THE DIRT ON
PLASTIC WASTE
I
n Blue Planet II’s final episode, solely dedicated to the impact humanity has on the ocean, David Attenborough addressed viewers in a powerful scene where he issued a call to action:
“We are at a unique stage in our history. Never before have we had such an awareness of what we are doing to the planet, and never before have we had the power to do something about that. Surely, we all have a responsibility to care for our blue planet. The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth now depends on us.” (David Attenborough, Blue Planet, episode 7)
It is hard not to be moved by Attenborough’s words. It has haunted me ever since, while also stirring my interest as a journalist. I wanted to experience first-hand the impact waste has on my local beach. With the help from Blue Reef Aquarium volunteers and aquarists, we scoured Tynemouth Longsands for rubbish. This encounter had me thinking twice about using single-use plastic cutlery, straws and plastic bottles.
We have this ‘not in my back yard’ mentality; we see the effects plastic has on our environment then decide to take up a beach clean or stop using plastic straws, but most of us will not go beyond that. For instance: young adults will have the right intentions, but in practice are the least likely to recycle. We believe part of the problem disappears, it clears our conscience, but we are only skimming the surface. Yes, a small group of people picking up plastic, marine debris and other rubbish they find on the beach could save an animal and bring a temporary feeling of accomplishment. But the reality is that when you return to the same beach the next day or month it will be just as dirty as when you last visited. I sound cynical, but if you put it in to perspective only 5% of marine plastic waste ends up on beaches leaving the remainder in the depths of the ocean.
We need to ask ourselves if we can do more?
