Plastic pollution, which is the accumulation in the environment of man-made plastic products to the point, creates problems for wildlife and their habitats as well as for human populations.

According to the trade association Plastics Europe, world plastic production grew from some 1.5 million tons in 1950 to an estimated 275 million tons in 2010; some 4 million to 12 million tons is discarded into the oceans annually by countries with ocean coastlines. The Philippines alone generates 2.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and 20 per cent – or half a million tonnes – of that leaks into the oceans. And because plastics lasts very long in the environment with a natural decay rate of up to 1000 years, it accumulates very fast in the ocean. This alone kills over a million marine animals annually.

Sea turtles can mistake floating plastic garbage for food. They can choke, sustain internal injury and die — or starve by thinking they’re full from eating plastic. Aside from this, it’s estimated that 60 percent of all seabird species have eaten pieces of plastic, with that number predicted to increase to 99 percent by 2050. Dead seabirds are often found with stomachs full of plastic, reflecting how the amount of garbage in our oceans has rapidly increased in the past 40 years. Moreover, the likelihood of coral becoming diseased increases from 4% to 89% after coming in contact with marine plastic. It also damages the skin of coral, allowing infection.

Now, how are we supposed to combat these problems? Well it’s simple! It starts with you!

1.      One way to lessen the trash in the environment is to put the trash in the proper container

2.      Use alternative containers or reuse old plastics that you have

3.      And always remember the 3rs – Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.

            Also, we would like to call the attention of our government authorities to amplify and strengthen laws and regulations regarding plastic waste management and the likes in the Philippines.

This problem is not just the responsibility of any government or groups of people. It is a nationwide effort. So let’s sign this petition and help spread this to encourage more people to do the same.