Our employees will all be trained for proper handling of plastics, trash, medical waste, oil and chemicals.There is a strong need for this work to be done. Plastic waste, previously thought to be indestructible, has since been found to break down within a year of the trash hitting the sea water. It is critical to wildlife and the oceans to remove as much plastic as possible annually.For example, as Styrofoam starts to break down, the tiny polystyrene components start to sink because they’re heavier than water. The entire water column then becomes contaminated with plastic chemicals.
At least 267 marine species are affected by plastic garbage. Marine animals are known to mistake plastic bags for their favorite food, jellyfish, according to a 2008 study in the journal, Environmental Research by oceanographer and chemist Charles Moore, of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation. While most reasons for eating other types of plastics remain unknown at least 44 percent of all seabirds eat plastic, apparently by mistake, sometimes with fatal effects.
Currently most beaches and rivers adjacent to major cities are staging annual clean-ups through the use of volunteers and efforts organized by various non-profit groups. However, the areas most important to wildlife: the isolated beaches, bays, and estuaries are not being cleaned up on an annual basis. These are crucial birthing areas for endangered and threatened species. The constant accumulation and breakdown of plastics in these critical areas builds up high toxicity levels, and kills generations of future wildlife.
Wounded Nature is stopping this toxic buildup, educating the public, and saving wildlife in the process.
Please make a donation to Wounded Nature – Working Veterans at: http://woundednature.org/support-us/donate/
Photo: Wire fencing material and styrofoam. Taken by Rudy Socha
