the food we eat from the sea. This can harm our physical well-being. The Guardian tells us how microplastics have been even found in the placentas of unborn babies. The ocean also produces more than half our oxygen so it is quite literally the air we breathe.

World Oceans Day 2022

World Oceans Day occurs annually on the 8th of June. This year’s theme is Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean and is hosted by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. It is all about the positive impact we can make when we work together to change things. Sir David Attenborough’s plastic message from the BBC is an inspiring but frank message about the effects of plastic pollution and what we can do about it as a collective. It may not be appropriate for smaller listening ears so please watch and read anything first before passing on the information.

Take Action as a Family

How do we help children understand the effects of plastic pollution without causing worry or anxiety? It’s important to talk about the subject but in a way that doesn’t cause kids guilt or stress. It’s really great to empower them with ideas to make a difference. Here are our top tips:

• Learn about the journey of plastic.
• Try reducing single-use plastic use.
• Choose sustainable food options.
• Connect with nature and care for the environment.
• Dispose of plastic correctly and always recycle.
• Pick up litter at your nearest beach with friends.

So there really is lots we can do. We all have the power to change things. Let’s all come together and make a difference for the future of our beautiful planet. You and everyone else will benefit.

Samantha Redgrave-Hogg