While bringing global change may take some time, these companies and individuals have already developed various ways to reduce plastic pollution.
Plastic Bank
According to its founder David Katz, "The only way to stop ocean plastic is to show the value to the collectors." The company does this by rewarding people who collect ocean plastic with cash, goods, or services. The garbage collected is recycled and sold to companies that pay above-market prices to help the cause.
Liter of Light
Since 2011, Liter of Light has been transforming plastic bottles into light sources (光源). There are millions of people who have no access to electricity. The company attaches plastic bottles filled with water and bleach to roofs. They reflect sunlight into the dark, windowless homes during the day. When the sun sets, a micro solar panel (太阳能电池板) helps power an LED bulb (灯泡).
The Ocean Cleanup Foundation
In 2013, 18-year-old Boyan Slat dropped out of college to start The Ocean Cleanup Foundation. The young inventor developed the first operational cleanup system in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The system is designed to collect the surface garbage as it floats past. The accumulated plastic will be brought to land for recycling. Slat believes his invention will allow us to clean 50 percent of the patch within five years.
You and Me
We don't have to be part of a major movement to help make a difference. Simply choosing to recycle, reuse, or avoiding plastic altogether can be a great start to reduce the waste. In addition, there are many other ways to reduce our ecological footprint. Consider walking instead of driving, taking shorter showers, ditching plastic straws, or even planting a tree!
