What can you do to help reduce ocean pollution?

Each year, over 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans, and though certain regions of the world are particularly affected, it’s a worldwide problem. And one that’s getting worse! 

80% of ocean waste flows from debris that ended up in our waterways. When trash like plastic grocery bags, styrofoam, snack packaging, and cigarette butts are not collected and disposed of properly, it can make its way through storm drains, canals, and rivers that lead all the way to the ocean—harming plants and animals along the way. It has a direct impact on human health too: as the debris breaks down into microplastics, it can enter and pollute our food chain. Fighting the problem at the source is the most effective way to deal with it. We can all do our part by responsibly disposing of our own waste, and picking up litter that we come across—and by being conscious that whatever we see polluting the street may very well end up in the ocean. 

Encouraging good behavior is important, but is it enough? It’s vital to put systems in place to take action and fight the problem. The TerraCycle Global Foundation was created for that very purpose: to reduce the flow of plastic waste from rivers and canals before it can reach the ocean. 

Pulling waste from waterways

In close partnership with local communities, the TerraCycle Global Foundation designs world-class river waste prevention, collection, and recycling solutions in regions of the world where river and canal pollution is a major issue.

The foundation targets waste upstream. This ensures it doesn’t have time to break down into microplastics and other chemicals, which are extremely harmful to marine and human life. Because the waste isn’t broken down, they are able to collect greater quantities. Less degraded waste is also more recyclable, therefore the reliance on natural resources to make new products diminishes.

Since July 2020, the foundation has deployed three river plastic traps in the heavily-polluted Lat Phrao Canal in Bangkok (Thailand). Since then, these traps have enabled the foundation to remove roughly 16,500 pounds of waterway trash per week.

Recycling the waste 

From toys to motorcycle helmets, the foundation pulls a great deal of trash from the waterways. In less than 3 years, their efforts have led to a whopping 1,543,236 lbs of waste being removed from Thai rivers and canals. The foundation’s approach has four pillars: 1-removing waste from waterways, 2-creating local jobs, 3-engaging local communities by raising awareness about the impact of poor waste management, and 4-identifying innovative recycling solutions and end-markets to sell the collected materials. The foundation recycles as much as it can locally. The rest of the trash is converted to energy, so it can’t pollute again. The TerraCycle Global Foundation is committed to sending zero waste to landfill.  

Engaging with communities

Litter picking upstream means that larger quantities are collected. The consequences of poor waste management are reinforced by this striking visual. The foundation has partnered with governments, schools, communities, universities, local businesses, and religious organizations to provide a solid framework to foster environmental awareness and education in regions that need it most. By employing local residents and providing training, equipment, and tools, the TerraCycle Global Foundation is actively creating jobs and helping local economies.  

What you can do to help!

You can help by supporting the TerraCycle Global Foundation on its mission to reduce the flow of waste before it can reach the ocean. For every dollar donated, they are able to remove 2 lbs of waste from rivers and canals. 100% of your donation directly funds the foundation’s work, and no matter the amount—your donation will make a difference. 

Donate today!