Study: the amount of plastic from taking out food has skyrocketed in the ocean

Scientists analyzed global registries in which more than 12 million pieces of garbage were registered,

found in rivers, oceans, shores and the seabed. They found that 8 out of 10 items were made from plastic. 44% of waste was associated with takeaway food and drinks.

The largest share of them are bottlesdisposable, food containers and wrappers, and plastic bags. “It was a shock to us to see that bags, bottles, food containers and cutlery, along with wrappers, make up almost half of man-made waste globally,” said study leader Carmen Morales from the University of Cadiz (Spain). on the seabed, on the coastlines and afloat off our shores. "

The researchers added that measures to reduceplastic contamination should be directed at items such as straws, cotton swabs and beverage stirrers that are relatively easy to replace. However, they also recommend fighting plastic from take-out food and drinks.

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The study also highlights the problem of debris from fishing gear, such as plastic nets and ropes. Discarded nets and lines can be fatal to marine life.

According to researchers, every year in the seas andthe oceans end up with 307 to 925 million pieces of garbage. About 80% - plastic, among them are disposable plastic, bottles, food packaging and bags. Most of the garbage was generated in Turkey (16%), followed by Italy (11%), Great Britain (8%), Spain (8%) and Greece (7%).

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