The majority of the rubbish that ends up in the oceans comes from the land, not from ships. Only a small amount of plastic waste ends up in landfills. Huge areas of the ocean surface are now covered in plastic garbage with disastrous consequences for sea animals, fish and birds as well as water quality. One of the main components of this waste is plastic bags. Others are fishing tackle, balloons, six-packs, smoking accessories and packaging of all sorts.Recyclable plastic bags are used in many shops, including many in Manly which claim to make a contribution to the environment by using them. Many of these bags claim to biodegrade quickly, to break down or even to be compostable. However when they reach the sea, they do not break down at all in salt water and are just like other plastic garbage.
They do not compost in the ocean or on the beach. Researchers tied these plastic bags to moorings in a harbour. "A year later you could still carry groceries in them." (p 117 Weisman)
Reusing containers is preferable to any kind of throw-away plastic containers.
Image from dotAtelier.
