A Tiny Sink-Side Habit to Protect Marine Life – What’s Hiding in Your Drain Could Be Harming the Ocean
When you rinse food scraps, sauces, or oily leftovers down the sink, it might seem harmless. But this simple act can contribute to water pollution, which eventually flows into rivers, lakes, and oceans—harming marine life and aquatic ecosystems.
By adopting a tiny habit—wiping your plate before rinsing it—you reduce the amount of fats, oils, grease (FOG), and micro-particles that enter water systems. It’s a minimal effort with massive marine impact.
The Dirty Data: Household Waste and Ocean Health
- Each year, 8 million tons of plastic and waste enter our oceans, and not all of it comes from litter—a significant portion comes from household wastewater runoff. (Source: UNESCO Marine Pollution Facts)
- Grease, dairy, and leftover food waste contribute to the formation of fatbergs—massive sewer blockages that spill untreated wastewater into waterways. (Source: EPA: Preventing Sewer Overflows)
- Nutrient overload from organic waste leads to eutrophication, causing “dead zones” where marine life can’t survive. (source: NOAA on Ocean Dead Zones)
Try This: The Plate Wipe Habit
A super simple action you can start today:
- Keep a napkin or paper towel nearby when cleaning up after meals.
- Wipe off sauces, oils, and crumbs into your compost or trash before rinsing the plate or putting it in the dishwasher.
- For even better impact: scrape leftovers into a food waste bin or compost pile before doing any rinsing at all.
How It Supports SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 14: Life Below Water aims to reduce marine pollution by 2025, particularly from land-based activities like household waste and wastewater runoff.
By keeping fats and food particles out of your pipes, you prevent them from entering aquatic ecosystems—helping protect coral reefs, marine species, and water quality.
Wipe before you rinse—it’s one tiny, sink-side move that keeps oceans cleaner and marine life safer.
Start today. The ocean will thank you!