14 JULY 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THE PROBLEM: POLLUTION IN OUR WATERWAYS Pollution, and plastic in particular, in our waterways are problematic worldwide. Along with the large— and still growing—ocean trash gyres, plastic is ubiquitous and has now been found in even the deepest part of the ocean, in the Mariana Trench, at an as- tonishing seven miles below sea level. Plastics have been responsible for the death of countless marine animals and sea life. In early June, a whale in Thailand died after ingesting 80 plastic bags, making global headlines. On June 12, the Chicago Tribune published an article about the Windy City’s lessening love for plastic straws due to the ill effects of cumula- tive amounts of plastic coming from drinking straws. Reporter Robert Channick wrote, “At least 8 million tons of plastics leak into the world’s oceans each year, according to a 2016 report by the World Economic Forum. By 2050, there could be more plastic by weight in the world’s oceans than fish, according to the report.” But, it’s not just birds, fish, and whales that are being harmed by plastic. Researchers have found in- disputable evidence that people are PVA Green WATERS Announces New Voluntary Campaign Aimed at Reducing Plastic in Waterways By Karen Rainbolt, FOGHORN Managing Editor THE SCANIA MARINE SOLUTION. Out there, confidence in performance, reliability and operating economy are the only things that count. With this in mind, we created the Scania Marine Solution: An array of flexible products paired with guidance and installation support from Scania. Whatever your specification, we will provide you with the optimal Scania Marine Solution. Power at work, every inch of the way. Complete and Committed. www.scaniausa.com Potomac Riverboat Co. Potomac Taxi I and II Powered by twin Scania DI13 081M engines POWER AT WORK Pollution washed up on a beach in Hawaii. Credit: NOAA.gov.