As scientists worldwide continue to look at plastics and how they are being used, yet another article has surfaced that points out how a new ocean threat has been identified.

Plastic pollution is not just a nuisance, it could be toxic. Since many of our world’s oceans contain salt, there is a new discovery about what happens to beverage containers and other plastic materials that end up floating here and there because of currents. As the plastics break down, or decompose in the salty sea, they may be releasing toxic substances that are not commonly found in nature and may affect marine life. And they are decomposing at a different rate and in a different way than normally thought.

Plastics were believed to be stable and not easily break down as they age. Most people in the past thought the only danger to our environment from plastic was a choke or strangulation of marine and wildlife when they became caught on or swallowed it. Some new research suggests that plastic is a source of dissolved substances that are easily dispersed by ocean currents and may be toxic to humans and animals. Plastic in oceans decompose when exposed to water, salt, sun and other environmental conditions. Plastics decompose in the ocean and release chemicals such as bisphenol A or polystyrene oligomers normally not found in the environment.

Living in the Midwest there may be people who do not believe we are part of the problem of litter and environmental damage in the oceans. That is not true because our rivers and streams at some point flow into the Atlantic, Pacific or Caribbean oceans. Sailing ships have been reporting vast areas of ocean garbage, floating in some areas estimated to be twice the size of Texas and caught up in swirling ocean currents. It is estimated that over 150,000 tons of plastic is washed up each year on beaches in Japan alone.

Some of the most common plastic rubbish found in our waters is Styrofoam and it releases substantial quantities of styrene monomer that is known to cause cancer as well as other chemicals considered carcinogenic. This chemical has not been proven to be harmful to humans or animals when used for the purpose intended, but when dumped into lakes, rivers or our oceans there is a totally different unintentional unintended response. Our oceans and waterways are in danger and they are the engine that provides most of the oxygen for our planet and we know about it. The Dead Zone at the end of the Mississippi River should be a big wake-up call for us.

So what can each one of us do to help solve this problem? We are just one person and millions will have to be involved with the solution in order to make a difference. I believe we should concentrate on easy, simple to apply actions that will not cost us a lot of money or time. In fact, maybe we can save money and be happy about doing something for our environment. One person can make a difference.

When we purchase a product there can be a huge difference in the way it is packaged. Think about options for disposal before making a purchase and determine what can be recycled or re-used. I know of two options for packaging peanuts and Styrofoam that local “pack-N-ship” businesses need and corrugated cardboard is one of the highest recycled materials. We need to ask ourselves: what is the usable life of the product being purchased? If it will end up in the landfill within six months or two years maybe we should consider purchasing something of higher quality and demand a better buy for our money.

Anti-litter programs work. If you have been involved with roadside trash removal along our roads or just pick up litter when taking a walk you are part of the solution to improving the environment. Teach children the value of being good stewards and most of all enjoy our great country, made up of people who can make a difference, one at a time.

Randy Tuchtenhagen is the Freeborn County solid waste officer.