It’s hard to avoid hearing about how much damage single-use plastic is doing to our environment. Major companies, even the likes of McDonald’s, are ditching straws and other plastic packaging to save the sea, while ‘The Attenborough Effect’ has led 53% of people to reduce the amount of plastic they use.
And while this movement is well-intentioned and vital to saving the planet and marine life, in reality single use plastics are not the main issue. A study
by Ocean Cleanup has revealed that a huge chunk of plastic in the ocean comes from abandoned fishing gear.
In fact, of all plastic found in the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ – a clump of plastic the size of France floating around in the sea – 46 percent of it was fishing nets. And that statistic didn’t even include the endless miscellaneous fishing gear which made up most of the remaining plastic.
An estimated 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear are dumped in the ocean each year, polluting the sea and fatally trapping marine life.
And ‘Ghost fishing’ equipment goes on wreaking havoc in the sea long after it is abandoned by irresponsible fisherman.
There has been a drive to enforce stricter regulations and markings on fishing gear to prevent companies from ditching plastics in the sea. But such regulations are difficult to enforce, particularly in the developing world.
As companies attempt to promote their image by introducing paper straws, in reality this has only a fraction of the impact in comparison to our diet.
The main way to reduce your impact on the sea is to switch to a vegan diet and reduce the demand for fishing in the ocean.
What do you think of this study? Tell us in the comments section below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Bristol crowned most vegan-friendly city in the UK
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 13th January 2021
The city ranked just above London, Edinburgh, and Belfast as one of the top cities for vegans. Bristol has earned the top spot of being the most vegan-friendly city in the UK, according to new research. With over 1 million Brits now taking up a plant-based lifestyle – with many inspired by Veganuary- the study …
Lewis Hamilton awarded knighthood in UK’s New Year Honours list
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 1st January 2021
“All of us congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021.” Lewis Hamilton has added another feather to his cap after he was knighted in the UK’s New Year Honours List, officially declared on Wednesday evening. The honour, which is in recognition of …
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QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …