110 - Great Pacific Garbage Patch: Plastics Made It Possible

Listen in as we discuss the enormous issue of garbage patches forming in the ocean and the types of debris found within them. We also chat about what plastic is, why we’re so addicted to it as a society, and what we all can do to prevent plastic pollution. BIG TAKEAWAY: Plastic does not degrade, and much of it is not recyclable. The best way to prevent plastic pollution is to limit its use by replacing plastic items with sustainable materials, electing officials who will put anti-plastic legislation into action (GO VOTE!!), and by supporting companies who make sustainable alternatives. Resources: 💡 Researcher Spotlight: Captain Charles Moore @captaincharliemoore 🔎Deeper Dive Read: marinedebris.noaa.gov/discover-marine-debris/garbage-patches 🌊Conservation in Action: The Ocean Cleanup @theoceancleanup 🤙Episode Shoutouts: Algalita Marine Research Foundation @algalita Adventure Ecology @plastiki Plastic Pollution Coalition @plasticpollutes Maura Heeley @maura_heeley 5 Gyres Institute @5gyres 4Ocean @4ocean Breakfreefromplastic.org (BFFP) @breakfreefromplastic Debris Free Oceans @debrisfreeoceans 🛍️Ash's plastic alternative brand suggestions: Quip @quip Bite @bite Pela @pelacase Swway @swway Art by Fox and Fish Printing @foxandfishprinting Music by Garrett Gordon and Steve Colwell of High and Dry @highanddryrock