Sea wildlife is at risk of extinction and habitat destruction. It is believed if we don’t act ‘plastic will outweigh fish by 2050’, claims Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, published a report in 2015, ‘The New Plastics Economy’ suggesting there will be ‘850-950 million tonnes of ocean plastic by 2050’. This is our doing. We must do something. We must protect nature. 

The River Thames is a local example of the impact plastics have on freshwater ecosystems. Interviewee Nayha Patel, who runs along the river every morning, states, ‘bottle caps, face masks and plastic bags are a common sight’ floating along the channel. She observes that the ducks and geese get tangled in the plastic mesh and is saddened by this. But, also beneath the surface, micro plastics are often ingested by fish, which may end up on our plates! 

You may be asking now, what do we do? How do we stop this? Well as a local community there are two ways we can stop plastics from enveloping our marine and freshwater wildlife. Firstly, we can encourage the use of plastic alternatives. Although we may not be able to make an immediate impact with this method, encouraging the adoption of substitutes such as stainless steel or glass. Stainless steel is recyclable, tougher and easier to clean while glass is infinitely recyclable. You could influence those around you and share your voice through social media, leaflets or posters. It is so important we understand the benefit of these alternatives and relay this message to others.

Although plastic continues to be present in our day to day lives, through packaging of food and drink, it is important now more than ever that we continue to recycle. Most plastics are recyclable and once cleaned, should be placed in a recycling bin. Although, this may seem like a small ask, if everyone adheres, it can be very helpful. 

As well as recycling, avoiding products that contain microplastics is something that can be communicated to the local society. A 2018 study by Royal Holloway University and the Natural History Museum revealed that 28% of fish living in the Thames Estuary have eaten microplastics. Microplastics and microplastic beads are very harmful to fish and can impact their food consumption and growth. Microplastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are most commonly found in toothpastes and face scrubs. To avoid harm to aquatic species, encourage others to buy products without these ingredients in and opt for natural alternatives such as charcoal toothpaste and natural soap bars.

The overarching message I am intending to portray is, do something. Don’t be the reason our marine wildlife dies. Don’t leave it too late.  Encourage others, ensure everyone is engaging and doing their part to prevent the dissemination of plastic across our planets waters.