New research has found that even small amounts of plastic can be deadly to seabirds, sea turtles and marine mammals. While previous research has established that plastic can lead to mortality in many species, this new study identifies the types and amounts of plastic that pose the greatest danger, and estimates how likely an animal […]
Tag: plastic pollution
Millions of Tons of Tiny Plastic Particles Are Polluting the Ocean, Study Finds
Nanoplastics — microplastics that are less than a micrometer in size — are found all over the world, from Alpine peaks to the deepest parts of the ocean. At least 27 million tonnes of nanoplastics are estimated to be floating in the North Atlantic Ocean, weighing more than all wild land mammals combined, reported The […]
Wildlife and humans face shared health risks from plastic pollution
Humans are surrounded by plastic. So are animals. While numerous studies have shown the wide-ranging health effects in humans linked to plastic, very few have looked at how plastic, especially microplastic, impacts wildlife. That’s beginning to change, contributor Sharon Guynup reports for Mongabay. “Plastic pollution has been found on every continent and in every ocean, […]
How Plastic Affects Animals and Harms Them
Since the advent of plastic in the early 20th century, its production has surged tremendously, leading to a staggering accumulation of waste. By 2019, the world had produced around 460 million metric tons of plastic, contributing to approximately 7 billion metric tons of waste over time; tragically, a large portion of this waste ends up […]
5 Tips for Sustainable Living for College Students
As a college student, you are at a critical point in your life when it comes to establishing healthy habits that will benefit you in the long run. Adopting sustainable living practices is one area where you can make a significant impact. These practices not only help you reduce your environmental impact, but they can […]
The graceful albatross – immortalized in a centuries-old poem as an omen of both good and ill – is under siege.
This is the story of the “Grey-Head.” It’s but a single member of a large family of albatross called Diomedeidae. Major research studies published recently, warn of twin threats facing the already-endangered bird. Each is different. Each is insidious. In general, the albatross carries higher burdens of mercury in its body than any other bird […]