Clean Up with us

The Ocean Plastic Problem and How Defunkify Is Taking Action

Our oceans are in trouble. Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with devastating effects on marine ecosystems, wildlife, and even human health.

At Defunkify, we understand the importance of tackling the ocean plastic problem and are committed to making a difference. That's why we’ve partnered with several innovative efforts focused on scalable ocean plastic removal to offset our plastic use and help create a cleaner, healthier ocean for future generations.

All hands on deck

The Ocean Plastic Problem

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans. This plastic comes from a variety of sources: discarded water bottles, packaging, fishing nets, and even tiny microplastics from everyday products.

Once in the ocean, plastic doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, but it never fully goes away.

Sea To Table

Marine Life & Plastic

Marine animals, such as turtles, fish, and seabirds, often mistake plastic for food, leading to injury, poisoning, and death. Furthermore, microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals, which then enter the food chain, potentially affecting humans as we consume seafood.

The issue is vast, but with global collaboration, education, and action, we can begin to address this crisis and protect our planet's precious marine life.

Minimizing our footprint

Defunkify’s Commitment to Offsetting Plastic Use

At Defunkify, we are well aware that plastic bottles are a significant contributor to this problem. As a company dedicated to producing high-quality cleaning products, we recognize that our use of plastic bottles can have a negative environmental impact. However, we are actively working on solutions to minimize our footprint.

Why Plastic?

We continue to sell our products in plastic bottles for a few reasons:

  • 1. Customer Preference:

    Alternatives like powder is often less preferred by customers, due to concerns that it will not fully dissolve. (this problem is greatly lessened by ultra-concentrated, modern powders like Defunkify Powered Laundry Detergent). Also, DIY solutions are less preferred due to their mess and lack of convenience.

  • 2. Life Cycle Costs:

    While alternatives like thick wall metal or glass containers exist, they often come with higher environmental costs due to energy-intensive production and transport. Also, some packaging, like “milk cartons”  are not recyclable due the need for plastic and metal film lining that must be used to prevent leaking.

  • 3. Product Efficacy:

    Some alternative packaging like sheets simply don’t perform as well in side by side testing.

  • 4. Cost:

    Mono-dose options like sheets and pods are super expensive and in the case of sheets and powder pods, the above problems are exacerbated.

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NEXT STEPS

Sustainable Solutions

In the meantime, we believe the best current solution is transitioning to more sustainable packaging options, such as powder form, wherever possible or selecting an ultra-concentrated option like Defunkify Liquid Laundry Detergent that delivers more doses of detergent per pound of plastic jug.

Our Ocean Plastic Offset Program

As we work toward long-term solutions that address the problems above, we are also taking immediate action to improve the ocean plastic crisis today.

At present, Defunkify donates $0.40 for every pound of plastic we use to global initiatives dedicated to advancing ocean conservation through scalable solutions. These organizations educate the public and take meaningful, collaborative steps to reduce ocean plastic pollution.

Through these partnerships, we aim to offset the environmental impact of our plastic use while we continue working on more sustainable packaging solutions.

GET INVOLVED

How You Can Help

While we’re doing our part, we encourage our customers and the broader community to get involved in ocean conservation efforts. Supporting impactful organizations working to clean and protect our oceans is a great place to start.

Here are other ways people can contribute to keeping our oceans clean:

  • 1. Recycle

    Recycle the plastic that you do use.

  • 2. Support Ocean-Friendly Products

    Choose products from companies that are actively working to reduce their plastic footprint and support environmental initiatives.

  • 3. Get Involved

    Participate in beach cleanups or volunteer with local organizations working to reduce ocean pollution.

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A Cleaner Greener PlaNet

Looking Ahead

We at Defunkify are committed to continually improving our sustainability practices and minimizing our impact on the environment. We believe that education and collaboration are key to solving the ocean plastic problem.

By supporting a network of leading ocean recovery initiatives addressing plastic waste, reducing our plastic use, and exploring alternative packaging solutions, we are taking meaningful steps towards a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans.

Ocean Cleanup Non-Profits

Ocean Conservancy
Focuses on science-based solutions to protect oceans and marine life. Known for their International Coastal Cleanup events.

Website: oceanconservancy.org

Surfrider Foundation
Protects and preserves the world's oceans, focusing on water quality, beach access, and reducing plastic pollution.

Website: surfrider.org

The 5 Gyres Institute
A leader in the fight against plastic pollution, educating the public and advocating for policy changes worldwide.

Website: 5gyres.org

Plastic Oceans International
Works to end plastic pollution through education, activism, and science-based solutions.

Website: plasticoceans.org

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Combines direct-action campaigns with education and advocacy to protect marine ecosystems and reduce plastic waste.

Website: seashepherd.org

Oregon-Based Ocean Cleanup Effort

SOLVE (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism)
Based in Oregon, SOLVE organizes community cleanup events, including coastal cleanups, to keep Oregon's beaches, rivers, and neighborhoods free of litter and marine debris.