The shocking impact of plastic on marine life
How you can make a difference today
By Annette J Beveridge
A shocking 8 million pieces of plastic pollution enters the world’s oceans daily according to data published on the Surfers Against Sewage website. This terrible statistic translates into 12 million tonnes of plastic finding its way into the ocean annually.
1.75 tonnes alone is discarded into the ocean from the fishing industry.
This is a colossal problem for our oceans and the wildlife that lives within. Plastic pollution is causing environmental harm on a catastrophic level.
One million seabirds are killed each year along with 100,000 mammals and turtles according to a UK government report in 2018.
Marine species become entangled in plastic and die. Fish, turtles, seabirds, and whales mistake the plastic for prey. They then die of starvation with stomachs filled with plastic.
We relax and they die
Most of us love to spend time at the beach and we are soothed by the lulling rhythm of the waves and yet, while we relax, marine life is ever in danger and it is through our actions.
Much of the ocean is still unexplored and there is the potential for so many undiscovered species to be found and celebrated, yet, so many of the species we know are already under serious threat. Whole ecosystems are at risk.
By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than there are fish!
Chemical pollution, raw sewage and plastic has led to a planetary crisis where death is the outcome for many species. We are at crisis point.
Approximately 500 dead zones exist already in the ocean. This equates to the size of the UK.
Recycling
Only 35 per cent of plastic is currently recycled and 23 per cent is sent to landfill. The remaining plastic goes to energy recovery operations.
There is still much more to do when it comes to ridding land and sea of our plastic waste.
Once in the ocean, tiny particles of plastics are ingested by marine life and in turn, this becomes a part of the food chain for humans too. It is a health hazard for wildlife and for people.
Discarded plastic bottles can bounce around in the ocean for 450 years but each bottle will slowly break down, fragmenting into tiny pieces. As plastic degrades, it releases more chemicals.
How to help
We must all make changes and adapt. It takes conscious desire and a little effort to reduce the number of single-use plastic items and these include used plastic wrap, grocery bags, straws, and general plastic waste.
It is not always difficult to make important changes. Want to stop using plastic bags? Tuck a reusable bag into a handbag, a backpack or place in the car boot so it is nearby if needed. This can make a significant difference.
Bottles of water
Many people still buy bottles of water but plastic contains BPA (bisphenol A) which is an industrial chemical. Research indicates that BPA can seep into food or drinks which can have a serious negative impact on the brain as well as damaging other areas of the body.
Use a water filter instead and reduce the risk of plastic bottles in landfill.
Use a reusable and eco-friendly flask to take ready-made drinks into work. It takes little time but eliminates additional plastic waste.
Gifts
Christmas and birthday gifts leads to a lot of packaging being discarded. This will often end up in landfill. Consider how many gifts are needed when buying presents. Is it better to give one main present than lots of little gifts?
Use recycled toys, or second hand items rather than purchasing new where possible. Make it a family effort to do so and it can become a fun challenge or purchase from a company that has gone out of its way to be eco-conscious.
Wrapping paper is an issue. Most wrapping paper cannot be put into the recycling bin. It is possible to buy wrapping paper that can be recycled however and it can still look pretty. You can also buy brown paper and use this. It is possible to dress it up but importantly, the paper can be put into the recycling bin afterwards or reused.
Ditch the sticky tape. It cannot be recycled and if used on your recycled paper, then it becomes contaminated. Recycled ribbon or string can be used to tie up and secure presents.
Packaging
It is also worth putting pressure on manufacturers to change their packaging processes. Contact them to say you will not purchase products until the packaging is changed. Every company should now be making key changes to their manufacturing processes.
Consumers really do have power.
Lunch packaging on sandwiches or lunch-time meals all add up. If you don't want to make your own sandwiches to take to work (much cheaper) stop off at a cafe instead and eat in. This will give you a break from the workplace as well saving on damaging packaging. It also helps local businesses.
Ditch cling film
Consider alternatives to cling film or plastic food bags when at home. Aluminium foil can be washed after use and recycled. Another great alternative is a Beeswax wrap (a personal favourite). You can also use a re-usable lunchbox.
Plastic and climate change
In addition to devastating marine life and sea birds, plastic also contributes to climate change. When incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
Remember, small changes can lead to a significant impact on the reduction of harmful plastics. Plastic pollution is impacting our rivers and oceans. Is this really what we want?
Tell family and friends that you want to change how you shop and gradually, incorporate these changes into daily life. You can also share this article so the core message gets out. It is time for change.
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