Cleaning up Plastic Pollution

[kfm27917]

Breakthrough !
Boyan Slat unveils The Ocean Cleanup Interceptor

Boyan Slat, a young Dutch entrepreneur and his group, The Ocean Cleanup, have invented an ingenious collection barge to clean plastic debris from our oceans

During its test run, the collection barge collected macro and micro plastic debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In October, The Ocean Cleanup unveiled a solar powered device called the Interceptor to remove plastic waste from rivers

Of the world's 100,000 rivers, 1,000 are responsible for most plastic that reaches the oceans. Interceptors have already been deployed in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Klang, Malaysia

The Interceptor may be the lowest cost way to remove plastic pollution and is especially cost effective in coastal countries where tourism and fisheries industries are prevalent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyZArQMFhQ4&feature=emb_share&fbclid=IwAR1OUfaqp55vzhqrtrkIm_yuWIE2NSHD_ieXpayk-T8DoAZ1ItJJgV7Rlr0

https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia3/ciencia_industryplastic27.htm

[Sunny-side-up]

Hi kfm27917 all these initiatives are great and so needed :thumbsup:

Do you now about 4Ocean.
7,275,397 lbs recovered/removed since 2017.

4ocean.com

https://4ocean.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAob3vBRAUEiwAIbs5To26bGnFJ-GsvbMN0aLzN8cYmb2O2RtpRQmoud2CrGPuKBLGBTreJxoCAPcQAvD_BwE

[Ravenlocke]

News from The Ocean Cleanup,

IMPACT UPDATE: In the first half of 2025, we caught more trash than in all of 2024 combined! This adds up to over 30,000,000 kg (over 66M lbs) of trash removed from oceans and rivers worldwide.

Our total catch is now nearly the weight of 3 Eiffel towers🗼
Stay up-to-date on our progress: https://theoceancleanup.com/dashboard/

https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1942610058204045787

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[Ravenlocke]

From Boyan Slat,

The Ocean Cleanup will now expand in:

🇵🇦 Panama City
🇮🇳 Mumbai
🇵🇭 Manila
🇯🇲 Montego Bay
🇮🇩 Jakarta
🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur
🇹🇭 Bangkok
🇺🇸 Los Angeles

…and 22 other cities, to be announced soon!

https://x.com/BoyanSlat/status/1933243187826663762

1933243187826663762

[Ravenlocke]

Wonder what 1,079 tons of intercepted trash look like?
Here are different angles of our biggest catch of 2025 from Rio las Vacas, Guatemala 🇬🇹

https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1922683158262116811

1922683158262116811

[Ravenlocke]

Can you spot one or more differences between the trash we collect in rivers (left) and our catch from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (right)?
What's in our trash catch in rivers vs. the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP)?

Trash floating in rivers and near coastlines has a different composition than what we catch in the GPGP.

The trash in rivers and coastlines consists of lighter, softer plastics such as bags, bottles, straws, single-use containers, and packaging.

In the GPGP, we often find fishing nets and 'thick' plastics such as buoys and toothbrushes, which are long-lasting and can travel thousands of kilometers offshore.

Around 80% of plastic in the GPGP consists of fishing gear, which is often lost or discarded directly at sea.

But there are also similarities...

We find similar consumer items in the GPGP and rivers, such as toys, shoes, and fridges.

And none of it belongs in the environment.

https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1909250748052910417

1909250748052910417




The first few months of the year tend to be our lowest catch months (dry season in Central America), but new deployments and early rain in Guatemala led to a decent increase in catch so far this year:

Jan & Feb 2024: 436,000 kg
Jan & Feb 2025: 1,274,000 kg (+192%)

https://x.com/BoyanSlat/status/1899497000514572375

1899497000514572375

[Ravenlocke]

Otters are returning to one of Malaysia’s most historically polluted waterways - Klang River.🇲🇾
This may signal ecological recovery in Klang, thanks to the deployments of The Ocean Cleanup Interceptors and cleanup efforts by local initiatives like the Selangor Maritime Gateway.

To date, our Interceptors deployed in 2019 and 2021 have intercepted over 3.2 million kilograms of trash in the Klang River. Read the full story about ecological recovery in Klang:

https://theindependent.sg/otters-spotted-in-klang-river-a-sign-of-hope-for-malaysias-urban-ecosystem/

https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1899853932668530897

1899853932668530897

[Ravenlocke]

Exciting news: new river project location - Panama. 🇵🇦
We have partnered with
@MareaVerde_PA
to tackle the waste flowing into the Bay of Panama through the capital's rivers.


The Siete Cuencas Project (the Seven Basin Project) will focus on intercepting trash and promoting a cultural change in waste management through Interceptor deployment in seven basins, environmental education programs, and research initiatives:


https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1899475882240016418

1899475882240016418


https://theoceancleanup.com/updates/panama-implementing-a-city-wide-approach-to-plastic-pollution-prevention/

Panama: implementing a city-wide approach to plastic pollution prevention

The Ocean Cleanup has taken another important step in its mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic with the announcement of a partnership project in Central America to stop the flow of waste into the Bay of Panama.


Under a strategic alliance with local partner and non-profit Marea Verde, The Ocean Cleanup founder and CEO Boyan Slat launched the ‘Seven Basins Project’ at an event in Panama City attended by the city’s Mayor and Panama’s Minister of Environment.

Tackling one of the most urgent environmental challenges the country faces, the project aims to significantly reduce the waste that reaches the ocean from the capital’s seven major urban rivers.

An area of rich biodiversity and ecological value, mangroves and critical ecosystems, the Bay of Panama and local communities have been severely impacted by waste pollution.

The Ocean Cleanup bring global expertise and technical know-how to the collaboration which will also see them upgrade Marea Verde’s existing deployment in the city.

The team of The Ocean Cleanup and Marea Verde in Panama Bay

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE

As a first step, the installation of an Interceptor in the city’s Río Abajo will take place in the coming months with future deployments planned for the near future. This first Interceptor is being implemented with a renewed commitment by The YP Foundation to The Ocean Cleanup’s mission.

Under the alliance, with the combination of local experience and The Ocean Cleanup’s technical expertise, innovative Interceptor technologies will be deployed across the seven river systems to comprehensively stop the flow of waste, contributing to the recovery of the coastal and marine ecosystems.

And to address the waste at source, the partnership will also see the roll out of environmental education programs promoting cultural change in waste management alongside coordinated work with local authorities and communities.

Panama Bay and the seven rivers we plan to tackle

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Globally, The Ocean Cleanup has, so far, removed over 21 million kilos of trash through its interventions in rivers and oceans. The journey to the adoption of a city-wide approach has evolved over the course of the past years by enhancing Interceptor capabilities and shifting from single river to broader impact projects.

After launching the Interceptor Original and River Program in November 2019 and through multiple deployments, it became clear that one solution didn’t fit all. There was an increased understanding of how to generate efficiency and to align the multifaceted tools needed for each deployment, maximizing effectiveness.

This is achieved by working with a range of key partners, such as Marea Verde, who possess a deep understanding and awareness of the specific needs of the specific area.

WORKING SMARTER AND QUICKER

Boyan Slat said: “Our mission is to rid the world’s oceans of plastic pollution and the key to achieving this is stopping pollution at its source: the rivers. Through strategic Interceptor technology planning, monitoring and research initiatives, and our alliance with Marea Verde, we can combine our proven technology and expertise with their local experience to deliver a lasting legacy in Panama.

“By implementing a more holistic approach to the problem of plastic pollution across city basins we can scale our impact and carry out our vital, collaborative work with greater efficiency to achieve our aims quicker and smarter.”

Marea Verde has been working in Panama since 2017 to mitigate solid waste pollution in rivers and coasts. The Bay of Panama is a marine ecosystem recognized as a Ramsar site.

Mirei de Heras, Co-Founder and President of Marea Verde, added: “We feel excited and confident that we will be able to transform the Bay of Panama with the Seven Basins Project. Our previous experience, the support of our donors and allies, and the technology and expertise of The Ocean Cleanup will allow us to generate a real impact in the fight against plastic pollution in our rivers and seas.”

Our Founder and CEO Boyan Slat together with Mirei de Heras, Co-Founder and President of Marea Verde.

[Ravenlocke]

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1924856779315237277

1924856779315237277

[Ravenlocke]

May 2025

Boyan Slat,

At Interceptor 020 in Indonesia today!
Extracting the trash here will be a combination of the Interceptor’s conveyor belt and excavators

https://x.com/BoyanSlat/status/1926947346790613040

1926947346790613040

[Ravenlocke]

February 2025,

Still bizarre to see how much trash we catch in Los Angeles!

Much of this would have ended up on the beaches of Venice and Santa Monica.

Also want to give a shout-out to LA County’s dept of Public Works who operate this Interceptor, and to the local residents who have been supportive of us bringing this solution to Ballona Creek

https://x.com/BoyanSlat/status/1886834837144637614

1886834837144637614

[Ravenlocke]

The SOLUTION TO PLASTIC POLLUTION: There’s a mushroom in the Amazon that EATS plastic! 🍄🗑️
Scientists found Pestalotiopsis microspora can break down plastic in landfills—turning trash into nature. The future of pollution cleanup might just be… fungi!
#Fungi #PlasticPollution #Innovation #Mycelium #Sustainability

https://x.com/MaiaFarms/status/1944119605473292793

1944119605473292793

Scientists found a type of fungus in the Amazon rainforest that can break down plastic, even without oxygen.

This fungus is called Pestalotiopsis microspora, and it can survive by eating only polyurethane, one of the toughest plastics to break down.

This means it could be used in the future to help clean up landfills and places where other living things can’t survive or where it’s hard to clean.

https://x.com/TomValentinoo/status/1947747199141445950

1947747199141445950

[Ravenlocke]

What does 500,000 pounds of impact look like?

It looks like
@gardenoflife
and
@4ocean
teaming up to remove that much plastic from the ocean, coastlines, and coastal communities...now through the end of 2026.

That’s the equivalent of nearly 20 full shipping containers of plastic pulled directly from the environment.

And this is just the beginning.

#4ocean #gardenoflife #plasticpollution #cleanupcrew #oceanconservation #sustainability

https://x.com/4ocean/status/1946275592732619195

1946275592732619195


We are so excited to officially launch our new partner @thehiddenseawine 🎉 🍾

The Hidden Sea has been removing ocean plastic for years! Now with 4ocean, their impact is scaling like never before.

🍷 Every bottle sold = 10 plastic bottles removed

This isn’t a promotion. It’s a promise.
And there’s never been a better time to raise a glass for a cleaner ocean than Plastic Free July. Delicious wines by the people, for the planet.

#winelovers #sustainable #plasticfreejuly #singleuseplastics #oceancleanup #4ocean #savetheplanet #hardlaunch

https://x.com/4ocean/status/1945939108414562749

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[Ravenlocke]

You never know what you’ll find beneath the surface 🌊

From everyday trash to a car battery, our crews pull it all so it doesn’t pollute our ocean any longer.

This is why we do what we do.
Every bracelet funds this mission.

#4ocean #oceancleanup #marinedebris #coastalcleanup #pullingplastic #oceanimpact #carbattery #trashfreeseas #protectourocean

https://x.com/4ocean/status/1942645017534697479

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[Ravenlocke]

Recently, our incredible cleanup crew in Indonesia worked deep in the mangroves -- a vital ecosystem that acts as a natural filter, protecting coastlines and providing a home for countless species. Sadly, these areas are often filled with trapped plastic waste.

Our team pulled almost 2,700 lbs of trash from this delicate environment, preventing it from washing into the ocean where it can harm marine life. Every pound we remove matters. 💪 Together, we’re making a difference, one coastline at a time.

#plasticfree #4ocean #mangroves #oceanlove #cleanocean #environmentallyfriendly

https://x.com/4ocean/status/1941310102847316395

1941310102847316395

[norman]

Sarah Westall - Kieran Kelly - USAID Corruption Plus Collapsing World Oxygen Supply (https://podbay.fm/p/1569103657/e/1755307566?t=141)
1 hour 8 minutes - Aug 16, 2025

Show notes
CEO of Ocean Integrity Group, Kieran Kelly, joins me to discuss the crisis unfolding in our oceans. Plankton—responsible for roughly 70% of the planet’s oxygen—are dying under the weight of microplastics flooding the seas. Those same particles are in our air, soil and food, driving damaging health issues we can’t ignore.

We also discuss a personal story he had encountering USAID and their corrupt practices.



https://rumble.com/v6xl7se-usaid-corruption-plus-collapsing-world-oxygen-supply-worlds-oceans-in-crisi.html?start=459

v6vebjk/?pub=1yatds&start=459


He is ( or seems to be ) for the oceanic eco system what Joel Salatin is for food production.

[Ravenlocke]

Delegates discussing the world's first legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution failed to reach consensus, diplomats said, voicing disappointment and even rage that the 10-day talks produced no deal https://reut.rs/3HqRitw

https://x.com/Reuters/status/1956482282430320736

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The fifth resumed negotiation session for a Global Plastic Treaty has ended with no agreement on a treaty to end plastic pollution.

Once again, government leaders have failed to reach a consensus, leaving the world drowning in plastic.

Ambitious countries and businesses don't need to wait for a treaty to make changes and reduce their plastic use – collective action now can advance global cooperation. The oceans can’t wait any longer.


https://x.com/oceana/status/1956400639606399117

1956400639606399117

From Boysan Slat,

Disappointing result. More work for us, I guess.

https://x.com/BoyanSlat/status/1956298676755734702

1956298676755734702

[Ravenlocke]

With negotiations for a global #PlasticsTreaty underway this week, discover how, as part of the #OceanDecade,
@TheOceanCleanup
,
@PlasticFischer
&
@CommonSeas
are developing solutions help protect the ocean from plastic pollution.

👉https://ow.ly/bspA50WAA3h

https://x.com/UNOceanDecade/status/1953093829856223597

1953093829856223597

[Ravenlocke]

Ocean Cleanup update about their system

https://x.com/TheOceanCleanup/status/1953471179177472476

1953471179177472476