Pacific Plastic: A Journey Across the Ocean
The article "Junk raft completes voyage to Hawaii" details an extraordinary expedition across the Pacific Ocean to raise awareness about marine pollution. Dr. Marcus Eriksen and Joel Paschal embarked on a 2,600-mile journey from California to Hawaii on a raft constructed entirely from recycled materials, including 15,000 plastic bottles and parts from an old Cessna 310 airplane.
Highlight: The "junk raft" was a creative solution to demonstrate the abundance of plastic waste in our oceans, serving as both a vessel and a powerful visual statement.
Their 87-day voyage aimed to draw attention to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast area of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. The explorers documented their journey with photos and videos, capturing the alarming state of ocean pollution.
Vocabulary: The North Pacific Gyre, often referred to as the "Pazifischer Müllstrudel" in German, is a system of circular ocean currents that traps and concentrates marine debris.
During their journey, Eriksen and Paschal faced numerous challenges, including hurricanes that tested their resolve. However, they also experienced unexpected joys, such as meeting Roz Savage, an accomplished ocean rower.
Example: The explorers described the polluted areas of the ocean as a "toilet bowl that never flushes," vividly illustrating the extent of the problem.
The article emphasizes the urgency of addressing ocean pollution, noting that in just half a century, humans have transformed two-thirds of the ocean's surface into a "plastic soup." This expedition serves as a call to action, highlighting that inaction is not an option in the face of such environmental degradation.
