What You Don't Throw Away Doesn't Go Away

Imagine sailing across the Pacific Ocean, from California to Japan.  A beautiful journey, almost 5,800 miles long with nothing but you, your boat, and the sunrise and sunset.  Wrong.  The Pacific Ocean contains much more than we think it does, for a matter of fact, there are 3.5 million tons of trash floating  in the center of the pacific, forever stuck in the middle of the ocean.  Around the world deep ocean currents flow causing large amounts of water to flow in different directions around our planet, take the North Pacific Gyre for example.  

The northern pacific ocean flows in a circular motion, these deep ocean currents make up the North Pacific Gyre, now home to the largest landfill on the planet.  Where does the trash come from?  You might ask.  Not from littering, surprisingly less than 20% of trash comes from littering on the beach (http://homeguides.sfgate.com).  Large factories, corporations, and run off water from storm drains bringing all sorts of pollution is where all the garbage comes from.  If you have some free time, check out this video from vice: World's largest garbage patch .  There are 3 parts, but they do a great job showcasing what exactly is going on.  

I know my mom would always say to throw out my trash, so now I always do.  The facts point to other sources though, if less than 20% of the trash ending up in this floating landfill, then the people aren't to blame.  If we're not the problem, what can we do?  Boycott products made by these companies?  Start using bio-degradeable materials?  Leave some thoughts, or before we know it this garbage island could become the next continent.