How to reduce ocean plastic pollution in 2026
Ocean plastic pollution is a major concern for the planet and its wildlife. Make 2026, the year you help reduce plastic pollution on our UK shores.
Before you continue
Marine Conservation Society staff members campaigning for cleaner seas
Credit: Irene Cantizano
Why we need to clean up the ocean from plastic pollution
Because of its versatility and our dependence on it, plastic pollution is at an all-time high. We see the effects of this most clearly in our ocean. The plastic we use and see in our everyday lives ends up in the sea through wind, water streams and our sewage systems. In fact, it is said that 80% of plastic in the ocean originated on land. Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t end there; a lot of plastic also ends up polluting beaches, shorelines and estuaries.
Not only do beaches and coasts look dirty, reducing tourism to our island nation, but it has a long-lasting effect on our planet too. The plastic that ends up at the coast and in the sea causes major health concerns on local wildlife which can, in turn, cause huge concerns for our future too.
What is the best way to reduce plastic pollution?
There has been some debate whether we can ever truly clean the ocean of all plastic since so much of it sinks and becomes part of the seabed. Removing this plastic would have drastic effects on wildlife, which rely on the seabed as a habitat for shelter and food.
The best solution to reducing plastic pollution is to focus on the areas we can have the greatest impact on; our rivers and coastlines. Not only is this sort of action accessible, it also allows us all to tackle the area where the majority of plastic pollution originally comes from.
By doing our part, no matter where you are located in the United Kingdom, we can reduce ocean plastic build up by restricting how much ends at our coasts and shoreline.
