#Pollution: This is why plastic is a major problem
THAILAND'S coastline is literally a death trap to countless species of marine life, of which hundreds die annually - the main reason behind this is the fact that the country is one of the planet's largest consumers of plastic.
The crisis was further exacerbated when, during the first week of June, an autopsy was conducted on a dead pilot whale which had been discovered near the Malaysian border - it was revealed later that the whale's death was most likely caused due to a large build up of plastic in its stomach.
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A total of 80 plastic bags had been removed from its stomach.
The Eastern province of Chanthaburi, on June 4, witnessed a similar sight when a protected species of green turtle washed up on a beach in the area.
(Image Credit: MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE)
It was later discovered that the turtle had consumed a large quantity of plastic, including rubber bands and balloons - the turtle died two days later.
Prior to the death of the turtle, veterinarians attempted to save it by feeding it intravenously however, this attempt failed - the content of its intestinal tract could only be removed after its death.
(Image Credit: MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE)
According to a veterinarian (Weerapong Laovechprasit) at the Eastern Marine and Coastal Resource Research and Development Centre, previously, 10% of green turtles which had been stranded along beaches in the area had come into contact, or consumed similar types of plastic waste however, this number has since increased to 50% during 2018 so far.
A 2015 Ocean Conservancy report revealed that 8-million tonnes of plastic waste is introduced into the ocean annually, of which more than half originates from Asian countries such as Thailand - others include China, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
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I agree - I have been to Thailand, plastic bags used everywhere. If you go to a convenience shop, and buy just one small bottle of water, they will try to put it in a bag for you. And the waste-disposal there leaves a lot to be desired, not to mention the lack of recycling...
We have the same thing in South Africa unfortunately - first thing you get asked at the checkout point is 'how many bags'. At least I'm trying to do my part by using actual recycled bags (or supposedly recycled) over and over again. I only last month bought new ones again after the previous ones which lasted just over a year finally tore beyond repair. The 'worst' thing I've done though, was walk into a store, bought what I needed and loaded it all into a large gym bag - you can't believe how people stare. We have to try and do more even if people gawk at you as though you are crazy. I read an article this morning with the headline: 'Humans – 0.01% of life on Earth – have destroyed 83% of wild mammals' - although this has more to do with dietary choices however, still just as shocking. We as a species are destined to destroy ourselves. (if you feel like reading the article I mentioned: https://southcoastherald.co.za/292395/enviro-monday-humans-0-01-life-earth-destroyed-83-wild-mammals )