Ocean Cleanup Initiative Removes Tons of Plastic

Ocean cleanup initiatives have been making significant strides in removing plastic pollution from marine environments. One notable effort is by The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization aiming to rid the oceans of plastic. They have reached a milestone by removing more than 100,000 kg (220,462 lbs) of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) since their operations began in August 2021. Their system, known as System 002 or “Jenny,” has collected plastic over 45 extractions, covering an area of over 3,000 km²​​​​.

Another impressive contribution comes from more than 3,100 volunteers who, as part of the 2023 Global Ocean Cleanup, removed 88,004 lbs (39,911 kg, or 44 tons) of trash from marine and coastal environments worldwide. This collaborative initiative united organizations, brands, and artists to combat ocean plastic pollution​​.

These efforts are part of a broader movement towards eliminating plastic waste from the oceans, aiming for a significant reduction by 2040. The Ocean Cleanup’s approach includes intercepting plastic in rivers to prevent it from reaching the oceans and directly removing what has already accumulated in the sea​​.