Plastic pollution in the ocean is reaching crisis levels, and one of the worst offenders is plastic foam—specifically, expanded polystyrene (EPS) used in takeout containers and cups. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Oceana’s Christy Leavitt discusses their 2025 report that reveals how pervasive and harmful this material is. Foam is lightweight, breaks into microplastics, and is virtually impossible to recycle, yet it’s still widely used across the United States. Christy explains why this pollution is especially damaging to marine life and coastal communities.

Plastic pollution solutions are gaining traction through local bans, corporate pressure, and federal policy proposals. Christy highlights community wins, state-level leadership, and Oceana’s campaign to phase out EPS for good. If you care about clean oceans and want to see meaningful action, this episode offers key insights and tangible ways to make a difference.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the dangers of plastic foam
03:25 – What is expanded polystyrene and why it’s problematic
07:10 – Christy Leavitt introduces Oceana’s 2025 foam report
11:45 – Key findings: Foam pollution across the US
16:30 – Why EPS is not recyclable
21:15 – Impact on marine life and coastal environments
26:00 – How foam contributes to microplastic pollution
30:20 – Local bans: Examples of successful foam restrictions
35:40 – Fast food, foam, and corporate accountability
40:55 – National policy momentum and upcoming legislation
46:30 – How individuals can make a difference
51:00 – Oceana’s next steps and ways to take action
57:45 – Final thoughts and episode wrap-up

#OceanConservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
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