Gyre Clean Up Blog
All Our Oceans are Filling with Plastic & Toxins
The Atlantic Gets Its Own Great Plastic Garbage Patch
by Matthew McDermott, New York, NY 
on 02.24.10
Plastic marine debris collected in a surface plankton net tow. Photo: Sea Education Association.
Though it hasn't garnered nearly as much attention as its plastic-ridden analog in the Pacific, the North Atlantic Ocean too has its very own gigantic patch of floating plastic waste. Recently the 5 Gyres project has brought some attention to it, and now BBC News reports that scientists from the Sea Education Association have completed a 20 year study on it:
In studying the problem, researchers completed over 6,000 passes with towed nets in the Caribbean and North Atlantic. Over 80% of the plastic pieces were found between 22 and 38° north latitude.
More than half of them picked up floating plastic on the water surface, mostly pieces of plastic from consumer products and plastic bags. Most of the pieces were no more than one centimeter across. The maximum density of plastic was found to be 200,000 pieces of plastic per square kilometer--which is similar to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
SEA Sailing From Bermuda This Summer for Further Plastic Study
Expanding on this research, SEA is planning another expedition this
summer to study the accumulating plastic. The expedition will sail a
3300 nautical mile route some 1100 miles southeast of Bermuda,
exploring a region not previously sampled. Sail is most often used
not-literally these days, but in this case it is literal: The SEA
expedition will travel on a 134-foot long brig rigged ship, the SSV
Corwith Cramer.
Our Finest Moment !!!
One of the biggest challenges and greatest
opportunities that face humanity today is that we have lost touch with our
Oceans, ultimately Earth. We have become so accustomed to living in modern
society that we barely know where our own food comes from, and we are not
talking about the store. This continual separation from source to output has put us at risk for
unknowingly supporting procedures and processes that might not be serving our
long term goals, like living on a healthy planet.
Even considering where your water
comes from. Do you happen to know? If you do, great! If you
don't, how would you find out? This new appreciation for understanding
the system allows each of us to stop and re-connect back to where WE MATTER in
the overall picture. This is the KEY to our continued success as a species:
the evolution of knowing what provides
for our current way of living and what it would take to sustain our lifestyle
at this level. Consider how much
Mother Earth has provided us
unconditionally. Now it is time to give back to her.
Our focus at ECC and our greatest Mission
is to act as a catalyst for becoming reconnected to our Oceans and our Earth. When
we connect with nature, we also connect back to the deeper part of ourselves. This
deeper connection then serves as a vehicle for transformation and benefits the
whole!! In short, it is a path to peace, a feeling of unity with others, with our
Oceans, with our planet, with our shared home. This is the 'Elemental Key', the
GIFT of the New Decade upon us. It is something we will continue to strive for
in our own interactions as humans, leaders and co-creators.
The 'Gyre Cleanup Project' offers us that doorway into the evolutionary process
by connecting US together with a common VISION of a Healthy Planet. The
first step however is to make that connection back to SELF, before we can give
to others. This is what we continually put into question; how we can be sure to care for our own
wholeness and our individual impact
on this planet? Starting with our own actions helps us to take ownership
of our impact and recognize that by making even small changes, we can make a
difference. Have you noticed that it is easier to point fingers or blame than
to take positive action? Well, we would like to make taking inspired action for
a bigger Vision the norm!! Know that we here at the ECC, Gyre Cleanup Project,
push ourselves into a new paradigm of connectedness and oneness in every
interaction: first with ourselves, then with others and ULTIMATELY our
planet! Will you join our mission to transform
our view of Self within the Whole? Will you make the shift from blame to taking
ownership of that which we can influence?
As you can see we view 2010 with 20/20 vision and know that the time is NOW to
embark on the Journey of Oneness, to open the Elemental Key and to take
responsibility for our actions.
Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
The Oceans need our help, this becomes more obvious every day. Our continued exploration of solutions has lead us to the future of food. Land Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems will ease the necessity of the oceans to supply the planets needs. By producing food near the communities, provides a plethora of benefits.
These simple systems can be set up any size and scaled up as need, experience and funding expand. Truly the wave of the future.
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/fish/publications/reports/land-based-recirculating-aquaculture-systems
Green Is In
we need to change our disposable habits now
"Our plastic pollution is literally entering the food chain, getting into the food we eat and potentially exposing us to toxic chemicals” said actor/activist Ed Begley Jr., “we need to change our disposable habits now - we simply can’t afford to keep trashing our oceans.”
In L.A. - The Ocean Defender's Alliance
Here's an email letter I received from an org I support - and one you all should know about. They are doing great things to save marine wildlife off the coast of LA. - Andrea Metz
Dear Ocean Defender's Alliance Supporters and Fellow Ocean Lovers:
It’s been an interesting and dramatic year and decade for ODA, our nation, and the world on a whole. The start of the 21st Century marks the birth decade for ODA and the wonderful accomplishments to date in the water and onshore - all of which we could not do without your generous help and support!
Despite the widely acknowledged and increasing negative impacts the human population is having on our small planet, as you know there are many smart individuals and organizations fighting for a healthy and sustainable environment on various fronts, some for decades, surely making a positive and lasting difference. Several of you work for these critical causes, and we thank you for your tenacity, trailblazing, and grace.
However, the year and decade ahead holds new challenges for the environmental movement and the entire human race, not to mention our struggling animal friends in the dwindling wild. For the first time in history, far-reaching climate and ocean issues are forefront on most educated peoples’ minds. Perhaps more importantly, our elected officials, authorities, and major corporate lobbies are finally reacting to the urgent messages from scientists and independent NGO/NPO’s, and seem to be working towards diplomatic solutions, such as the MLPA here in California. We can only hope they are not too late to the table on regional and international concerns, and adopt the appropriate policy and action based on sound science.
Over the past decade, ODA has made significant progress towards enlightening Californians about the unseen habitat and wildlife destruction caused by abandoned commercial fishing gear, and taking direct grassroots action to correct this growing problem.
In the beginning of 2009, the LA Times sent staff to report on ODA’s 14-diver coalition formed to begin mitigating the Infidel, a fishing boat wreck featuring a monster-sized net accidentally sunk in 150-feet of water just off Catalina Island. This story led to a significant flurry of similar news articles including some major national coverage. Although we made a lot of progress in 2009 at the Infidel and have greatly reduced the fishing net’s deadly threat to marine wildlife, we still have nearly half the net to waiting to be removed in early 2010 and can't wait to finish the project.
ODA is very proud to have almost completely removed all the sunken commercial nets off the wrecks of the Olympic and Georgia Straits, as well as significant progress at Old Marine Land and the challenging deep water Caissons. On recent check-up dives to the mitigated wreck sites, we were thrilled to see large fish using the artificial habitat that were not witnessed while covered with nets (sshhhh….don’t tell the fishermen!). Moreover, we’ve made great strides with repairing and outfitting our 38-foot flagship, the “Clearwater”, and appreciate all those who have helped us at the dock.
While 2009 has been our best year in terms of mission success, public awareness, and vital basic funding, we look forward to a great start for 2010, and there are numerous new commercial fishing debris-contaminated sites we plan to fully mitigate in the months and years ahead.
With that said, we hope you and yours have a joyful Holiday Season, and take time to reflect on the decade behind while you plan accordingly for the year and decade coming up soon. Please visit our website (www.oceandefenders.org) for the latest information, calendar, and unique ways to help support ODA in enduring our life-saving mission.
Happy Holidays!
Kurt Lieber
President and Founder
Scott Sheckman
Executive Director
And All Your Friends at ODA
WWW.OCEANDEFENDERS.ORG
PS: SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2010 - ODA’s first major fundraising event at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Tentatively featuring fascinating presentations by Captain Paul Watson and Helicopter Pilot Chris Aultman of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (featured extensively on Animal Planet’s popular “Whale Wars” series). Also great food and entertainment. Tickets will go on sale soon!
Ocean Defenders Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law – please consult your tax adviser.
Committed to cleaning the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'
Monday, December 21, 2009; 9:03 AM
In the Pacific Ocean, a floating garbage dump exists between Hawaii and California that is hundreds of thousands square miles wide and has been estimated to contain approximately 3.5 million tons of debris.
This "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is the most extreme example of a serious nationwide and international problem: marine debris dumped into the oceans and waterways.
As director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) marine debris program, it is Holly Bamford's role to coordinate nationwide clean-up efforts, collaborate internationally on solutions to problems such as the garbage patch and develop prevention methods.
"Marine debris knows no political boundaries. It is an international problem," Bamford said. "The vision of the program down the road is global oceans and coasts free of the impact of marine debris. The whole purpose is to protect our marine environment."
Though types of debris vary, from land-based to ocean-based sources, there is a common origin: people. "Marine debris does not fall out of the sky, it comes from someone's hands," Bamford said. "We are the main cause of the problem, but also the key to the solution."
Startling Plastic Facts
-
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) – Used in soft drink, juice, water, beer, mouthwash, peanut butter, salad dressing, detergent, and cleaner containers. Leaches antimony trioxide and (2ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
- DEHP is an endocrine disruptor that mimics the female hormone estrogen. It has been strongly linked to asthma and allergies in children. It may cause certain types of cancer and it has been linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation, and body weight. In Europe, DEHP has been banned since 1999 from use in plastic toys for children under the age of three.
-
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – Used in opaque milk, water, and juice containers, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles, garbage bags, yogurt and margarine tubs, and cereal box liners. Considered a safer plastic. Research on risks associated with this type of plastic is ongoing.
-
Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC) – Used in toys, clear food and non-food packaging (e.g., cling wrap), some squeeze bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner bottles, shower curtains, medical tubing, and numerous construction products (e.g., pipes, siding). PVC has been described as one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created. Leaches di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), depending on which is used as the plasticizer or softener (usually DEHP). DEHP and BBzP are endocrine disruptors mimicking the female hormone estrogen; have been strongly linked to asthma and allergic symptoms in children; may cause certain types of cancer; and linked to negative effects on the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation, and body weight. In Europe, DEHP, BBzP, and other dangerous phthalates have been banned from use in plastic toys for children under three since 1999. Not so elsewhere, including Canada and the United States.
Dioxins are unintentionally, but unavoidably, produced during the manufacture of materials containing chlorine, including PVC and other chlorinated plastic feedstocks. Dioxin is a known human carcinogen and the most potent synthetic carcinogen ever tested in laboratory animals. A characterization by the National Institute of Standards and Technology of cancer causing potential evaluated dioxin as over 10,000 times more potent than the next highest chemical (diethanol amine), half a million times more than arsenic, and a million or more times greater than all others.
Plastic Facts
Alexander Parkes created the first man-made plastic and publicly demonstrated it at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. The material, called parkesine, was an organic material derived from cellulose that, once heated, could be molded and retained its shape when cooled.
Principals to live by
"The time is always right to do what is right."
Martin Luther King Jr.
“Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
"If you believe you can or if you believe you can't, your right."
Henry Ford
Sylvia Earle and Green Drinks Holiday Event Dec 8 - NYC!
From Green Drinks NYC, Founder
Good day ~
I've been in touch with Bonnie Calvin, the TED Prize Wish Producer who thought it best to reach out to you directly. I founded an organization here in NYC called Green Drinks, a monthly networking event for environmentally-minded professionals. Each year we host a big holiday benefit focused on an environmental issue of great importance - this year our focus is on "Our Oceans" with Dr. Sylvia Earle as our featured speaker! As you all know she was the 2009 TED Prize recipient, and we want to help get her voice and her wish out deeper into our green network of 13,000 in Manhattan.
We have a stellar event, working with producer Colin Miles (from David Copperfield) in creating a multimedia holiday spectacle. The show will include New York's finest working in the arts & environment today. The evening will begin with a VIP HOUR featuring a panel lecture with Sylvia Earle, Sarah Chasis from the NRDC Oceans Program, Adrienne Espisito from a local NY non-profit called Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Carl Safina President of Blue Ocean Institute.
The show will begin at 8:05pm with Cirque de Soleil performer Alessandro Pellicani composing "OCEAN SPIRIT". Welcoming the evening will be our emcee Cristina Carlson, a former Rockette and Host on The Travel Channel then a longer dance performance by Buglisi Dance Theatre. Carl Safina will introduce Dr. Earle who will enlighten the room with her incredible insights on Ocean protection. She will be available for a book signing after the show.
We welcome the extended TED community to join us in supporting her by purchasing tickets for $50. We welcome your support in making this event the best it can be.
It will take place this coming Tuesday Dec 8th at The Prince George Ballroom (15 East 27th Street between Fifth and Madison). A VIP cocktail hour will begin at 6pm. Doors open to the public at 7pm. Details and information on the event can be found here.
Please come join us for a spectacular event in support of Our Oceans and Dr. Earle!
Warmly,
Margaret Lydecker
Green Drinks NYC, Founder
217 Grand Street, Suite 803
New York, NY 10013
Tel : 212-941-6520; Fax : 212-680-3107
www.greendrinksnyc.com
twitter: @GreenDrinksNYC
facebook: GreenDrinksNYC
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Yes We Can
“Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
The question is; Why do it at all ?
Many question 'how' the Gyre Cleanup Project will happen. Though I think this is a valid query, I also believe this will be accomplished all in good time, by gathering a few of the elite minds of this planet to focus on the growing ocean/plastic dilemma. The bigger objective in our mind is, 'What is the compelling reason to make this a priority today?' That is the true question. Prior to asking 'how' we must ask 'why'. Perhaps we can think about what happens IF we don't address this Gyre Cleanup?? What happens if we don't take responsibility for the trash that ends up in the ocean? What does the world look like then? Are we prepared to think up some sort of justification to future generations as to why we didn’t stop and take notice when we had an opportunity to turn the tides?
The HEART of the Cleanup Mission of ECC is all about believing in the power of
human beings and our ability to come up with solutions and advancements when
inspired. The 'how' then simply becomes a process of assembling some of the greatest
pioneers and minds of the planet to officially address this growing challenge.
We at ECC have faith that like many other aspects of history it's only a matter of time, energy and focus that is needed to solve the problem. As we might remember, Earth was once considered flat and this shaped how we viewed the world, until a select few started to challenge that perspective. What would have happened if that was not the case?? Can you imagine where we would be and the mindset of how we would be living ?? I am sure you are getting my point here. Just over 100 years ago it was impossible to fly and traveling to the moon seemed more science fiction than fact, not to mention computers and cell phones in every household. Who knew this would be considered the norm?!?
Jim Murosako, Engineer and Founder of R.E.D. Rabbit, put it best:
"Safely removing plastic from the marine environment is an engineering challenge, NOT an impossibility."
Jim embodies the kind of visionary thinker with the level of expertise that
will be needed to address this cleanup mission successfully!! As of this year,
Jim completed the first Plastic
and P.O.P. Collection Device that actually works with
the plastic’s
properties to clean up the Gyre. Expect to hear more of this
amazing engineering feat in spring of 2010.
Namaste’
What to do ?
The last 2 years of my life has been a real eye opener environmentally
speaking (many other ways as well) to what is really happening. As an
individual I want to help clean up some of the damage, we
as a species have done & are doing to this planet. On April 23rd
2008, my life changed, forever. On this day, Environmental Cleanup
Coalition was born, the Gyre Cleanup Project being our first main
focus.
What I've found is that many other people want to make a change, a positive
impact. As founder and
spokesperson
for ECC, people ask me all the time, "How can I help?". This project offers an opportunity for
those who are looking, like myself. Build it and they will come; it is a simple theory. ECC has become
a central hub of what the problem is and most importantly
"Solutions".
We are growing at light speed, we invite you to jump on board anywhere you feel
so inspired !
Aloha
Rich
Saving the Planet Starts With Self
“I feel that one of the greatest challenges that we face as human beings today is; To reconnect with the Earth. As we connect with her we also connect with self.”
Richard Sundance Owen
The Story of Stuff
Annie Leonard describes the cycle of life of the products we use on a daily basis. Shining light on a system that many of us have not been aware of until now.
This online presentation is a fantastic review of where we are now, which details our current system of consumerism and waste detail. After ready this information, it begs the questions of where we will choose to go from here!!
What is 'The Gyre Cleanup Project'?
Someone recently asked me: "What is The Gyre Cleanup Project all about?" I don't know about you, but sometimes, it is easier to describe what we are not, prior to talking about what we are. Briefly here is a short recap of how I responded: It's not a war on plastic, we have enough wars; It's not a fight against poor governmental environmental policies, though we advocate change; It's not a fight against bad manufacturing practices, though we agree much change is needed here at the source of the material; and lastly, it is not a judgment of where we are individually with our own plastic use.
What we are ALL about:
It is a call to awareness of where we are at and what's happening in our oceans and our food chain. We believe that with new information we can make a difference and start to be a part of the positive transformation of our oceans. WE are a grassroots movement to encourage individual action and collaboration between people of this planet to help address the plastic that has gotten caught in the natural moving tides of our oceans, called 'gyres'.
The Gyre Voyage Postponed
Winter weather and safety topping the list of reasons.
It is with
a
heavy heart that I report to you that 'The Gyre Voyage of 2009' has been
postponed. Due to circumstances beyond our
control, winter weather and safety topping the list, we felt it
necessary to make the call to set our sights on the spring of 2010. It
was a window of opportunity that we were very excited about and we put
a lot
of energy into trying to make it happen. Many of us are feeling some
disappointment in having this
adventure postponed. Yet we trust that everything happens for a good
reason and will happen at the perfect time.
On the bright side, all this excitement has brought many more people and
organizations into the mix. We will be capitalizing on this energy
and momentum as we move forward to raise awareness and create solutions to clean up the N. Pacific Gyre.
These next 6 months will allow us
to prepare more fully for the exposure that a voyage like this will
bring to ECC. For example, our website is currently under reconstruction
and will be spectacular when ready. Our web team has been creating
something very unique. We look forward to unveiling it in the next few
months. Be on the lookout for our updates regarding the launch of the new and improved Gyre Cleanup website.
In
the
meantime, I invite you
all to dig deeper within yourself on this international issue. Please
take a moment to explore what is happening on this front through those
that we are currently in talks with on how we can best collaborate.
Here are just a few: Marcus
Eriksen, Ph.D., (http://www.algalita.org/marcus_bio.html) is doing an
incredible job of bringing
attention to this global problem of plastic and persistent organic
pollutants (P.O.P.'s) entering our food chain. The Junk Ride is his
latest success (http://junkraft.com/homeJunkRide.html) and (http://junkraft.blogspot.com/) Algalita Marine
Research Foundation (http://www.algalita.org), Scripps Foundation
(http://explorations.ucsd.edu/Research_Highlights/2009/Sep_Oct/Seaplex/) and Project Kaisei (http://www.projectkaisei.org/) have brought
attention to the North Pacific Gyre, and the Midway Journey is just
finishing up their trip for more details click here http://www.midwayjourney.com.
This is one of the hottest topics breaking right now and we are eager to seize the moment and bring more awareness to addressing this plastic challenge. We welcome all of your support and guidance through this process. Please let us know if you are interested to take a more active role and be a part of the transformation of our Oceans.
Thank you all for your continued support on behalf of our Oceans thank you and we send out our deepest gratitude.
Aloha
Rich
