According to the Pew Trusts, “Fish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals can become entangled in or ingest plastic debris, causing suffocation, starvation, and drowning.” Another organization, Seasave.org, says that plastic waste kills up to a million seabirds a year. Like other creatures, when seabirds ingest plastic it takes up space in their stomachs, causing starvation in some cases. Many animals, including sea turtles and birds need fish to eat and to feed their young. But many are dying. Ingestion of plastic bags causes digestion problems and death. Because plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, once an animal dies and decays from ingesting plastic, the plastic is released back into the marine environment to continue killing other animals. Join groups to help save animals. Other ways to help are to:

1. Avoid the use of plastic disposable material. 

2. Avoid plastic packaging. 

3. Do not buy water in plastic bottles. 

4. Drive less by car and choose a lightweight car. 

5. Avoid plastic microbeads in personal care products

6. Join Oceana

7. Buy ocean-friendly products.

8. Share this information with a friend.

9. Pick up garbage and litter near beaches.

10. Reduce energy use.

These are ways to keep the ocean clean! Help today so you can save an animal’s life and you will be a hero! If we don’t start now all of our animals will go extinct.