It was thought at one point that straws were the biggest plastic polluters in the ocean, now it turns out that’s not the case. A new study shows that takeout containers and convenience food are the biggest offenders for plastic pollution in the ocean. Wrappers, single-use containers, bags, and plastic bottles make up the majority of the waste entering our oceans.
Only 10 plastic products make up 75% of the oceans’ litter. Waste like cotton buds, straws, and drink stirrers are easy to replace with sustainable options. These other options are much harder to find replacements for.
However, information like this is key to getting lawmakers on board with bans for these types of plastics. If we put time, effort, and energy into creating biodegradable options, they’ll be able to make a world of difference for our oceans out there.
Source: EcoWatch
Image Credit: Willy Kurniawan/Reuters