The Devastating Effects of Litter on Wildlife

There is an estimated 150 million tonnes of plastic in our oceans. By 2050, experts predict that there will be more rubbish than fish in our waters.

It is our mission to create a better future for our wonderful planet, and while the myenergi HQ focus is on renewable energy, our Green Team are extremely passionate about all aspects of creating a more sustainable environment.

Let’s take a look at the impact littering has on our planet, particularly nature and wildlife…

Stats about littering that will shock you

• The RSPCA receives 5,000 calls a year regarding litter. That’s an average of roughly 14 calls every day!
• The World Wide Fund for Nature report that 1.5 million tonnes of plastic waste derives from water bottles.
• 33% of litter comes from fast food.
• The UK has the worst statistics for litter, with a jaw-dropping 62% of England’s residents admitting to littering.
• One billion seabirds are killed by litter every year, while 260 marine animal species have become trapped by litter in the ocean.

Effects of littering on wildlife

Trash that is mindlessly thrown on the floor is having a seriously detrimental effect on plants and animals. Not only is it a direct threat to many creatures’ health, but it can also destroy their habitats and environment.

Here are just some of the most common problems caused by litter:

• Animals getting trapped and entangled in plastic packaging.
• Wildlife suffocating in plastic bags and similar litter.
• Creatures cutting themselves on sharp objects thrown away by humans.
• Wildlife getting stuck in discarded gum.
• Litter damaging the homes and nests animals spend so long creating for themselves.

These are just a few of the many issues plaguing our wonderful wildlife. You’ll notice a trend in each of the above examples: every one of them is entirely avoidable.

How can we prevent this?

The simple answer is, stop littering! Failing to properly dispose of your rubbish is careless and incredibly damaging to our planet.

Aim to use recyclable materials whenever possible, and be sure to recycle them in the correct manner.

Single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic cutlery is among the most avoidable and damaging type of litter in the world.

Even if you do dispose of your plastics properly, there are some extra precautions you can do to protect our wildlife, which include:

• Cutting elastic bands and ringed packaging to ensure animals don’t squeeze into them and get trapped.
• Rinse and crush cans when you’re throwing them away.
• Pick up other people’s litter if you come across it.
• Put lids back on containers that you throw out.
• Choose paper bags whenever possible or take your own reusable bags when shopping.

What else can we do to save the environment?

Cutting down litter is a massive thing the human race can do to help the many species left struggling on our planet. But it is not the only step you can make. Far from it.

Check out our guides and products below to continue contributing to our mission to create a kinder, more sustainable future.

• How to reduce your carbon footprint
• The best electric vehicles on the market
• Common misconceptions on climate change
• How to reduce plastic use