Plastic in the Ocean

Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean. Much of it comes from rivers that carry rubbish from cities to the sea. Plastic can take hundreds of years to break down completely. Sea animals often mistake small pieces of plastic for food. This can make them very sick. Tiny pieces of plastic have also been found in the fish that people eat. Some countries have banned single-use plastic bags and straws. Volunteers around the world also organise regular beach clean-ups. Using less plastic in our daily lives is one simple way to help.