Our planet is incredibly important to us and, as it is the only one, we have, we must ensure we Look after it and care for everything in it.
We want to dramatically REDUCE the use of indestructible plastic that is destroying our oceans, planet, our soils, our air, and the health of future generations.
Over 700 species of marine animals and birds have been reported to have eaten or been entangled in plastic even strangled by all kinds of plastic waste, such as discarded fishing nets and six-pack rings from drinks cans. When plastic breaks down in the ocean, it doesn’t break down completely – it just gets smaller and ends up being swallowed by fish and other marine animals and birds. The tiny particles of plastic absorb toxic industrial chemicals which, when eaten by fish, are absorbed into their tissues, and are eventually eaten by humans. And the problem doesn’t end there, and scientists think that the amount of plastic in the ocean may triple by 2050! But here’s the good news by understanding the issue and taking action, you can help change the future; make our oceans and planet a clean, safe place for our wonderful wildlife!
The problem is that most of us use more plastic than we need to, and half of the plastic we produce is designed to be used just once and chucked away. This so-called ‘single-use plastic ‘is used to make all kinds of items, such as shopping bags, straws, food wrappers and various packaging. And because plastic takes over 400 years to decompose, it stays in the natural world, causing damage, for an extremely long time.
The amount of plastic on the planet is increasing more and more rapidly, meaning it is threatening our planet through poisoning and injuring sea Life, littering beaches and Landscapes, clogging rubbish Landfills, and making humans and other animals ill.
Most of the plastic waste in the UK doesn't end up in our oceans, but a lot is disposed of in our environment burned or buried in landfill sites. People are increasingly worried about this and its impact on nature, and they're right to be. 79% of the plastic waste ever created is still in our environment. We are leaving a legacy of plastic waste on our planet that will take years to put right.
Did You Know ...?
• 160,000 plastic bags are used across the world every second!
• 5 trillion plastic bags are produced each year.
• Side by side, they could go around the world 7 times!