Plastic overload

A large study recently concluded that our world's oceans contain over 5 trillion pieces of plastic.  Given our world population of 7.2 billion people, that is an average of 700 pieces per person. (The Washington Post, Good job humans: The oceans now contain 5 trillion pieces of floating plastic).

Even though the plastic in the ocean was estimated at 250,000 tons, that number pales in comparison to the estimated 288 million tons of plastic that is annually created around the world. Pictured at left is the number of 100 ton whales the ocean's plastic represents.

I've often found various forms of plastic littered around Bassett Creek Park and in its ponds.  This plastic is sometimes ingested by fish or can become a means of entangling fish and ducks.

While recycling plastic is helpful, it is even better for the environment if we simply produce and use less!

Something to consider.... When we throw something away, where is away?

Plastic bag in pond at Bassett Creek Park