A plastics problem

Plastic straws, and plastics in general, that are not properly disposed of are a major environmental problem.

It has been estimated, that for the United States alone, we use up to 500 million straws a day. Worldwide, some scientists believe there could be 437 million to 8.3 billion plastic straws on coastlines. Plastic straws are the 11th most common item found in ocean trash cleanup efforts.

Plastic straws end up in the ocean primarily through: human error; left on beaches in coastal communities and seaside resorts globally; blown out of trash cans, and littering.

Incredibly, by the year 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. For every pound of tuna we’re taking out of the ocean, we’re putting two pounds of plastic into the ocean.

Of course, plastic straws aren’t the only form of plastic in the ocean. Plastic bags, singleuse plastics like water bottles, and other forms of plastic also contribute to the problem.

Plastics eventually break down into very small pieces known as microplastics which pose a serious threat to marine life.

Plastic straws, along with other forms of plastic, are often mistaken as food by sea creatures such as birds, turtles, and fish, which, if consumed, can lead to suffocation and death. It is projected that by 2050, 99 percent of all sea bird species will have ingested plastic.

In addition, the breakdown of plastics in the ocean can result in the release of organic and inorganic chemicals that are harmful to wildlife.

Compostable plastic straws may be no better than regular plastic straws when they get into the marine environment. They are designed to break down in compost facility conditions, not sea water.

We all can do our part in solving, or at least reducing the plastic pollution problem by: recycling of plastic materials; not using plastic straws; using paper or reusable straws; and, by properly disposing of straws — and plastics of all kinds — and importantly, not littering. Jerry L. Coalgate Williamsburg