The problem of plastic pollution is one of the most acute environmental challenges of the present and the future, and it affects marine life in particular. The numerous plastics in our oceans are disastrous to the marine animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. 

In this blog, we will discuss the effects of plastic pollution on marine life and how you can help reduce the problem by using sustainable products, eco-friendly products, and plastic-free products.

The Devastating Effects of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

The impact of plastic on marine life has several negative aspects. Beginning from consumption and going up to the process of entanglement, the ingestion of plastic into the ocean has negative impacts on marine life and poses threats to many species.

• Ingestion of Plastic by Marine Animals

Endangered sea animals like fish, sea turtles, and seabirds mistake the plastics for food and ingest them. Consuming plastic causes malnutrition, blockage of the intestines, and sometimes death. Plastic is now present in the stomachs of over 90% of seabirds, demonstrating this problem's pervasiveness.

• Entanglement in Plastic Debris

Plastic waste affects animals as they can be trapped in plastic like fishing nets, six-pack rings, and other items. These entanglements can result in lacerations, immobilization, and drowning. Some known victims of this type of pollution are marine mammals such as dolphins and seals.

The Long-Term Environmental Impact

The pollutants are not only fatal to single species but also affect the overall ecosystems of the sea. They can harm the food chain since microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that can be found in the oceans and have various impacts on ocean health.

• Microplastics in the Food Chain

Small marine organisms consume microplastic and hence become part of the diet of the large predators. This results in the build-up of microplastics at every stage of the food chain and therefore impacts human beings as well. Recent research has revealed that microplastics are found in seafood and can therefore be a threat to consumers.

• Destruction of Marine Habitats

Plastic waste can also bury coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other important marine ecosystems. This destruction threatens the species diversity and the ability of the marine ecosystems to bounce back from other sources of stress.

What You Can Do to Combat Plastic Pollution

Although the effects of plastic pollution are already devastating, certain measures can be taken to minimize its effects. Using sustainable products, eco-friendly products, and plastic-free products will help in improving the quality of the ocean.

• Choose Sustainable Alternatives

Select products that have less impact on the physical environment. Choose reusable items that originate from renewable sources like bamboo, glass, or stainless steel instead of a single-use plastic item. For instance, the on-earth brass straws with cleaner – pack of 2 (brass) st + bend listed on Suspire.

Carrying brass reusable straws is also one of the best ways to avoid the use of plastics. These are reusable straws and come with a cleaning brush hence convenient to use especially for persons who care about the environment.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Practice the three R’s of waste management, namely; reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reducing the frequency of using disposable plastics, as well as giving preference to reusable products, and disposing of waste properly will help reduce one’s plastic impact.

• Support Eco-Friendly Products

Buy products that are known to be plastic-free products since they are manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner. Most firms have today shifted to providing biodegradable and compostable products that replace conventional plastics. For example, the Ishmades sunflower crochet keychain is offered by Suspire! 

This adorable keychain is also environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled materials. Purchasing such products fosters organizations that consider the impact of their activities on the environment.

• Participate in Clean-Up Efforts

Go for voluntary beach clean-ups or better still, spearhead the campaign in your neighborhood. Cleaning up the shores or water bodies helps preserve marine life and also creates awareness of the problem.

• Educate and Advocate

Increase awareness of the effects of plastic pollution and campaign for changes in measures that affect the usage of plastics. It is effective when you educate other people as it can increase the impact and the number of people engaging in the cause.

Consider toys for example. Toys are mostly made of plastics but Suspire is offering eco-friendly toys like the shumee sunny rattle for babies. When parents are buying toys for their children, they can opt to buy environmentally friendly toys, thus helping to spread the word on the need to avoid the use of plastics for the good of the planet. 

Conclusion

It is a well-known fact that the existence of plastic in the sea is dangerous for sea creatures and the overall ocean ecosystem. But you can also help fight this problem if you become more independent and make a conscious choice in favor of eco-friendly products. 

Just to remind you, it does not matter how small the changes are, every step towards the right direction is significant. If we join our efforts, we can considerably change the situation and guarantee that ocean ecosystems are healthy and productive for our descendants.

Check out our selection of environmentally friendly products at Suspire and discover useful items that work towards preventing plastic waste. Join the global efforts to have a clean environment and a healthier globe!