Environmental Impacts

It’s everywhere! Plastics play a significant role in virtually every facet of our lives. Although plastics have made an impact on our societies, there is also a price to be paid for its use. From cell phones and computers to bicycle helmets and hospital IV bags, plastic has molded society in many ways that make life both easier and safer. However the amount of floating plastic in the world’s oceans is increasing immensely. This may be dangerous to the environment and marine animals. Plastic contributes to the loss of resources, greenhouse gases and its impact on marine ecosystems is catastrophic due to its toxic nature and threat to marine life.

When we toss our plastic items we rarely think about what effect it may have on the environment around us. Many plastic items remain floating on the surface of our waterways, this is commonly mistaken for food by animals especially when bags carry food residue, making them attractive for marine species. Plastic degrades due to solar radiation and oxidation into smaller and smaller pieces, these pieces however may be mistaken for prey and may be eaten.

Plastic pollution has a significant environmental impact, particularly on marine life. There are three major impacts on marine life:

Entanglement: Over 250 species have been known to become entangled in plastic objects floating around the ocean’s surface. Entanglement rates of up to 7.9% have been discovered in some species such as seals, dolphins and sea lions. These objects can drown them or wrap around them and amputate their appendages.

Ingestion: Over 100 species of sea birds are known to ingest plastics. Bottle caps and other plastic objects are often found in the decomposed carcass. These objects can strangle these species or build up in their system and affect them in chemical and mechanical ways.

Transportation of Invasive Species: The increase in marine litter in particular plastics has resulted in a corresponding increase in species invasion. The hard surface...