A local community is organizing a beach cleanup event to address the increasing plastic waste along the shoreline. They plan to educate participants about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Which of the following actions would best demonstrate an understanding of the global plastic waste crisis and its implications for sustainability?

The best action is to conduct a local plastic waste audit, count how many bags, bottles, and bags are collected, and then trace where those items end up in the global supply chain. By mapping the journey from the beach to recycling plants, export ports, and overseas markets, the community can see how local litter becomes part of the worldwide plastic cycle. This audit shows that even small amounts of beach trash can travel thousands of miles, harming marine life and ecosystems far beyond the shore. A concrete example is counting 200 plastic bottles, discovering they were shipped to a recycling facility in another country, and then explaining how the recycled material is used to make new products, highlighting the sustainability loop. This hands‑on demonstration links local action to the global crisis and shows how reducing plastic at home can reduce ocean pollution.