GrowGood Ocean Pollution 05
Keep the Sea Plastic-Free.
Every Minute, a Garbage Truck’s Worth of Plastic Ends Up in the Ocean.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Why Ocean Pollution Matters
Our oceans cover 70% of the Earth and produce over half of the oxygen we breathe. But every year, over 11 million tons of plastic pollute our seas, harming wildlife and threatening the health of people and the planet.
Over 100,000 marine animals die each year from plastic entanglement or ingestion.
Microplastics have been found in seafood, salt, and even drinking water.
Coral reefs, essential ecosystems, are suffocating under trash and chemicals.
What We’re Doing
Community Cleanups
Removing trash from coastlines before it hits the water
Plastic-Free Campaigns
Educating and empowering people to reduce single-use plastics
Marine Wildlife Rescue
Saving and rehabilitating injured sea creatures
Policy Advocacy
Pushing for laws to regulate pollution and ban harmful materials
Real Lives Affected
“We found a sea turtle washed up on shore, wrapped in fishing line and filled with plastic. We couldn’t save it — but we can save others.”
Maria V., Marine Rescue Volunteer
Our Causes
Plastic Waste
Plastic is the most common and dangerous pollutant in our oceans. Bags, bottles, straws, and packaging enter the water through littering, stormwater, and poor waste management. These plastics take hundreds of years to decompose and are often mistaken for food by marine animals.
Chemical Runoff from Land
Fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial chemicals wash from farms, factories, and cities into rivers and oceans. These toxins harm marine life, disrupt reproductive systems, and accumulate in the food chain.
Sewage and Wastewater
Untreated or poorly treated sewage enters the ocean, bringing harmful bacteria, pathogens, and nutrients that cause oxygen depletion (dead zones) and algal blooms. These damage marine ecosystems and make water unsafe for humans and animals.Learn more
Oil Spills
Large-scale oil spills from tankers or offshore rigs, as well as small leaks from boats and ports, release harmful hydrocarbons into the water. Oil coats marine life, damages ecosystems, and is toxic to fish, birds, and mammals.
Ocean Pollution Impact Facts
On Marine Life
-
Over 100,000 marine animals (like dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seals) die each year from plastic entanglement or ingestion. -
1 in 3 sea turtles have plastic in their stomachs. -
90% of seabirds have plastic in their digestive systems. -
Abandoned fishing gear (ghost nets) makes up an estimated 46% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
On Human Health
-
Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, and placenta. -
Seafood lovers may be eating up to 11,000 plastic particles per year. -
Toxic chemicals from ocean pollution can enter the food chain and increase risks of cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues.
On Ecosystems
-
Dead zones, caused by nutrient runoff, have increased over 10x since the 1950s — over 400 zones now exist worldwide. -
Coral reefs are suffocating under sediment, sewage, and plastic debris, affecting the habitat of 25% of marine species. -
Pollution reduces biodiversity, disrupts food chains, and damages fragile ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass beds.
On Water Quality
-
80% of ocean pollution originates from land-based sources. -
Oil spills can destroy marine habitats and take decades to fully recover. -
Billions of gallons of untreated sewage are discharged into oceans each year, threatening both ecosystems and coastal communities.
Upcoming Events
Sunrise Worship Service
7 Sep, 2025Riverside Park, SpringfieldBegin the day with uplifting worship as the sun rises, accompanied by live music and communal prayer.Join Event
Family Fun & Faith Fair
4 Nov, 2025Faith Connect Church GroundsA joyful day of games, food, crafts, and activities for the whole family, with a focus on building fellowship.Join Event
Youth Empowerment Night
14 Nov, 2025Faith Connect Youth HallAn evening of music, testimonies, and workshops designed to inspire and strengthen the faith of young believers.Join Event
Community Thanksgiving Outreach
27 Nov, 2025Springfield Community CenterShare blessings with those in need through meals, donations, and heartfelt fellowship.Join Event
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
24 Dec, 2025Faith Connect Main SanctuaryCelebrate the birth of Christ with scripture readings, carols, and a serene candlelit atmosphere.Join Event
Ocean Defenders Beach Cleanup
9 Oct, 2025Venice BeachPurpose: Protect marine life by removing ocean-bound plastic waste.
Details: A full-day community event with beach cleanup, marine talks, and sea…Join Event
Meet our volunteers
Bobbie FerryLead Volunteer
Lillie BraunLead Volunteer
Sherry MillerLead Volunteer
Virgil HauckLead Volunteer
Luther HeathcoteLead Volunteer
Ethel HeathcoteLead Volunteer
Vera HuelsLead Volunteer
Become A Volunteer!
What people say
“Volunteering with this charity changed my perspective. Seeing kids smile because of something I helped with? Priceless.”
“I never thought I’d finish school. But thanks to your support, I’m graduating next year — and I want to be a teacher so I can help others like you helped me”
“Volunteering with this organization changed my life. I thought I was giving — but I received so much more in return: purpose, connection, and hope.”
“Volunteering with this charity changed my perspective. Seeing kids smile because of something I helped with? Priceless.”
“Volunteering with this organization changed my life. I thought I was giving — but I received so much more in return: purpose, connection, and hope.”
Lamar Lang
Ted Corkery
Alexandra Corwin
Sherry Miller
Ethel Heathcote
Successful Stories
byCIFTRDecember 26, 2025
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!Learn more
Together, We Can Keep the Ocean Blue
Don’t wait. Marine life is suffering, and time is running out. Be a wave of change.