Did you know, only 9% of the world’s plastic gets recycled? Alarmingly, a huge 22% of plastic waste around the world is either not collected, improperly disposed of or ends up as litter, ultimately, finding its way into our oceans, affecting marine life, ecosystems, and even the food we eat.
How does it get there?
There are several ways that plastic can enter our oceans, from overflowing litter bins blowing into the water or from fishing and other boats dumping plastic and other materials – it can harm sea creatures and eventually, make it’s way into our food through microplastics.
What are microplastics?
When plastics break down, they become smaller, tiny plastics that end up in our oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe. Because they’re so small, they’re hard to clean up and can be eaten by fish and other sea creatures, which can affect the whole food chain, even us!
What can I do to help?
Together, we have the power to change that. This Plastic Free July, you can set yourself a challenge to help reduce plastic waste in our oceans. This can be:
- Volunteer at a local clean-up: research local beach cleans - you’ll be surprised what you find is organised in your local community!
- Reduce your plastic consumption: swap your disposable plastic lunch containers for a stainless-steel lunchbox
- Recycle properly: Make use of your recycling bins and separate your plastics and other recyclable materials from your household waste
- Donate to charity shops: Make use of recycling old plastic toys or household items to charity shops so someone else can love them for longer!
- Buy less plastic: make small changes in your weekly shop that can make a big difference.
By making small changes, you can contribute to the bigger picture. Healthier oceans, happy marine life and a healthier eco-system.
You may also be interested in
- Sustainability at Southern Housing
- Meet our Sustainability Champions
- Saving water
- Biodiversity and green spaces
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