In another sad day for the environment, plastic pollution has once again reared its ugly head by endangering sea life that resides on the British coast.
In an attempt to create awareness about the devastating issue of plastic pollution, Cornwall based charity, Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust, released an image of a seal pup that had become entangled in plastic.
The seal was discovered during a survey of the Cornish coast. Sadly, on this occasion, rescuers were unable to catch the pup, that is less than a year old, and bring it to safety. However, they are now working with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to monitor and rescue the animal but it is strangled to death.
Not the Only Case
Sadly, this is not the only case of plastic waste causing harm to sea life. Stories such as these are reported daily all over the world.
In recent years we have seen several species of sea life such as sea turtles, whales and hermit crabs all severely endangered by plastic pollution. The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust say that they come across over 100 different seals each year that have become entangled in lost fishing gear.
The Plastic Crisis
Millions of tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans each year with an estimated 60 to 90 percent of all marine debris being made up of plastic waste.
In the UK alone, around 5,000 different kinds of plastic have been found per mile on shores around the country. Marine conservation charities also report that there are more than 150 plastic bottles scattered across each and every mile of the UK’s beaches.
Cleaning Up the Ocean
This is yet another reason why there is a dire need to tackle the world’s plastic pollution crisis.
Everyone can play a part in cleaning up the UKs shores. Beach cleans and picking up litter any time you are at the beach plays a big role in keeping our oceans clean and protecting wildlife from harmful plastics.
Recycling or disposing of plastic waste correctly also goes a long way to ensuring that no more plastic reaches the oceans.
The Global Clean Up
Global Office Supplies is on a mission to help companies go green. We can help you reduce your impact on the environment by supplying green office supplies, print management and recycling services.
Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help your office go green.
