The most effective method to encourage environmentally friendly behaviour and to discourage continual plastic pollution of the oceans (to solve Tragedy of the Commons) is through laws, regulations and incentives set by the government. There are various laws, regulations and treaties in place to address the issue of marine debris in the United States. Some of them include:

• Land-based laws
  • Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act
  • Clean Water Act
  • Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990
  • Pollution Prevention Act
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• Ocean-based Laws
  • Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act (MPPRCA)
  • Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act
  • Shore Protection Act
  • Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
• Treaties
  • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Annex V)
  • London Convention

Click here for the elaboration of each of the laws, regulations and treaties stated above.

 

MARPOL Annex V is an international agreement that prohibits any discharging of plastic from ships at sea. It requires ports and terminals to provide garbage reception facilities for boats. As of 31 July 2010, 140 countries have ratified Annex V controlling the disposal of plastics and garbage into the oceans. The MPPRCA is a U.S. domestic legislation that prohibit ships to discharge plastics in U.S. waters. It requires the plastics to be transported back to land for recycling or appropriate disposal after usage.

 

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Besides implementing laws, governmental organisations can also encourage conservation efforts through campaigns that raise awareness and educate the public. For example, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has kickstarted the ‘Bring-Your-Own-Bag’ initiative, aiming to reduce plastic bag usage. ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ is another common phrase Singaporeans are exposed to from a young age. It’s waste-to-energy incineration plants is effective in reducing the need for landfill space as well. Recycle bins that are in prominent bright colours with labels can also be found in every corner of the country because convenience is key to recycling.

 

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Next, non-governmental organisations efforts.

Previously, solutions for plastics in oceans.