Seas of Garbage

Not only do chemicals and oil make it to the ocean, but solid garbage also finds its way to the ocean as well . Some examples are plastic bags, glass bottles, balloons, shoes,  and foam packaging material. If not disposed of correctly, almost everything that we throw away can reach the ocean.

The worst kind is plastic garbage, which decomposes very slow, and is often mistaken as food by marine life. High concentrations of plastic material, specifically plastic bags, have been discovered to be blocking the breathing passages and stomachs of many marine species. This includes whales, seals, sea turtles, dolphins, and other fish. Plastic six-pack rings for soda bottles can also choke marine animals.

This garbage often washes up on shore, where it pollutes beaches and other coastal habitats.