The Low Down On Plastic Pollution

It’s a sad fact that the low down is that many Australian beaches are being inindated by plastic pollution and other debris, harming the natural environment and wildlife.

Many birds, fish and other marine life lose their lives to the damage that plastic pollution causes on beaches and in the ocean.

Luckily, there are some ways you can help to reduce the levels of pollution around our waterways and contribute to savings the lives of marine creatures.

Keeping our oceans clean

On an individual level, it’s important that each time you go to the beach – or anywhere! – you leave with everything you came with. That means you don’t leave any litter or other items behind. Take your rubbish with you, or put it in a rubbish or recycling bin provided on-site.

If you’re wandering along the beach and see some rubbish, why not pick it up and place it in a bin? Although it’s not your fault it was left there, if you can take some responsibility to pick it up you will be helping marine conservation.

In addition, consider reducing your use of plastic items, like bottles and wrap, altogether. These items aren’t necessary as there are eco friendly substitutes available such as stainless steel drink bottles and reusable sandwich wrap. As these can be used time and time again, they won’t end up discarded absent-mindedly on a beach or sent to landfill to decompose.

You can also organise a beach clean-up or awareness initiative with a school or community group. Suggest this as an activity for your child’s school and offer to take the lead, organising or supervising it if necessary. Often, these activities tie in with a lot of what children are learning, so staff and students alike are likely to be enthusiastic.

Spread the word and it won’t be long before Australia’s beaches are cleaner and greener.