Getting Help

Looking for answers is more than just looking for trash. It also means talking to people. People who live near the beaches know the plastics better than we do. They can help us answer questions.

Plastic on the beaches doesn’t mean that local people are to blame. Ocean waves carry plastic all over the world.

Justine traveled to the Arctic to find out more about ocean plastics.

I record what trash I find and where it is.

The plastics problem feels big. It is. Yet, this problem can be solved. We can keep plastic out of our oceans. I don’t mind picking up trash. Because in doing so, I am working toward a solution. You can help, too.

We look at plastic trash under a microscope.

Making a Record

We build a record of what we find. We use our cell phones. We use an app called Marine Debris Tracker.

All of our data goes into the tracker. That way, we can share our data. Anyone who wants to see our research can. Even you! Anyone can collect data, too. They can use the same app we do.

I take notes when I’m working.

Under The Microscope

Live Smarter on Our Planet

Reducing human pressure on our planet is important! The National Geographic Society hopes to reduce the amount of plastic entering our rivers by 30 percent by 2030.