How two men revolutionised waste removal for the benefit of our seas

Annually, upwards of 8 million tonnes of plastic are washed into our oceans. With devastating effects for marine life, and the very real threat of species extinction, plastic pollution is up there with climate change as a major threat to our planet.

Whether through the dangers of ingestion, or the devastating loss of habitat, marine birds, oceans mammals and sea life alike, face the tangible consequences of plastic pollution every day.

Image: Missouri Department of Conservation

So how can we remove the fruits of our overconsumption from our precious, and once pristine waterways? Two Aussie expats, and avid ocean lovers, have developed a virtual 'sea bin' to gobble up the suspended garbage.

Lifelong surfers from Australia's western shores, the pair have put it all on the line for an invention that they believe could rid our oceans of harmful rubbish, oil, fuel and detergents.

Working much like a 24/7 vacuum-trashcan hybrid, the hardworking seanbin sits on the waters surface nearby a pontoon or dock. On-shore, there is a water pump, and much like a pool filter, water is sucked through an open top, filtered through a collection bag – where large piece of plastic can be removed, funnelled through to the on-shore pump, and once cleaned, returned back in to the ocean – removing even tiny particles of plastic (much like the microbeads in common cosmetics).

Read more: Microbeads, everything you should know

With the bigger pieces of debris collected in the catch bag, regular disposal needs to be maintained – simply emptying the bag into an on-shore bin when full. Oil, fuel and detergents can be separated inside the separate pump system. Easy peasy!

The current design has been developed for locations close to land, achieving the intentions of Andrew and Pete, preventing the often abundant masses of trash in the shallow waters of harbours, bays and even in-land lakes, from being washed out into the big blue sea – or worse, ingested by wildlife.

Now, with larger scale production in mind for 2016, the seabin project has garnered support worldwide. Officially achieving their funding goals as of January 12, 2016, updates report that a manufacturer has been met with and it would seem that exciting times for ocean rejuvenation lay ahead.

With an end game of education for all about the dangers of ocean pollution and particularly plastics, the boys hope to produce their bins globally for a pollution-free future.

Marley is a freelance writer and PR executive in Sydney, she is passionate about sustainable lifestyles, animal rights and women's empowerment. Follow her work here

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Header Image: Shutterstock

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