Single-use plastics cause significant harm to ocean ecosystems, leading to marine life entanglement, ingestion leading to starvation, and habitat destruction. Over time, plastic breaks down into microplastics, which enter the food chain, cause toxic chemical accumulation, and can be ingested by humans. This plastic pollution contributes to a loss of biodiversity, disrupts the carbon cycle, and has long-term ecological and economic consequences.

Harm to Marine Life

Entanglement:

Large plastic debris, such as discarded fishing nets and bags, can entangle marine mammals, fish, and birds, causing injury, suffocation, drowning, and death. 

Ingestion:

Animals often mistake plastic for food. Ingesting plastic can block digestive tracts, reduce nutrient intake, and lead to starvation and death. 

Microplastic Consumption:

Larger plastics break down into smaller microplastics, which are consumed by plankton and smaller organisms, then move up the food chain to larger marine animals and humans. 

Toxic Chemical Accumulation:

Microplastics can attract and absorb persistent organic pollutants from the water, further concentrating toxins in the organisms that consume them. 

Ecosystem Impacts

Habitat Destruction: