For my last post, I would like to discuss some positive pollution updates and inform you about upcoming projects several countries across the world are planning to enact in order to decrease pollution production. I have realized in many of my previous posts, I have discussed a variety of gloomy or sad topics when considering ocean and environmental pollution or the endangerment of marine species. Though it is necessary to hear and learn about these topics, as we continue to learn more about our Earth and the environment, many positive outcomes begin to emerge in terms of climate change and pollution control. 

Ocean Cleanup Project in Indonesia:

Indonesia is considered to be one of the top plastic pollution producers in the world. In fact, scientists believe they contribute the second largest amount of ocean plastic pollution, next to China. According to Nature Communications, approximately 15% of all the plastic found in the ocean is from Indonesia. Recognizing this problem, in 2017, the country announced that they would be spending $1 billion annually in efforts to reduce their plastic consumption and production in our oceans. Their overall goal is to reduce 70% of their plastic pollution by the year 2025. This is an amazing and extensive plan which focuses on educating the public on plastic pollution, supporting the production of biodegradable products, and much more. 

Plastic Free Implementations in Western Africa:

Off the western coast of Africa you can find the small, tropical island called Principe. By the end of 2020, this island plans on becoming completely plastic free. Though they have a considerably small population, this specific island has one of the most unique ecosystems. The island is home to many endemic plant and animal species which are found nowhere else in the world. Excessive plastic production in the surrounding ocean ecosystem and jungles could severely impact the wildlife found on the island. Therefore, in 2014, Principe enacted a plastic exchange program and have drastically increased their efforts throughout the past several years in order to become completely plastic free. As a part of their plastic exchange program, citizens can bring their plastic bottles and other products to their local harbor where they are collected and shipped to a recycling center in a different country. Since the island is so small, they do not have enough space for waste, especially plastic waste which takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. This is another reason why they enacted their plastic free plans. The plastic exchange program is also said to be a motivation for the community, especially for the children, because they can exchange 50 plastic bottles for a reusable metal water bottle!

Low Trash Production in Sweden:

I feel like I always hear amazing things about Sweden’s environmental plans and prevention methods. This country has become so efficient at recycling their trash that they encourage other countries to send their trash to them! According to Blue Ocean Network, approximately 4% of Sweden’s household waste ends up in the landfills. The remainder of their trash production is either recycled or used as fuel, since Sweden uses waste-to-energy power plants. However, the citizens of Sweden do not produce the necessary amount of trash to keep the power plants running. Therefore, they take trash from surrounding countries, such as Norway. This honestly blew my mind, we really need to step up our game in the United States and start to implement new plans for waste removal such as the waste-to-energy power plants in Sweden!