Photo of a green plastic recycling bin isolated on a white background

Plastics – whether in the form of trash bags, cleaning tools or cleaning chemical containers — are essential to custodial professional’s jobs. However, it’s important to make sure that we follow recycling practices that help keep the oceans free of plastic pollution, according to an article on the GradSchools.com website.

Some manufacturers are making biodegradable plastics from plants instead of fossil fuels. Others are working to convert plastics back into the fossil fuels where they were derived.

But much plastic pollution damage has been done. Estimates say that about 20 percent of the trash in the ocean comes from ships and platforms that are offshore. Other studies say 44 percent of all seabirds have plastic in and around their bodies.

In the end, it’s hard to say exactly how much plastic is in the oceans because it ranges from plastic bags and bottles to tiny microbeads.

One study estimated, though, that plastic has already caused about $13 billion in damages to marine ecosystems. This pollution is dangerous for humans, too. Plastics can contain many toxins, including lead, cadmium, mercury, diethylhexyl phthalate (DHP), and health-bisphenol-A (BPA), the article said.

All of these have been found in ocean fish and can cause cancer, birth defects, immune system problems, childhood developmental issues and human hormonal function.

The best way to help reduce plastic pollution is to cut back on the amount of plastic you use and be mindful of which suppliers have responsible manufacturing and recycling practices. And of course, recycle the plastic you use.

Read the full article.