News from the Earth

Microplastic diet for newly hatched sea turtles

Ocean plastic pollution originates mostly from land-based sources, such as landfills and manufacturing plants. One recent study estimates that winds carry 200,000 tons of tiny plastic particles from degraded tires alone into the oceans every year. Plastics are extremely durable, even in salt water. Materials that were made in the 1950s, when plastic mass production began, are still persisting and accumulating in the oceans. Eventually these objects disintegrate into smaller fragments, but they may not break down into their chemical components for centuries. Overall, some 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. This amount is projected to grow to 29 million tons by 2040. Many forms of plastic threaten marine life. Sea turtles commonly mistake floating bags and balloons for their jellyfish prey. Post-hatchling sea turtles are young and need to feed and grow rapidly. This means they are particularly at risk from the harmful consequences of ingesting plastic. Since plastic persists for hundreds of years in the environment, clearing it from the oceans will require ingenious cleanup technologies, as well as lower-tech beach and shore cleanups. The top priority should be curbing the rampant flow of plastic that is swamping oceans and coasts. Earth's ecosystems, especially the oceans, are interconnected, so reducing plastic waste will require global solutions. They include improving methods for recycling plastics; developing bio-based plastics; banning single-use plastic items in favor of more sustainable or reusable alternatives; and reducing shipment of plastic waste abroad to countries with lax regulatory regimes, from where it is more likely to enter the environment. (source: ecowatch.com) Everybody can and must do his/her part to help our planet: adopt an eco friendly lifestyle, use renewables, public transport and walk more, eat local organic food and go vegan, ditch single use plastic. Use natural reusable eco friendly products, Say Yes to Life, Earth Thanks! 🌿