Can we save the marine ecosystem? Experts say yes-but there is no time to waste
The ocean covers 70% of the earth's surface and accounts for 99% of the earth's living space. There is no doubt that it is our largest ecosystem. But 245 kilograms of plastic enter our oceans every second, and marine ecosystems are being overwhelmed by plastic. Now is the time to take action.
This is a key issue on which we all have a responsibility to act. Ultimately, everyone—companies, governments, consumers—is needed to solve this important problem.
Under normal circumstances, the ocean plastic crisis is much more complicated than it first appeared. Many off-the-shelf alternative materials have their own environmental challenges; for example, glass and aluminum can generate more greenhouse gas emissions than plastic because they generally require more energy to manufacture, transport, and recycle, while bioplastics require air and Sunlight can completely decompose.
The disturbing fact is that plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives. Plastic has promoted the prosperity of social progress in fields ranging from medical devices to food preservation, but our over-reliance on it threatens our future.
"Over the years, plastics have played an important role in achieving some of the most influential social advancements and have helped change many elements of modern life," said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. "The result is that no matter what we produce in the next few years, a large amount of plastic has already been produced, of which only 9% is recycled.
"The key to solving this crisis is not to eliminate plastic, but to eliminate waste," Johnson continued. "This is not to say that the CPG industry will not use too much plastic that needs to be reduced, but at SC Johnson, we have a vision of a waste-free world, and we believe that this will allow us all to achieve this goal together. We need to capture what has entered Waste stream plastic and make sure we recycle it, make sure we can protect its integrity and make sure it’s still fit for purpose."
Blue paradox
The ocean plastic crisis was the subject of a panel discussion recently hosted by SC Johnson and Conservation International on September 14 as part of the launch of Blue Paradox, a 13-day immersive experience, in London the next day Opening. The panel was hosted by the Financial Times and included marine biologist Tamara Galloway (Tamara Galloway); Richard Walker, Managing Director of Icelandic Foods; Lord Deben, Chairman of the UK Climate Change Commission; Truro and Falmouth Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament Cherilyn Mackrory; Jo Ruxton, founder of Ocean Generation; Fisk Johnson and M. Sanjayan, CEO of long-term partner Conservation International. The team explored the most effective way to solve this plastic "blue paradox".
The challenges ahead are complex. The answer is not simple, and there is no single or simple solution. But all panelists agreed: We need big action, and we need it now. Recent research by the Pew Charitable Trust has shown that approximately 11 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. According to Pew's current trajectory of "business as usual", by 2040, the annual plastic flow into the ocean may be close to three times.
Perhaps even more shocking is that even if the current commitments of all major industries and governments are met, the 11 million tons will only be reduced by 7% relative to business as usual. Faced with such numbers, it is easy for people to feel helpless, but there is still hope. The ocean plastic crisis is caused in a lifetime, but it can be resolved within a generation, if not earlier. "We have seen tremendous momentum in building awareness around this issue, but it is important not to give up," Johnson said. "We are at a turning point, and we have a collective responsibility to accept change and take action. We cannot slow down."
The buck ends here
When it comes to sustainable packaging, consumers are calling for innovation. SC Johnson wants companies to help take responsibility. "As a company that uses plastics in packaging, we know that we have a responsibility to play a leadership role, but if I have learned one thing as a company trying to solve the plastic waste problem in the past 20 years, it is that this business cannot stand alone. Solve this problem," Johnson said. "This will require stronger legislation, more awareness and personal sustainable behavior, building scale in the recycling system, and huge efforts on the corporate side to create more sustainable and recyclable products. In terms of business, The key to all of this is to focus on the entire impact from cradle to cradle and choose packaging designs and materials that have the least environmental impact on the intended application."
SC Johnson has been working with organizations such as the Plastic Bank to help collect plastic waste that would otherwise flow into the ocean and reintegrate it into the new packaging of its products, including Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles and Mr Muscle, thereby closing the plastic cycle.
Consumers all over the world are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, but this problem is not caused by consumers, and the responsibility should not be entirely borne by consumers-brands, retailers, leaders and governments must do more .
Not one solution, but multiple solutions
Controversies tend to focus on "upstream" (before the product reaches the consumer) or "downstream" (post-consumer, such as recycling) solutions, but to solve the ocean plastic crisis requires a combination of the two-upstream and downstream manufacturing solutions are comparable. Combining to improve recycling efficiency at the industrial and personal levels.
The team members are very clear: We have the answer, and with the power and energy of global collective action, we can solve this waste crisis.