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In the sea plastic bags look very similiar to jellyfish. Many marine animals, such as whales and turtles, accidentally eat the plastic bags but they can block their digestive systems and may cause them to starve to death.
MCS organises beach cleans and litter surveys and plastic items are the most commonly found items. Plastic litter has increased by 146% since 1994. In 2008, volunteers in the UK found 8,174 plastic bags on just one weekend.
Dr Sue Kinsey, MCS Pollution Programme Manager said, “We need as many people as possible to take part to make the day a success and show that one of the most preventable forms of plastic litter can easily be stopped. Plastic bags are a menace to marine wildlife and blight our landscape. Groups as far afield as Canada and Hawaii are taking part and making this a truly international day.”
To promote this Plastic Bag Free Day in your local shop, your front window or even your nearest lamp post, there is a poster available for download.
If you would like to know more about the first ever International Plastic Bag Free Day, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.mcsuk.org.