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A garbage island with 1,8 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing 100 tons, floats in the Pacific, devastating marine species and growing out of control every year.
An island made entirely of trash, floating in the middle of the ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is a veritable “island” made up of 1,8 trillion pieces of plastic, occupying an area three times the size of France. This phenomenon is a direct reflection of our negligent relationship with the consumption and disposal of plastic.
Plastic pollution in the oceans it's a global problem, but GPGP is undoubtedly the most striking symbol of this environmental crisis. Let’s explore what this “garbage island” is, why it is so devastating, and what we can do to address this threat.
What is Garbage Island?
The GPGP is the largest plastic accumulation zone in the oceans, located between California and Hawaii. At nearly 618 square miles in size, it is like a silent monster floating in our waters. In addition to its colossal size, the island weighs about 100 tons, the equivalent of more than 740 Boeing 777 jets.
This “island” didn’t just appear overnight. Ocean currents known as gyres carry discarded plastics out to sea to convergence points, where they accumulate over decades. Plastic bags, toothbrushes, lighters, and even phones make up this floating repository of human irresponsibility.
Devastating impacts on the marine ecosystem
The garbage patch directly affects at least 267 marine species. Among them, 86% of sea turtles and 43% of marine mammals have suffered from plastic ingestion or entanglement.
Imagine a small fish eating microplastics. Now think about the predator that eats that fish. This chain continues until it reaches us humans. Plastic isn’t just a problem in the oceans; it’s already on our plates.
Why is the problem getting worse?
Since 1945, the amount of plastic in the ocean has increased tenfold every decade. With billions of tons of plastic entering the oceans each year, the PGGP continues to grow unchecked. It’s a problem that continues to multiply.
In addition to the large pieces, microplastics pose a silent threat. Too small to be filtered, they mix with water, making them virtually impossible to remove.
- There are approximately 250 pieces of plastic for every human being on Earth floating around the island.
- Some items date back more than 50 years, such as toothbrushes and antique bottles.
- The highest estimate suggests that up to 3,6 trillion pieces of plastic are present in the patch.
Ocean plastic crisis
Projects like The Ocean Cleanup are working to remove plastic from the oceans. The goal is ambitious: to eliminate half of plastic pollution by 2027. Boats equipped with floating barriers have been instrumental in this effort.
Small changes in everyday life make a huge difference. Reduce your use of disposable plastic, opt for reusable materials and participate in awareness campaigns. Every gesture counts towards saving our oceans.
