Oceans need our help!

What if you were told that every single piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere in the world today (“Whale dies from eating more than 80 plastic bags”, Gulf News, June 4)? Would you still eat your lunch with a takeaway knife and fork? Would you still ask to have your groceries double bagged at the supermarket?

Our addiction to plastic products is detrimental to marine life as well our environment. It was truly heart wrenching to read the report of a whale dying due to consuming 80 plastic bags! Whales are an important part of our ecosystem; steadily their numbers are declining with many of their kinds becoming endangered while some being on the verge of extinction.

According to the United Nations, eight million tonnes of plastic — bottles, packaging and other waste — are dumped into the ocean every year, killing marine life and entering the human food chain.

The diminishment of biodiversity in our oceans is the single greatest threat to the survival of humanity. We need to stop our dependence on plastics, especially single use items, and commit to seeking out alternative materials where possible.

Giving plastic products for recycling and making use of cloth bags for grocery shopping are other ways we can support the ‘no plastic’ campaign.

Plastic isn’t biodegradable and doesn’t break down. Knowing that it could end up in the belly of a bird or in the gut of a whale, should be reason enough to say ‘no’ to unnecessary plastic in our daily lives. We need to consider the repercussions of our callous actions.

From Mr Aaditya Gandhi

Dubai