We all know that plastics are a problem for our oceans. Of the more than 400 million tons produced every year across the globe, an estimated 11 million tons end up in the waterways. These materials pollute ecosystems, harm marine life, and make their way into the food chain.
Unfortunately, this is merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Beyond the lakes, rivers, and oceans, plastics and small fragments known as microplastics enter the human body, negatively impacting overall health. While most people know these materials are detrimental to the environment, few fully understand the extent of the issue.
By the numbers
The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup in 2024 resulted in 4,172,785 plastic bottles, bottle caps, food containers, grocery and other bags, cups and plates collected from waterways around the world.
An urgent but solvable crisis
Prior to 2017, Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper were unaware themselves. A surfing trip to Bali, Indonesia, opened their eyes to the overwhelming amount of plastic litter polluting the shores. What began as a personal mission to pick up the coastline eventually became a global operation. Today, 4ocean is a certified B Corp and leader in the ocean cleanup movement.
“Our approach is grounded in measurable impact,” says Tony Ernst, chief of cleanup operations at 4ocean. “We empower full-time captains and crews who remove trash from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines every single day. Every pound collected is carefully documented, weighed, and recorded so that our community of supporters can see the tangible results of their contributions.”
4ocean’s efforts have contributed to the removal of tens of millions of pounds of trash from the waterways. The company is not doing this work alone. From the volunteers organizing beach cleanups to the startups investing in filtration technologies to capture microplastics before they enter the environment, tackling the plastics problem requires everyone to do their part.
“The plastic pollution crisis is urgent, but it is also solvable,” Ernst says. “Every day, we see proof that collective action works.”
What is a B Corp?
According to B Lab Global, “B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.” It’s all about using businesses as a force for good in the world. Visit bcorporation.net to learn more.
The power of partnerships to increase positive impact
At 4ocean, collective action can translate to collaborations between like-minded companies. Azenco Outdoor, a designer-manufacturer of high-end outdoor living spaces, honored its core commitment to sustainability by joining forces with 4ocean. The partnership has resulted in the removal of more than 68,000 pounds of trash since 2023.
“Sustainability is not a side initiative,” says Leslie Chapus, VP and co-founder of Azenco Outdoor. “It must be integrated into every decision we make as business leaders and individuals.”
On its own, Azenco Outdoor minimizes its environmental impact through sustainable product design, energy-efficient production processes, and a focus on waste reduction. As one of 4ocean’s Certified Cleanup Partners, the outdoor living company provides financial support, engages its dealers and clients to raise awareness, and amplifies the message that “sustainable choices in business and lifestyle truly make a difference.”
“This impact goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that connect people to the outdoors while preserving it for future generations,” Chapus says. “The more companies align profit with purpose, the bigger the shift we’ll see in protecting our environment.”
The amount of plastic in the ocean is expected to triple by 2040 if nothing changes, but there is hope. According to a 2023 report from the United Nations Environment Programme, plastic pollution could actually reduce by 80 percent by 2040 if large-scale changes are made. These changes include increasing the market for reusable products, accelerating the market for plastics recycling and championing a market for plastic alternatives.
The message from the report is clear. No one entity can solve this problem alone. 4ocean and Azenco Outdoors prove that collaboration empowers everyone to get more done. From the sea turtles gliding through the ocean to the surfers catching a wave, that’s a big win for everyone.
“Because so much of humanity depends on the ocean for food, oxygen, and climate regulation, plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue; it’s a human one,” Ernst says. “It affects us all, which is why solutions must be collective and sustained.”
New year, cleaner seas
Reducing plastic pollution takes all of us, but doing your part doesn’t have to stress you out. Here are six realistic sustainability goals that will increase your positive impact this year:
- Replace throwaway items with reusables. Grocery bags, mugs, and straws are great places to start.
- Join a cleanup effort in your area. Volunteers are a crucial part of plastic removal process.
- Provide financial support. A little money goes a long way. Consider setting up a recurring donation to an organization that inspires you.
- Buy with intention. Seek out organizations that invest in sustainability initiatives and purchase products from them.
- Inspire your workplace. Suggest partnering with organizations leading cleanup efforts.
- Amplify the work. Social media can be a powerful place to connect and share information.
This article was originally published in the January 2026 issue of alive magazine.
Karli Petrovic is a writer and tarot reader living in Atlanta, GA. She cohabitates with a muggle husband, baby girl, and three goofy hounds. Find her online.
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