Plastic straws might seem small, but their impact on marine life and birds is massive. Every year, millions of straws end up in waterways, where they pose a deadly threat to wildlife.
How Do Plastic Straws Harm Wildlife?
- Ingestion: Birds, turtles, and marine animals often mistake plastic straws for food. Once swallowed, they can block the digestive tract, leading to starvation or internal injuries.
- Entanglement: Straws can get stuck around an animal’s beak, neck, or limbs, making it difficult for them to eat, swim, or fly.
- Pollution: Plastic straws break down into microplastics, which contaminate our oceans and enter the food chain, affecting both wildlife and humans.
Real Impact – Why We Need to Act
- Sea turtles have been found with straws lodged in their nostrils, causing pain and breathing difficulties.
- Seabirds often collect plastic debris, including straws, and feed it to their chicks, leading to fatal digestive problems.
- Marine mammals such as dolphins and whales can accidentally inhale or swallow plastic straws, resulting in severe internal damage.
What Can You Do?
✅ Say No to Plastic Straws – Choose reusable metal, bamboo, or paper straws instead.
✅ Dispose of Waste Properly – Always place rubbish in the correct bin and take care when visiting beaches or waterways.
✅ Support Plastic-Free Initiatives – Many cafes and restaurants now offer biodegradable alternatives—show your support by using them!
✅ Spread Awareness – The more people know about the dangers of plastic pollution, the bigger the impact we can make.
It’s also important to make sure you follow the same principles for any fishing line and other types of plastic you may use near or on our beautiful Northern Rivers waterways.
Small changes can lead to big results. By ditching plastic straws, we can help protect our incredible wildlife and keep our oceans clean for future generations.
