The impact of plastic pollution on marine life

Plastic simply does not belong in our natural environment, especially within marine ecosystems that rely on a balance of processes to both create and break down organic matter. Unlike natural materials, plastic does not decay, it merely continues to break down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics. Once in the environment, microplastics persist indefinitely and are virtually impossible to remove. Alarmingly, these tiny particles have now been detected in our drinking water, within the human gut, and are now widespread throughout our ocean.

There is now irrefutable evidence linking plastic pollution to the health of marine animals, having tragically claimed the lives of countless marine mammals, fish, seabirds and sea turtles.

Marine animals may accidentally ingest plastic while feeding, leading to painful blockages or tears in their digestive system that may prevent them from eating, ultimately putting them at risk of starvation. This is especially alarming given the recent discovery of plastic pellets washing ashore after the North Sea tanker collision, posing a serious threat to marine life if ingested. Once inside their bodies, plastic is also believed to disrupt nervous system function and interfere with reproductive processes. Smaller plastic fragments are known to contain toxic chemicals, which can be absorbed by marine animals after ingestion, leading to contamination, endocrine disruption, and even death. This issue extends beyond marine life, as humans who consume seafood contaminated with microplastics may also face potential health risks.

There are many simple changes you can make at home to help tackle the plastic crisis. One of the most important steps is to stop buying single-use plastic, every purchase adds to the problem, keeping more plastic in circulation. Instead, opt for sustainable alternatives: have milk delivered in glass bottles, choose plastic-free sanitary products, and never flush these items down the toilet.

The next step in reducing plastic waste is to prioritise reuse and recycling. Wash and repurpose glass jars and bottles, using them for storage or refills. Take advantage of refill stations at some supermarkets like Aldi or local zero-waste shops to cut down on packaging. Whenever reuse isn’t possible, always recycle to support a circular economy, that keeps materials in use and out of the environment. Small actions like these help to limit waste and play a crucial role in tackling the plastic crisis.

When out and about, always dispose of litter in a bin - and if you spot rubbish where it shouldn’t be, take a moment to pick it up, provided you have gloves. This helps keep our environment clean and prevents litter from making its way into the ocean. You can also make a bigger impact by lobbying your local parliamentarian to support more effective measures, such as banning single-use plastics, to tackle the crisis at its source.