Notes

Source: Ocean Conservancy
We’ve picked up more than 220 million pounds of trash in the last 30 years.
Scientists estimate that more than 8 million metric tons of plastic is entering our ocean every year.
228,919,809
pounds of trash collected since 1985
12,160,724
volunteers since 1985
Plastic has been found in 59% of sea birds like albatross and pelicans, in 100% of sea turtle species, and more than 25% of fish sampled from seafood markets around the world.
Marine debris isn’t an ocean problem—it’s a people problem. That means people are the solution
SOLUTION
We mobilize the International Coastal Cleanup—the world’s largest volunteer effort on behalf of ocean health. This year’s International Coastal Cleanup is Saturday, September 15th, 2018.
We research and share key details about what’s trashing our ocean with the public, the scientific community and decision makers.
We prevent trash from entering the waters by working with everyone from individuals to businesses to change the products, practices and behaviors that lead to ocean trash.
Empower people. We lead a movement of people taking concrete actions every day to protect our ocean. We’re bringing useful tips to people on every street corner, creek bed and coastal waterway to empower them to stop the flow of trash before it hits our shores.
Strengthen the science. Ocean Conservancy is leading scientific work with business and academic partners to improve our knowledge of the ocean trash issue.
Engage everyone in solutions. We can’t do this alone, so we’re bringing together leaders from industry, government, NGO partners and the scientific community through the Trash Free Seas Alliance® to bring systemic, durable solutions to the ocean trash issue.
Promote good policies. Ocean Conservancy built support for the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act and its companion bill in the Senate, the Trash Free Seas Act, to strengthen a national focus on marine debris.