Plastics, especially synthetic plastics made from fossil fuels, are integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives. It’s versatility and durability have given it popularity and notoriety. To date, no organism has evolved to digest plastic, nor does plastic degrade completely or degrade into the environment for reuse.

As humans, we have also changed our habits from reusing materials as we used to because plastic is ubiquitous and easy to use and dispose of. This discarded plastic sits in landfills, roads, rivers and oceans for many, many years.

If you're a diver reading this, you've probably dived and seen litter on the beach, seen plastic floating in the water, or even hastily tried to catch the plastic wrappers of your snacks between dives as they were torn away by the wind. Now is the time to learn more about how you can reduce plastic pollution in your environment and oceans.

One action you can take is to buy and use recycled plastic. Buying products made from recycled plastic is important as it is part of a larger movement to keep plastic out of the ocean and protect the environment, the oceans and the health of everyone on the planet.

The plastic problem

Plastic pollution causes many problems, some of which are well understood and others not so well understood. For example, the most common problem with plastic is littering. Large amounts of plastic are found on land, in rivers, lakes and oceans and it is estimated that 11 million tons end up in the ocean each year.

This is not only an aesthetic issue, but also a hazard to the environment and the health of all living things. For example, plastic pollution makes coral reefs more susceptible to disease. Seabirds have starved to death because they eat plastic and stuff their stomachs with indigestible things. Plastic pollution also poses human health concerns—from toxins that leak from plastic into food sources, to plastic surfaces that provide a basis for pathogens.

Microplastics, which are small pieces (less than 5 mm) of plastic, are an emerging problem. Recently, many scientists have focused on understanding the effects of these nearly invisible pollutants. In general, plastics degrade and break down into smaller pieces. Small organisms feed on them and enter the food chain where they are eventually eaten by humans. More research is needed to fully understand the effects and risks to humans.

Additionally, the production of plastics harms the environment because manufacturers must source natural resources, process crude oil, and use chemicals to produce plastics. The transport and processing of resources in factories results in carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Some solutions

The ultimate goal is to keep plastic out of the oceans (and the environment in general) and clean up the trash that's already there. Ideally, sustainable materials will replace plastics, which in circulation will be reused and broken down into their component parts when they can no longer be recycled.

If you're not actively involved in researching plastic alternatives or recycling plastic effectively, you might be wondering how you can be part of the solution?

It's easy! You can use upcycled products and buy products made from recycled plastic materials. This matters because you reduce the need to produce more virgin plastic, which in turn conserves natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps plastic out of landfills and the environment.

Buying products made from recycled plastic also increases demand for those products and signals to businesses, manufacturers and policymakers that more recycled plastic products are needed.

Here are some companies that sell recycled plastic products:

PADI

PADI are actively improving their sustainable practices to protect the ocean and create positive change. If you're in the market for sustainable shirts, hats and more made from recycled plastic, you should take a look at PADI Gear! Additionally, most of the physical certification cards are made from recycled plastic. 

Bureo

Bureo is a company working to tackle the plastic pollution crisis by recycling fishing nets into reusable products. Modern fishing nets use durable plastics like nylon, which means they can be easily recycled into a variety of plastic products. Bureo sells its recycled ocean plastic in products like skateboards and sunglasses.

Patagonia

Patagonia uses NetPlus® fabric to make garments from recycled plastic. Their NetPlus® collection includes shorts, hats and jackets. 

4oceans

Interested in sea plastic bracelets? Check out 4 ocean's bracelets! ocean, which makes bracelets from ocean plastic and debris, pledges to remove a pound of plastic from oceans and shores with every sale.

Mafia

Mafia manufactures and sells bags and accessories made from repurposed kiteboards, windsurf boards and sailboat sails. This is another great example of how creative thinking can extend the life and value of hard-to-recycle materials, preventing them from ending up in landfills and oceans. 

There are many other companies that manufacture and sell products made from recycled ocean plastic and plastic bottles. 

Do you want to learn and do more? Check out the links below!

• Oceans of Plastic? No Thanks.

• Top 5 Ways Divers Can Go Plastic-Free on Dive Boats

• PADI’s Plastic Free July Guide to Help Protect Sharks

• 23 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Gift Ideas for Ocean Lovers

• AWARE: Marine Debris Program | PADI

• Pillar 2 – Industry Sustainability | PADI

We all have a role to play in living sustainably and protecting our oceans. Learn more about what you can do and what PADI is doing to reduce plastic pollution.

Check out www.waterhoppers.com for more info.

Blog post inspired by https://blog.padi.com/why-buying-products-made-from-recycled-plastic-matters/