So, what can you do about plastic pollution?

Tips from the Oceanic Society (www.oceanicsociety.org)

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics
Wherever you live, the easiest and most direct way that you can get  started is by reducing your own use of single-use plastics. Single-use  plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws, cups, utensils,  dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that  are used once and then discarded. 

The best way to do this is by a) refusing any single-use plastics  that you do not need (e.g. straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils,  takeout containers), and b) purchasing, and carrying with you, reusable  versions of those products, including reusable grocery bags, produce bags, water bottles, utensils, coffee cups, dry cleaning garment bags.  And when you refuse single-use plastic items, help businesses by letting them know that you would like them to offer alternatives. 

2. Recycle Properly
This should go without  saying, but when you use single-use (and other) plastics that can be  recycled, always be sure to recycle them. At present, just 9% of the plastic is recycled worldwide!   Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount  of “new” plastic in circulation. If you need help finding a place to  recycle plastic waste near you check Earths 911 recycling directory. It's also important to check with your local recycling center about the types of plastic they accept.

3. Participate In (or Organize) a Beach or River Cleanup
Help remove plastics from the ocean and prevent them from getting there in the first place by participating in, or organizing a cleanup of your local beach or waterway. This is one of the most direct and  rewarding ways to fight ocean plastic pollution. You can simply go to  the beach or waterway and collect plastic waste on your own or with friends or family, or you can join a local organization’s cleanup or an  international event like the International Coastal Cleanup. 

4. Support Bans
Many municipalities around the world have enacted bans on single use plastic bags, takeout containers, and bottles. You can support the adoption of such policies in your community. 

5. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads
Tiny plastic particles, called "microbeads" have become a growing source of ocean plastic pollution in recent  years. Microbeads are found in some face scrubs, toothpastes, and  body washes, and they readily enter our oceans and waterways through our  sewer systems, and affect hundreds of marine species. Avoid products  containing plastic microbeads by looking for "polythene" and  “polypropylene” on the ingredient labels of your cosmetic products.

6. Spread the Word
Stay informed on issues related to plastic pollution and help make  others aware of the problem. Tell your friends and family about how they  can be part of the solution, or host a viewing party for one of the  many plastic pollution focused documentaries, like Bag IT, Addictied to Plastic, Plasticized, or Garbage Island. 

7. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution
There are many non-profit organizations working to reduce and  eliminate ocean plastic pollution in a variety of different ways. Donate money or your time to one of the non profits.