Animals in the Age of Plastic Waste

Hey there!  Have you heard about recycling  of plastic? Yes, thanks to the technology, we can recycle plastic! Then here’s a question: how much plastic is recycled?

This answer is about 9 %!!!

Wait, isn’t it too low?

From the packaging on our snacks to the water bottles we grab on the go, plastic is everywhere.

While it makes our lives easier, it’s wreaking havoc on our planet, especially for the animals that share it with us. Let’s take a moment to explore how plastic pollution affects wildlife and what we can do to help.

The Scale of the Problem

In 1950, the world produced just two million tones of plastic. It now produces over 450 million tones. Only 9 % of plastic is recycled and other plastic is dealt with by incinerating or by landfills However, according to European parliamentary research service, 4.8 to 12.7 million tons of plastic is estimated to enter the ocean. This plastic doesn’t just disappear; it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics. It’s almost impossible to clean up these microplastics and can be ingested by all kinds of marine animals, leading to serious health problems.

The Impact on Marine Animals

・Sea Turtles

Let’s start with the majestic sea turtle. These beautiful creatures are often seen gliding gracefully through the ocean. Unfortunately, they sometimes mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their main food sources.

Survey results show that about 52 percent of turtles globally have consumed debris. Ingesting plastic can be fatal for turtles, as it may obstruct the digestive tract or puncture the gut wall. Additionally, it can lead to further complications by releasing toxic chemicals into their tissues.

・Seabirds

Now, think about seabirds like albatrosses and gulls. These birds rely on the ocean for food, but when they dive in for a meal, they often encounter plastic debris.

Blockages from plastic can lead to severe health issues, while toxins can build up in their bodies, affecting their ability to reproduce.

Two decades later, more than 80% of birds were found to have plastic in their stomachs. It is estimated that by 2050, 99% of seabird species will be consuming plastic.

・Marine Mammals

And let’s not forget our marine mammal friends, like whales and dolphins. These intelligent creatures can get entangled in discarded fishing gear or nets. This can lead to a slow and painful death. Plus, as they consume fish that have ingested microplastics, they unknowingly absorb harmful toxins into their bodies.

It was found that overall 61 (68%) of the 90 whale and dolphin species have been reported to be affected by marine plastic pollution – either by ingestion or entanglement

・Deer

Plastic pollution doesn’t stop at the water’s edge; it also affects land animals.

Have you ever seen a deer or a bear wandering through a park? In their search for food, they can easily get caught in plastic waste or accidentally swallow it. This can lead to serious health issues, including infections or internal blockages.

In November 2019, near Khun Sathan National Park in Thailand, a deer was discovered dead due to gastrointestinal obstruction caused by a staggering 7 kilograms of plastic waste lodged in its stomach. Despite plastic bans within national parks. Can you imagine the pain he felt before his death?

The Ripple Effect

Here’s where it gets even more concerning: the suffering of one species can create a ripple effect throughout the entire ecosystem. When a species declines, it can throw the balance of nature out of whack.

Approximately 11.1 billion plastic items are believed to be tangled in coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific, with projections indicating a 40% increase by 2025.

It is said that of the 500,000 species of animals that inhabit the world’s oceans, one-quarter live in coral reef areas. If we lose the coral, we will not only lose the stunning views but also countless fish species around the world.

Eventually back to Human

If you consume fish, you also consume plastic. Can you endure such a situation?

Research indicates that the amount of plastic in the ocean is projected to double in the next 15 years, with estimates suggesting that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea.

Even if you dispose of plastic properly, you can’t completely avoid ingesting it if you eat fish. What a terrible situation this is!

Conclusion

What humans have done has had significant impacts, and now we are also experiencing the consequences. We cannot escape this reality; it’s time to confront the problem.

Numerous organizations are dedicated to developing or managing projects aimed at benefiting the environment. Addressing such a significant global issue is certainly challenging, but if we come together, we can take meaningful action to support one another. These organizations provide valuable information and carbon credits as well. If you’re interested in learning more about them, please let us know. We are ready to take action alongside you!