Unfortunately, solving the problem of water pollution caused by plastic is not as simple as collecting everything. While a large amount of plastic pollution is concentrated in the gyres, it does not float in a single mass on the surface. Chunks of plastic are found at all depths. Plastic also breaks down into tiny particles in the ocean, making cleanup efforts very difficult. Additionally, it is challenging to remove plastics from the ocean without removing or harming marine life. With these difficulties in mind, it is important that we work to find solutions that prevent plastic from entering the waste stream in the first place. A nationwide regimen for waste disposal could potentially take time to implement, so in the meantime, immediate action can be taken in local communities. The Ocean City municipality could enforce a ban on all single-use plastic products, introducing and mandating the usage of environmentally friendly, biodegradable products. Companies such as Green Paper Products offer every kind of food service product that is biodegradable, compostable and eco-friendly. This company also provides the service of free carbon-neutral shipping. Every aspect of Green Paper Products seeks to promote sustainability and the inclusion of organic material. Ocean City could make the switch to utilizing biodegradable tableware, as it is just as readily available and affordable as plastic products. The substitution of compostable cups and cutlery would reduce the risk of harm to marine habitats because even with the possibility of improper disposal, the products will still break down and contribute to the environment in a positive manner. However, biodegradable products are not the solution. The term bioplastics is increasingly used to refer to a wide range of products thought of as alternatives to traditional plastics. However, the term does not necessarily mean that a material is fossil fuel-free, compostable, or ecologically preferable. Some bioplastic products are completely derived from plants, while others are made, at least in part, from fossil fuels. Some of them are compostable, while others are not. In some cases, plastics claim to be biodegradable, which is not the same as compostable. Biodegradable can only mean that a product will eventually break down, but not necessarily within a specific time or frame
or down to a specific particle size. While these products offer the promise of "green" alternatives to traditional plastics, the reality is more complex. Even plant-based plastics that are certified compostable are often designed to break down efficiently only in commercial composting systems. And even if plastics that are plant-based and
compostable, if turned into trash, they can persist long enough to harm water systems and wildlife. The production of some bioplastics is also potentially problematic. Replacing some current plastics with plant-based bioplastics (especially those made from agricultural waste, which would otherwise be treated as waste) is a promising way
to reduce our use of fossil fuels. However, the most widely available bioplastics today are based on corn. While these represent a positive step towards finding alternatives to non-renewable fossil fuel-derived plastic, they are based on corn production, raising concerns about agricultural impacts related to land use, food production and global warming. More research is needed to develop better products that will reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources and address concerns associated with plastic pollution in the oceans without causing harm in other areas.