The government has urged the public to reduce the use of chemicals, plastic bags, and bottles. Giving life to the sun: Recycling solar panels, Forms of Recycling: Prolonging life of everyday things, Comparison of 3 recycling apps: EarthSquad Drops, Litterati, Trashout, Understanding the Recycling Process for Batteries, Advantages of living a zero waste lifestyle. We need stronger federal laws to stop our nature from being erased. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why it makes sense to focus on the long term. This is something that many countries have been attempting to do for years now. That’s more than the combined weight of every single blue whale on Earth. The tin cans are getting stuck on crabs and other crustaceans. Humans have created 8300 million metric tonnes of plastic in the last 60+ years; Between 4.7 million and 12.7 million tonnes of plastic leak into the world’s oceans every year. The public of Australia has also recognized the problem taken upon the responsibility of reforming themselves as a nation. To replace these bags, green bags have been introduced which can be reused and recycled. Join the community and become an active member! Australia is under a severe attack of plastic pollution. The main sources of food for marine birds are sea fish which they catch from the water surface. Australia is of particular interest when it comes to recycling plastic and lowering emissions, given its expanse of wilderness and huge coastline. There are a lot of ways to donate to support our work protecting wildlife and conserving the environment. Straws, toys, plastic bottles, plastic bags and a number of other plastic items have been found to accumulate in this immense patch of Garbage. The Australian states, excluding the NSW, have implemented or promised a ban on the usage of plastic bags. Australia Came Up With A Way To Save The Oceans From Plastic Pollution And Garbage by Andrea D. Steffen February 10, 2019 Government authorities from the Australian city of Kwinana have recently installed a new filtration system in the Henley Reserve. Text available under Creative Commons licence. People are gradually forgoing the use of plastic and plastic products. Find out how much plastic you're consuming and what you can do about it. Bet you didn't know all these things about plastic pollution - check out our infograph. The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Nestlé are ranked as the world’s top plastic polluters for the 3rd consecutive year according to Break Free From Plastic‘s new report BRANDED Vol III: Demanding Corporate Accountability for Plastic Pollution.¹ Sea Shepherd represented Australia in the 2020 Global Brand Audit conducting seven brand audits across four states during beach […] Australian bird species are known all over the world. In short, plastic pollution has made Australian waters a complete mess. Corals can be seen growing on plastic bottles instead of their natural habitat. Australian studies. By July 2018, which is when the most recent data was available, plastic waste exports from Australia to China and Hong Kong reduced by 90 percent. Since the water bodies are so large, it is impossible to completely eradicate plastic from the sea. You are, what matters most! How to start a successful recycling campaign in your community? All the leaders of Australia have mutually signed upon a National Waste Policy after familiarizing themselves with the rising concern of plastic pollution in water bodies. To replace these bags, green bags have been introduced which can be reused and recycled. Far North Queensland is in the grips of a plastic pollution crisis Approximately one ton of plastic debris can be found for every kilometre of coastline in Far North Queensland. Plastic pollution poses greater harms to marine bodies than terrestrial ones. environment 7:20pm Jan 24, 2019 Huge trash-collecting boom in Pacific Ocean breaks apart Apart from offering rewards, dozens of recycling companies are functional in Australia which is not only taking actions to prevent an increase in water pollution but also taking steps for conservation of affected wildlife. A number of private companies offer monetary rewards in form of cash, gift cards and discount coupons upon the submission of recyclable material by public. That’s 2.5 billion cups a year. Photos and graphics © WWF or used with permission. Recycling plastic into fuel or new plastics Plastic pollution poses even greater impacts on the environment because of its widespread usage and its durability component. This policy is aimed at the proper waste collection, management, disposal and reduction of waste in all states. We’re just a few enthusiasts that run the sites. Australia’s diesel fleet increased during the 2000s, for both industry and households . Plastic Pollution Australia has 1,892 members. With 8 million tons of plastic dumped into our oceans every year, our marine life is swallowing more plastic than ever — and it’s killing them. Apart from the discovery and gradual accumulation of plastic waste in Garbage patch of Pacific Ocean, plastic pollution struck areas are also reported in the east, south and west side of the Pacific. TAKE THE TEST, Download our 31-day calendar filled with tips to help you reduce your use this Plastic Free July. Ageing population. Registered Charity Number: ACN 001 594 074 | NSW License Number: CFN 13143 The Australian states, excluding the NSW, have implemented or promised a ban on the usage of plastic bags. Thank you for your enquiry. There is a second life for plastics but it only counts if we recycle again and again. The global plastic consumption throughout the globe was approximated at 260 million tons in 2008, and it was predicted to be more than 300 tons in 2015 – according to the Global Industry Analysts. Birds can easily mistake the plastic waste for fish and die a slow death by digestive and respiratory system blockage. It is estimated that 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters the ocean from coastal communities each year. In Australia, 60,000 kilograms of the same cups end up directly in landfills every year, and it can take as much as half a century before decomposition. The problem is so huge that plastic isles have been observed in the Australian waters which solely consist of plastic, chemical, and other debris. The water bodies and coastlines of Australia are especially affected in this regard. It has contaminated the soil, rivers and oceans. We answer your top recycling questions! As part of these efforts, the Government has developed the Threat Abatement Plan for the impacts of marine debris on the vertebrate wildlife of Australia’s coasts and oceans (2018). If you have any questions about your donation, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly Supporter Services team either by email: Amphibians, reptiles, insects and other coastal species are highly being affected by plastic pollution. Already, of the 8.3 billion metric tonnes that has been produced, 6.3 billion tonnes has become plastic waste, and of that, only 9 per cent has been recycled, according to a study by US academics published last year in peer-reviewed journal Science Advances. Share this page with your friends and family to help endangered animals even more. Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with a plastic bag, Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia © Troy Mayne / WWF, Every one of us can do our bit. Unfortunately, the marine birds are subject to great threats because of plastic pollution in Australian waters. The microplastic and ghost nets make up over half of the total 80% plastic wait floating in Australian waters. It seems even the most pristine and untouched areas of Australia have been marked with the debris of modern life. The result is in the form of floating and submerged bits of plastic which are polluting the Australian waters and posing great dangers to the local wildlife. Studies have also shown that it has begun to enter the food chain and end up on our plates. Ocean Plastic Pollution. enquiries@wwf.org.au or call 1800 032 551. Indeed, we find that much of the politics of plastic is centered on mitigating plastic pollution. If you imagine a piece of plastic 1m wide. SEND A MESSAGE, Did you know that tiny bits of plastic are in our food, water and air? Melbourne Zoo's Ben Sanders said swapping balloons for bubbles would make a big difference to plastic pollution in oceans The Planet Or Plastic pop-up exhibition is on at Melbourne Zoo until March next year The Melbourne Zoo's Planet Or Plastic features 14 sculptures, some of which are made entirely out of rubbish that has been found on a beach. Several cases of marine corpses being washed away on Australian coastal lines have been reported- all died because of plastic which blocked their system. The polythene bags hugely resemble jellyfish when submerged in water. The Australian Government takes the problem of plastic waste and its impacts on the environment and wildlife seriously, and works with other governments to address ocean pollution. The fishnets and ghost nets can trap the birds- completely blocking their ability to fly. Macro plastics (> 5mm) such as bottles, containers, bags, balloons and Styrofoam are ingested by animals such as seabirds, fish and turtles causing a slow and painful death. April 7 - Over the past year, we have called for an end to the irresponsible method the U.S. handles its plastic waste. Top 10 Countries Who Banned Single Use Plastic Bags, Technological innovations in context of recycling. Whales and other fish feed on these plastic bits perceiving the bits to be actual food. The number of Australians aged 65 and over is projected to more than double by 2054–55. These companies offer community waste management opportunities and hold awareness campaigns to make people aware of the potential harms and their prevention. WWF is one of Australia’s most trusted conservation organisations. Once in the ocean, it endangers our marine wildlife. The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2014 has identified marine debris and plastics as a major threat to the health of the reef. Take action now. Now, a new report shows how much plastic pollution the U.S. continues to export, even as yet another reason to end export of post-consumer plastic waste has appeared: coronavirus COVID-19. From our beaches in Australia to remote Antarctica, it’s silently choking our planet and wildlife. In 2004, a study lead by Dr Richard Thompson at the University of Plymouth, UK, reported finding great amount of plastic particles on beaches and waters in Europe, the Americas, Australia, Africa and Antarctica. Only 10% of Australians take their plastic bags for recycling; It costs the Australian government in excess of $4 million to clean up plastic bag litter each year. Survey shows the mental health impact of plastic pollution on young people. It’s even entered our food chain. Kick start your recycling journey today. The continuous hitting of waves on the shores results in a nonstop deposition as well as carrying away of plastic away from and into the sea respectively. Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine life. Reviewing and implementation of conservation policies have led to the coral reef project and actions on regional levels. Plastic pollution is having a detrimental affect on our marine species. Only 10% of Australians recycle plastic bags, and less than 1% of these plastic bags … Reviewing and implementation of … The remaining 25 percent of lightweight plastic comes from fast food restaurants, liquor outlets, convenience stores and other … Examining plastic use in Australia. Enter to search / ESC to close Featured. Facts about plastic pollution. Plastic is everywhere. This biodiversity-rich country is facing severe threats posed to its marine and avian wildlife as a result of an increase in plastic pollution. Effects of Plastic Pollution. Plastic Pollution Coalition is a growing global alliance of individuals, organizations, businesses, and policymakers working toward a world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts on humans, animals, waterways, oceans, and the environment. Marine fish such as whales and other predators mistake these bits of plastic as eggs of smaller fish. Many of us have had to take a step back from our good plastic-free habits, like using a reusable coffee cup, as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. An alarming amount of lightweight plastic comes from supermarkets across Australia; a 2016 report from NSW EPA estimates the figure stands at around 75 percent. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Australian Government has greatly realized the severity of plastic pollution. © WWF-Australia 2018, All rights reserved. The Australian Government has greatly realized the severity of plastic pollution. Only 9% of that's recycled. Plastic constitutes a major portion of this great garbage patch and it is circulating in the Australian waters to a dangerous level. Australian Ethical CEO John McMurdo discusses our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are different types of plastic pollution and each one has a different impact. Here is a brief overview of the problem, the associated damages, and initiatives taken by Australian natives for the controlling of the problem: Since the discovery of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the north gyre of Pacific Ocean, an increase in the size of this garbage patch has been observed over the past decades. Therefore, plastic pollution on land is a problem both of contamination and damage to terrestrial environments and of transfer to aquatic systems. 700 million tonnes (8 percent) was incinerated; 500 million tonnes (6 percent) was recycled (100 million tonnes of recycled plastic was still in use; 100 million tonnes was later incinerated; and 300 million tonnes was later discarded or sent to landfill). Despite the recognition of the severity of the problem, the extent of plastic pollution has increased as reported by recent studies. Straws are frequently blocking the airways of turtles and other fish. A new documentary Protecting Paradise has revealed just how much plastic pollution is collecting on Australia’s coastlines. Our precious whales, turtles and seabirds need your help. In order to tackle this problem, meet Australia’s solution to plastic pollution. A study found out that out of all the Australian waters, the east coastlines are highly affected by plastic pollution. Join this group to post and comment. Since then, Southeast Asia has become the new destination for Australia’s recycled plastics, with 80-87 percent going to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Once in the ocean, plastic pollution has … These birds can neither feed themselves nor fly to safer areas. The plastic levels in The Great Garbage Patch have been reported to be increased by 16 percent which amounts up to 250 discarded plastic pieces contributed by each person in this world. If each Australian family used 1 less plastic bag each week that would be 253 million bags less a year. It is also aimed at promoting full responsibility for actions within the public and urges them to reduce the littering of marine bodies. As restrictions ease in some areas of the country, it’s important we get back on a plastic-free track when it’s safe to do so. Less than 1% of plastic bags in Australia are reused. A recent publication from Ocean Crusaders illustrates the situation: Australia consumes 6.9 billion plastic bags per annum, more than half of which are shopping bags. The rest is either burned, buried or shipped overseas. An ageing population may be more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. Our team will be in touch soonHere are other ways to help WWF. As a result of Plastic pollution in the Pacific Ocean, the Australian waters have been greatly affected. National Geographichave stated that 18 billion pounds of plastic waste enters our oceans from coastal areas. In recent reports, the Garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean was estimated to be larger than France in terms of its area. Featured. Plastic is harder to remove from water bodies is it is crushed into microplastic upon impact of sea waves. For your convenience we will send you one receipt at the end of the financial year, for the total amount of your tax deductible donations. At WWF, we work in Australia and in our Asia-Pacific backyard to protect endangered species and habitats, meet the challenge of climate change, and build a world where people live in harmony with nature. Why is there so much? Read more, Send a message to Australian politicians! Join the global fight to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans! More frightening still, up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic will find its way into our waterways and into the ocean. But they aren’t the only culprit contributing to plastic waste. The problem has reached an alarming level over the past decades. The equivalent of five grocery bags of plastic on every foot of coastline! Your generous support today will help support our campaign to say no to plastics in nature. A number of birds have died a slow death in Australia due to plastic pollution. The longer we wait, the worse it gets. 8 million tonnes of plastic is dumped into our oceans every year globally, with 53% originating from Southeast Asia. The government has urged the public to reduce the use of chemicals, plastic bags, and bottles. In the United Kingdom alone, 7 million take away coffee cups are littered every day. All donations of $2 or more to WWF-Australia are tax-deductible. If you would like to help us, please make a donation. Australians throw out 3.5 million tonnes of plastic each year, but currently only around 10 per cent of it is recycled. Plastic pollution is rapidly gaining political attention and emerging as one of the great challenges of our time. Let’s work together to phase out the worst single-use plastics. Thank you! High levels of microplastics contamination on land have been observed – an estimated 4 to 23 times larger than in the oceans (Machado et al., 2017, Horton et al., 2017). Help those who can't ask for your help. Several marine conservation movements and organizations are also seen in action. This has a … A message from our CEO about COVID-19 . Eventually, the plastic gets stuck in their intestines, blocks their digestive system and causes their death. Plastic pollution can afflict land, waterways and oceans. This would not be possible without financial support from our community. On average, Australians use 130 kg of plastic per person each year. DOWNLOAD, Digitally altered illustration of a humphead wrasse and a plastic bag © Shutterstock / Tanya Sid / WWF. Globally, plastic pollution has been estimated to cause at least $13 billion of financial damage annually (UNEP, 2014). Environmentalists have long denounced plastic as a long-lasting pollutant that does not fully break down, in other terms, not biodegradable. It was found that between 2008 and 2014, 683,000 items of marine debris were recovered within the marine park. Because of its widespread usage and its durability component counts if we recycle again again... Larger than France in terms of its area, meet Australia ’ s more double... 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