Final answer:
Individuals can reduce ocean plastic pollution by minimizing the use of disposable plastics and by recycling correctly. Reducing involves choosing reusable items, while recycling helps manage waste more effectively, preventing it from harming marine life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story titled "Tiny Plastic, Big Problem," there are several ways that people can help prevent further pollution of the ocean with plastic. Firstly, individuals can actively reduce their usage of disposable plastics by opting for reusable alternatives like water bottles, shopping bags, and containers. For example, instead of buying bottled water, one could use a refillable bottle, thus avoiding the 50 million plastic bottles that end up in landfills each year. Secondly, recycling plays a critical role in managing plastic waste. Encouraging the proper segregation and recycling of plastics can greatly diminish the amount of plastic that ends up as marine debris, which harms aquatic life like the turtles entangled in plastic nets as depicted in Figure 12.27.3 of the text. It is important to consider that, aside from being filling up landfills, plastic polymers contribute to air and water pollution, and represent a hazard to animals and marine life.
The purpose statement from the speech reinforces the idea of compelling audiences to reduce disposable plastic use, indicating that plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, but a social one, where everyone can and should take part in the solution. Furthermore, the fact that 40% of plastic is used once and then discarded emphasizes the need for systemic changes, such as laws that might make recycling mandatory and the adoption of enlightened trash management policies.