With the growing population comes an increased production of cheap plastic from packaging to basic household items. Following a strict protocol of properly segregating trash can significantly help the environment. However, a lot of people are unaware of the consequence of just casually throwing a bag of plastic anywhere.
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the plastic bags, water bottles and plastic straws we use daily? Most of this plastic ends up in our oceans, harming marine life and polluting the water.
It has been estimated that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the sea, and this number grows every day. This is extremely harmful to marine life as they often mistake plastic for food and ingest it. Not only does this cause them to starve, but it also exposes them to dangerous chemicals found in plastics.
And with that, let’s find out what makes plastic more harmful to marine life than on land and the alternative solutions.
Marine Wildlife Entanglement
Plastic pollution has become a problem for marine life, as plastic can harm them. And as the day goes by, it’s only getting worse. Every day, tons of plastic waste ends up in the ocean, where they harm or even kill marine animals. Turtles, fish, dolphins and other sea creatures can get tangled in plastic netting or ingest small pieces of plastic that block their digestive tracts.
Plastic pollution causes flood problems even on land because piles of trash block waterways. Imagine that when a flood comes, all the trash, including plastic materials, not to mention the toxic combination of rotting filth, will flow into rivers, lakes and then the ocean. You may have cleaned the streets after that, but the effect will be on marine life.
Why Do Marine Animals Suffer the Most?
That single plastic straw you used for a cold tea on a summer day may not have significance when thrown. But what if there are ten of you who do the same? Imagine how many plastic straws will end up in the ocean.
Why do we single out plastic straws? It is because it’s the most common utensil used in fast food chains. With the popularity of takeout beverages, such as coffee, milk teas and sodas, anyone purchasing them will need a straw.
These plastic straws and other plastic materials are not compostable and biodegradable. They don’t pollute our oceans like plastic straws. When improperly disposed of, plastic straws will clog inlets and canals, resulting in garbage buildup. And when pushed by water through flooding, the intoxication continues. That amount of trash that ends up in rivers and oceans is eventually mistakenly eaten by innocent marine animals.
Eco-Friendly Solution to the Plastic Straw Problem
Plastic waste is a huge problem, and there are things we can do to help reduce ocean pollution through sustainable alternatives. For example, choose compostable or paper options like compostable straws instead of plastic whenever possible. Or maybe refuse straws or opt for reusable metal or glass straws to help cut down on needless plastic waste. You can also bring your reusable water bottle or coffee mug when you leave the house instead of using disposable cups. Small changes like these can have a significant impact when done collectively.
As more and more people become aware of the devastating effects of plastic pollution, there is an increasing demand for compostable straws. Unlike plastic straws, which can take hundreds of years to break down, compostable straws decompose within a few months.
Most people are familiar with the traditional composting process, in which organic materials like food scraps and yard waste are broken down into rich soil that can be used to fertilise gardens. However, composting can also refer to the breakdown of other organic materials, like paper and cardboard. Compostable products are made from plants or other renewable materials and will break down into compost within months.
Compostable Materials: A Sustainable Option
There are a variety of compostable straws on the market, made from materials like bamboo, paper and even corn. Whilst compostable straws are a little more expensive than their plastic counterparts; they are a much better sustainable option.
And with so many different types to choose from, there’s sure to be a compostable straw that fits your needs.
Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia
Because marine life forms are at risk, companies have started developing sustainable alternatives: eco-friendly straws, cutleries and many more. The goal is eventually to end the use of cheap and harmful plastic.
A plastic-free world starts with Bonnie Bio’s compostable straws and other products made of corn starch PLA. Within 3–6 months, these products will decompose without any toxins leaching into the earth. They look and feel like plastic, but they decompose like paper. Not only will it benefit your health and the whole environment, but you will also secure a better world for the next generation.
Don’t hesitate to embark on embarking on a massive change for our planet. Try our unique products and start an eco-friendly lifestyle with Bonnie Bio.
