Ocean Cleanup Discussion - theoceancleanup.com
- Thread starter williamtl
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- cleanup micro plastic ocean plastic
It is an expensive experiment.
Last week's 60 minutes had a piece on ocean garbage and included the The Ocean Clean Up project. Watch it here: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/taking-aim-at-opioids-plastic-plague/
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
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It is an idea that appeared out of a TED talk from an 18 year old.
Passion, youth, different, terrible problem all seem like good reasons to throw money at an idea that will save the planet.
Not sure the invention can spin off other uses.
Passion, youth, different, terrible problem all seem like good reasons to throw money at an idea that will save the planet.
Not sure the invention can spin off other uses.
The organization may have all the right ingredients. It attracts youth, enthusiasm, purpose, science and technology for a noble cause. Marketing apparel is attractive. It should attract volunteerism and service-oriented youth from around the world. Diversity will be embraced. As long as the organization is run by un-corruptible, non-political people (that would probably be the largest hurdle, by far, and this factor will play the largest role in failure or success), I can see long-term growth in financing and staffing. There is no down-side to the mission as long as it is driven by science rather than politics. The hurdles will be overcome as long as the focus is true.
This and other cleanup projects will and have spurred new economic industries. What happens to the industry when it isn't needed anymore? Considering the vastness of the task, might they get to big to fail? Economically, the old guard always fights to maintain what they have. Those in the best position to exploit a new direction are often the ones trying to stifle it. Just look at the paper industry and their ties to the logging industry when recycled paper became economically advantageous. Figure out a way to make money from the cleanup and it may never be over.
That said, I think we could install garbage scrubbers on the hulls of ships and pay them for the pounds of trash they bring back to port as they run their regular routes. Make it worth their whole to run with the increased energy cost of the hull attachments.
-Will (Dragonfly)
That said, I think we could install garbage scrubbers on the hulls of ships and pay them for the pounds of trash they bring back to port as they run their regular routes. Make it worth their whole to run with the increased energy cost of the hull attachments.
-Will (Dragonfly)
An acquaintance of mine is heavily involved in this very issue. Check out thestoryofstuff.org. Anyway, it is my understanding that the garbage patches are dynamic and that if we just stopped polluting the oceans they would go away in about five years. Where does it go? Land. The ocean currents carry it to a few specific places for the most part. Henderson island is one such place.