DIY – Marine Debris

Topic Key

Biological Consequences

Marine Debris Concepts

Pathways

Sources of Marine Debris

Strategies for Mitigation

Source: Ocean Conservancy

"Every year during Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, hundreds of thousands of volunteers comb lakes, rivers and beaches around the world for trash. Over the course of nearly three decades, more than 9 million volunteers have collected nearly 164 million pounds of trash. But our ocean needs help more than once a year, and you can take a lead role on the front line of one of the world’s most preventable problems by doing your own beach or waterway cleanup. Next time you’re headed out to the beach or a nearby park, take along a trash bag and an Ocean Conservancy Data Form to collect and document the debris you find."

Student cleaning up a beach. (Source: Nature Conservancy).

Source: exxpedition

"Lula Gil founded Water Journey, a movement communicating sustainability through art and water sports. Her art consists of transforming plastic waste she finds at Rio de la Plata River, into pieces of art to raise awareness about the plastic pollution affecting the seas and inspire people to connect with Mother Nature through their habits. For her, art evokes sensitivity and helps to understand this topic from an intimate perspective. Here is a quick and easy step-by-step guide with a few tips to create plastic art."

Art created from marine debris. (Source: exxpedition)

Source: Ocean Conservancy

"Marine debris isn’t an ocean problem—it’s a people problem. That means people are the solution. And, tackling the problem of plastic in the ocean begins on land. Although it may seem daunting, there are simple actions we can take to reduce waste and prevent debris. If you’re feeling crafty, here are some DIY projects that will transform plastic into something you can use in your home or garden."

Vertical garden created from plastic bottles. (Source: Rosenbaum)

DIY Tips from the Experts

Family Handyman
MechStuff
Scientific American
Lifehacker