The Rising Tide of Plastic Pollution: A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. While we’ve all heard about the “floating islands of trash” in the ocean, the problem goes much deeper than what meets the eye. If we don’t change course soon, we could be looking at an ocean more filled with plastic than fish by 2050.

The Scale of the Problem

Every year, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans. That’s like dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the sea every minute. Once in the water, this plastic doesn’t just float harmlessly. It breaks down into microplastics—tiny fragments that are virtually impossible to clean up. These microplastics are now found everywhere, from the Arctic ice to the deepest parts of the ocean, and even in the seafood we consume.

In Long Island’s Great South Bay, a place close to our hearts at Jetsam Salvage, plastic pollution has compounded issues like the infamous brown tide. These plastics choke out marine life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade water quality. The situation may seem bleak, but acknowledging the reality is the first step in fighting back.

Why Traditional Recycling Alone Isn’t the Solution

We’re often told that recycling can solve our plastic problem, but the truth is more complex. Globally, only 9% of plastic ever produced has been successfully recycled. Most plastics end up in landfills, incinerators, or worse—in our oceans. The problem is compounded by the fact that many so-called recycling initiatives don’t actually process the materials in an eco-friendly way, leading to further environmental harm.

Collecting plastics from the ocean is only half the battle. Without a purpose, these materials often end up back in landfills, incinerated, or worse, right back in the environment. At Jetsam Salvage, we believe that simply removing plastic waste isn’t enough—we need to give it a new life. That’s why we transform reclaimed ocean plastics into durable, long-lasting products. By creating items with extended life cycles, we keep plastic out of circulation and prevent it from re-entering our ecosystems. This approach turns a major environmental problem into a sustainable opportunity for change.

The Consequences: An Ecosystem on the Brink

The widespread presence of plastics in our oceans has devastating effects on marine life. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, ingesting them and leading to fatal blockages. Fish, birds, and marine mammals are entangled in discarded fishing gear and other waste. As these animals die, the plastic remains, continuing to harm the ecosystem for centuries to come.

But the issue isn’t just about wildlife. Microplastics have entered the food chain, meaning that every seafood dinner could come with a side of plastic. This raises serious health concerns, as these plastics can carry toxins that accumulate in our bodies over time.

The Urgency for Change

Globally, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year, and around 50% of this is designed for single use, meaning it’s discarded after a few minutes of use but persists in the environment for centuries. Without intervention, global plastic production is set to double by 2040, adding an additional 1.3 billion tons of plastic waste to our planet, much of which will end up in the oceans.

At Jetsam Salvage, we’re not just committed to raising awareness—we’re actively taking part in the solution. We’ve chosen to confront this crisis by turning discarded plastics into something useful: high-quality coastal goods. We want to remind people that even small actions can have a large impact. By choosing products made from recycled materials and supporting organizations focused on cleanup, we can begin to turn the tide.

What You Can Do

The plastic crisis is daunting, but there’s power in awareness. By spreading the word, supporting companies with sustainable practices, and reducing our own plastic consumption, we can make a difference. Let’s ensure that future generations can enjoy clean oceans and thriving ecosystems, not seas choked by plastic waste.

Join us in our mission to clean our waters and bring awareness to this critical issue. Together, we can reclaim our oceans from the grip of plastic pollution.