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Special Collections:
Plastic in Our Oceans

Plastic in Our Oceans
This is how we are working to solve ocean plastic pollution.

Ocean plastic pollution highlights a broader systemic issue.

Given its complex nature, we are addressing this problem through diverse approaches.

We designed our Interceptors to stop plastic pollution flowing from rivers into the ocean.

Rivers act as arteries, carrying land waste to the ocean. Our Interceptors are deployed to stop this flow.

After removing trash, we ensure it won't re-enter the water. We collaborate with local partners for responsible disposal, prioritizing recycling and strictly adhering to local regulations.

For more details, visit: https://bit.ly/4gIlEEP

Tackling plastic pollution in the Cisadane River, Indonesia

Working with local partners, we are restoring the mangrove ecosystem in Cisadane.

Our strategy combines river interception and coastal sweeps to prevent further damage.

Boyan Slat founded The Ocean Cleanup in 2013 with a mission: to rid the world's oceans of plastic.

How unscheduled learning opportunities drive progress

Our Interceptor solutions are always tailored to local realities, with deployment and operations driven by data. We continuously assess and adapt them, even after deployment, to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

For instance, Interceptor 004 has prevented over 300,000 kg of plastic from reaching the ocean and will now undergo upgrades based on evolving pollution and river conditions. Learn more about our adaptive strategy and its impact:

Staying with the Flow: Changes to Interceptor Solutions

All we did in November for cleaner oceans

Discover the latest developments at The Ocean Cleanup during November.

For more details on our various projects, please visit our website.

How to remove 2,300 bottles from the environment for $10

With global support from our team, partners, and supporters, we've removed over 45 million kilograms of trash from the environment. Every piece of plastic no longer harming our planet is a victory, yet significant work remains.

Your contribution creates tangible impact. Based on last year's collections, we've calculated the environmental benefit of every dollar donated. Join the largest cleanup in history and choose your impact: https://bit.ly/4rogG58.

From failure to success: stopping plastic pollution in Guatemala

Addressing ocean plastic pollution has presented unexpected challenges. For instance, our Interceptor Trashfence failed in 2022, an event witnessed by Guillermo on site.

Following this setback, we deployed Interceptor 006 and 021. These systems are now successfully preventing trash from entering the Gulf of Honduras.

2025 wrapped: The Ocean Cleanup edition

In 2025, we achieved record catches, made significant impact, and advanced towards our goal of clean oceans.

Watch the full video to learn more: 2025 Ocean Progress

Yes, humans are winning the fight against ocean plastic pollution

In 2025, The Ocean Cleanup achieved a record-breaking year, removing over 25 million kilograms of waste from aquatic environments, bringing their total catch to 46 million kilograms. They also deployed two new Interceptors in Honduras and Panama.

Expanding their mission, the organization launched the 30 Cities Program to stop one-third of river plastic emissions into oceans, and introduced Coastal Sweeps for legacy plastic near shores. Developing new technologies further solidified 2025 as their most impactful year yet.

Watch their year-in-review video and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Learn more and support them at theoceancleanup.com. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Our goal: clean oceans

Our core mission is to achieve clean and healthy oceans for future generations. This commitment drives all our efforts.

To realize this vision, we employ a systematic approach: developing cutting-edge technology, rigorously testing its efficacy, and continuously iterating based on results. This ensures maximum impact in our fight for ocean preservation.

Interview with Chris Jordan ALBATROSS Halsey Institute at the

Artist and documentarian Chris Jordan premiered his film ALBATROSS in Charleston, SC, alongside his "Midway" exhibition at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Jordan aims to connect with and inspire audiences through his work.

The documentary explores Midway Atoll, an isolated Pacific island situated within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It offers an intimate look at native Laysan albatrosses, whose existence is gravely threatened by global plastic waste.

"The Last Straw" For Marine Biologist Fighting Plastic Pollution with Nicole Nash

This clip, from *Advancing Australia* Season 1, Episode 1: "Sea of Plastic," highlights marine biologist Nicole Nash. Inspired by rampant plastic waste, Nash launched the 'Last Straw on the Great Barrier Reef' campaign, advocating for a ban on plastic straws from commercial boats operating in the region.

 

How does plastic get in the ocean?

Addressing plastic pollution necessitates distinguishing between two fundamental challenges. The first is the inherent problem of plastic production itself, encompassing its scale and the materials utilized.

The second, separate challenge involves the effective management of plastic waste once it has been created and discarded. Recognizing these distinct issues is crucial for developing targeted and comprehensive solutions.

Deplastifying The Arctic's Pristine Waters

Ocean plastic pollution is a major global concern, with an estimated four million tons entering annually and projected to rise. This widespread issue poses significant threats to marine ecosystems.

Scientists recently discovered a massive load of microplastics, around 12,000 pieces per liter, frozen in Arctic ice. These tiny particles are easily ingested by sea animals, raising fears about harm to marine life and humans.

Tackling this urgent global challenge requires immediate and effective solutions.

A luxury boutique bringing you fish infused with fashionable microplastic fibres from the hottest

A luxury boutique now offers fish infused with fashionable microplastic fibers from the hottest brands.

This stark reality is highlighted by Just One Ocean.

Plastic pollution, oceans and civilisation | Rowan Byrne | TEDxUniversityofManchester

Rowan Byrne, a Marine Biologist and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, will discuss ocean plastics, explaining their impact on marine life and civilization. His extensive career includes shark research, sea turtle conservation, and pioneering satellite tracking of leatherback turtles from Dominica to Ireland.

As Marine Plastics Lead for Mott MacDonald, Rowan drives global research and solutions for marine plastic challenges. He champions collaboration with industry and governments to integrate environmental considerations. His work earned him the IEMA Sustainability Leader of the Year Award in 2020 and media recognition for installing Seabins at Howth Harbour.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

3BL Forum Brands Taking Stands - LIVE! | June 2, 2021

This document explores a key issue, featuring a one-on-one interview with Audrey Choi, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Morgan Stanley.

Copyright © 2020 by 3BL Media/Client. All Rights Reserved.

Podcast: Holistic Nature of us: Meet Nate Liebenberg

Nate Liebenberg, co-founder of idiveblue.com, champions awareness regarding the severe impact of throwaway plastics. These pollutants devastate marine species, contaminate our precious waters, and ultimately endanger human well-being.

Join us for a crucial discussion on ocean conservation and discover how we can collectively safeguard these vital ecosystems.

To stop plastic pollution we need a circular economy for plastic

In July 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, with partners including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, released "Breaking the Plastic Wave." This robust study on ocean plastic pollution revealed that without action, plastic volume will double, ocean entry will almost triple, and ocean stocks will quadruple by 2040. This aligns with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's 2016 warning of more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

The study emphasizes that a circular economy for plastic is the sole solution to tackle waste and pollution at its source. This vision already unites over 850 organizations through the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and Plastics Pact network. Learn more about the study here.

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— Dr. Elena Rivera
Environmental Scientist and Advocate
 

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Unlike algorithm-driven platforms that push you into a content bubble, we ensure you hear a variety of perspectives from scientists, activists, Indigenous leaders, business innovators, and everyday citizens working toward sustainability.

 

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EarthSayers CINEMA

Watch, learn and lead—sustainability starts with you.

The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection

“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.

Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.

 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection