Plastic pollution poses a threat to human health and harms and kills marine life. Scientists estimate that if we don’t change our ways, the ocean will have more plastic by weight than fish by 2050.
The primary direct threats that single-use plastic poses to marine life are entanglement and ingestion. Many marine animals accidentally mistake plastic for food and choke or get sick by ingesting it. These interactions with plastic are often fatal. Additionally, plastic pollution damages and alters habitats, and can have substantial negative impacts on local economies. More than 80% of marine litter comes from land-based sources and businesses and governments spend billions on cleaning up litter. Fortunately, plastic pollution is already widely accepted as an urgent problem that we need to and can address. Avoiding the use of single-use disposable plastic items like bags, straws, and bottles is one tangible way for individuals and communities to help. Together we can solve this problem and create a more sustainable society.
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