Garbage Patches: Formation and Characteristics
Garbage patches are large zones in the ocean where marine debris—including plastics, fishing gear, and other waste—accumulates. They form due to rotating ocean currents called gyres, which act as massive whirlpools, pulling debris toward their center.
There are five major gyres globally:
As you can see in the map above, each gyre corresponds to a vast garbage patch. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located in the North Pacific Gyre (between Hawaii and California), is the biggest one and the most well-known.
While these patches are often depicted as solid islands of trash, the reality is quite different. Rather than a dense mass of debris, the garbage is dispersed across the ocean, from the surface down to the ocean floor. This debris ranges in size from large objects like fishing nets to tiny particles, such as microplastics (less than 5 mm). Although larger items, like plastic bottles, may remain visible on the surface, most of the trash is submerged or broken down into microscopic fragments.
Due to this distribution, the exact size of garbage patches is hard to determine, and their location and shape are constantly changing. However, it was estimated that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastics, weighing 80,000 metric tons, equal to 500 jumbo jets; plus, it covers an estimated surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers, an area twice the size of Texas or three times the size of France!
Impacts of Garbage Patches
Garbage patches and the pervasive presence of plastic in the oceans lead to two major types of consequences: environmental damage and risks to human health.
1. Environmental Impact
Plastic in the oceans represents one of the most serious threats to marine wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. Its impact is not limited to its mere presence as waste but manifests through a series of issues that endanger the survival of numerous species and the balance of the environment.
Entanglement and Ghost Fishing
Ingestion of Plastics
Spread of Non-Native Species
2. Health Impact on Humans
Marine debris affects humans through the release of harmful chemicals from plastics. These substances, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are endocrine disruptors linked to various health problems.
Studies confirm that chemicals from plastics have been detected in human blood, urine, and tissues. If they accumulate, they can cause:
These are the main pathways of plastic chemicals into the human body:
Ingestion
Inhalation
Dermal Absorption
Garbage patches are more than an environmental issue; they pose a serious health threat as plastic chemicals increasingly enter human systems. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate their effects on ecosystems and public health.
Where Does All This Plastic Come From?
Here's the data about the source of plastic in the oceans.
As we expected, the world's largest and most powerful countries also have the greatest impact on the environment. But...
Who is Really to Blame?
Let’s take a closer look at the issue of mismanaged plastic waste in general.
Mismanaged plastic waste refers to plastic that is not properly recycled, safely incinerated, or securely contained in landfills. This includes:
If we only considered the total amount of mismanaged plastic waste by country, the analysis could be misleading.
For example, it might suggest that Asian countries are particularly bad at managing plastic waste, but this could simply be a reflection of their large populations.
To gain a clearer understanding, it’s important to also examine the per capita contributions to plastic waste.
In this analysis we grouped the countries by continent and calculated the average value based on the data from each individual country. Let’s take a look at the results:
As you can see, people in North America could certainly learn from the waste management practices in Asia, even though the opposite might initially seem true.
What Can You Do About Plastics in Your Daily Life?
Even if your country isn't among the worst contributors, that doesn't mean it's time to relax or continue with poor waste management practices. A big change is always built on many individual choices. Here's a few suggestions to make a difference:
Choose reusable items
Switch to reusable options like fabric shopping bags, metal straws, glass storage containers, and refillable water bottles. These alternatives help cut down on waste while promoting an eco-friendlier lifestyle. Focus on selecting high-quality, durable items to ensure they serve you well over time.
Get Involved in Ocean and Environmental Clean-up Initiatives
By participating, you help reduce pollution and raise awareness about environmental protection. Whether it’s a beach clean-up or supporting conservation groups, every action counts. It’s a chance to educate others and promote sustainable habits, contributing to a collective effort to protect the planet for future generations.