7 Inventions That Are Literally Saving Our Oceans

From a toothpaste in a pill to a giant Pac-Man device that eats up plastic, these innovations are saving our oceans from the plastic waste that plagues them.

Loukia Papadopoulos

| Feb 22, 2019 09:50 AM EST

Created: Feb 22, 2019 09:50 AM EST

innovation

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It is a well-known fact that our oceans have a plastic problem.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the sea every year.

This is so bad that the UNEP has declared war on ocean plastic. Well, they are not alone.

Here are seven innovative inventions that are also doing their share in reducing oceanic plastic waste.

1. Edible packaging for water

Water bottles pollute a lot because of their frequency of use but how are we supposed to go without them? Well, scientists have invented a seaweed package that allows you to eat a sphere of water with no waste leftover.

2. The world's first ocean clean up system

One young man took it upon himself to invent the world's first oceanic cleanup system. The novel device has been described as a "giant Pac-Man" because it literally gobbles up plastic and debris as it travels.

It is now headed for the Great Pacific garbage patch where an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic debris have accumulated. We wish it luck and can not wait to see our oceans cleaned up!

ocean cleanup system — Source: *The Ocean Cleanup*

3. Naked cosmetics

Naked cosmetics are cosmetics without pesky plastic packaging. They mostly come in deliciously smelling bars.

Users say they are even better than other packed goods. When we look at these bars from Lush Cosmetics we definitely want to give them a try for our bodies as much as for the oceans.

Jade Roller Cleansing Balm's mung beans give your face a massage as the luxurious oils melt away makeup and grime. For nighttime, Sleepy Face Cleansing Balm's chill lavender scent can't be beat. ??? / ?: @ bathtramp on Instagram #lushnaked https://t.co/MOnCpihOyj pic.twitter.com/2r6fB9kvn6
— Lush North America (@lushcosmetics) January 31, 2019

4. The Seabin Project

The Seabin Project has an interesting story as it began with an inventor working in plastic production. When he realized how unnecessary and wasteful the products he was making were he took another path.

Today, we have these literal sea bins that collect sea garbage wherever they are placed. They even collect oil and fuels. Now, we are impressed!

5. Edible cutlery

Disposable cutlery is all too common nowadays producing even more plastic waste. But what can you do for food on the go?

Bakeys invented cutlery you can actually eat. The spoons and forks come in all kind of delicious flavors, adding to your meal. Better yet, they will be ending up in our stomachs and not our oceans.

edible cutlery Bakeys — Source: *Bakeys*

6. The toothpaste pill

We never thought we could go without toothpaste packaging, but this company proves you can. Replacing toothpaste with a small pill, the firm foregoes all the waste.

We have to agree with them when they say it was love at first bite!

It was love at first Bite. ?
...
...#zerowaste #plasticfree #design #shelfie #vegan pic.twitter.com/ll1SX7T3Hh
— Bite Toothpaste Bits (@bitetoothpaste) February 14, 2019

7. Eco six-pack rings

eco six pack rings salwater brewery — Source: *Saltwater Brewery*

Saltwater Brewery invented this ingenious six-pack ring that is edible by marine mammals to reduce our plastic waste in the oceans. We love the idea and have to ask can humans eat it too?

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