Plastic pollution in the oceans has become a high-profile concern, the effect on climate change of the present use of plastic has not been a focus. Here is something for your concern.
Plastic production occurs in huge quantities every year around the world. Yet, many scientists have started to see the dangers that it can present when it comes to the environment. The issue is that products made of plastic are often used just once. Then they are thrown away. So, what happens next? Some of the plastic is recycled locally or abroad. But sadly, a surprising amount is discarded in nature.
If we eliminated plastics from our lives, we’d save hundreds of marine species from entanglement and plastic ingestion. Plastic can also negatively impact our health – some of the compounds and chemicals found in plastic, such as BPA, have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects.
How Does Plastic Affect Animals and Humans?
Oceans are the first victims of the plastic pollution threat. Plastic waste can be found in all the oceans, constituting 90 percent of the oceans’ pollution. Many heart-breaking footage’s of sea animals, such as turtles and fish, can be seen. Such torture that plastic can inflict may slow down body growth and/or cause severe mutilation.
Not only is plastic bad for the ocean’s ecosystems, but it also pollutes our soil from the inside. The Blue Planet needs its oceans, and plastic is a real threat to its inhabitants and the quality of its water and soil. Plastic is not usually found in the human body. However, with water and everyday life materials, a certain amount manages to creep inside. Its components are even suspected of negative effects on hormones. Nowadays, there is no escaping the influence of plastic on our bodies. It seems that we are constantly in contact with it.
However, there are ways to prevent the negative consequences of massive plastic use. Reusing plastic items as much as possible is the first step to stopping plastic mass-production. When purchasing plastic goods, try to buy the widely recyclable types of plastic.
Which Animals Die From Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags are a real threat to the environment. In fact, many animals die from complications caused by plastic bags. The plastic consumption around the world has never been higher. Tons of plastic are thrown into the environment each year, and this has terrible consequences on our planet and its animal inhabitants.
Turtles are well-known victims of plastic waste. When in the presence of plastic, they sometimes ingest it. The material then becomes stuck in their intestines, causing death in the worst cases. The slow endangerment of the sea turtles species can be linked to human pollution, especially plastic pollution. Fish, dolphins and seals are also some of the animals that die from plastic bags and plastic pollution. Mistaking the plastic waste for food, they ingest it, which has terrible consequences on their health. The case of plastic bags is even more specific, as animals often suffocate when trapped in them.
Since the oceans are where most of the plastic waste ends, the sea animals are the first victims. They are injured or killed by plastic bags and bottles that have suddenly appeared in their natural environment.
As a solution, people around the world can come to an solution, the main environmental issue with plastic use is that it’s hard to recycle, and it can’t be recycled to make more plastic. This means that more plastic needs to be produced every day to meet the plastic consumer’s needs.
On the other hand, glass is widely recyclable. All you need to make glass is, almost ironically, glass. If properly recycled, glass can be infinitely reused, and the production of brand new glass can be lowered. The environmental impact can be great. Glass is also more solid than plastic and can be put to use many more times. For example, a glass jar can last for decades.
Make the decision to be more conscious and go plastic-free today. You can start in the line at the grocery store or by purchasing a new reusable bottle to use at the gym. You’ll not only help the environment, but you’ll have that fantastic feeling that often accompanies such a decision.
