Omar Khalid
Plastic six-pack rings, invented in the 1960s, have been a symbol of harmful plastic waste since the 1970s. They are particularly dangerous to marine life, including fish, as they can get stuck around their bodies or be ingested. While regulations have been put in place to make six-pack rings photodegradable, this does not mean they are biodegradable, and they still turn into microplastics that can be ingested by animals. To reduce the harm caused by plastic six-pack rings, some companies are transitioning to cardboard wrap carriers or compostable and edible holders. Individuals can also help by cutting the rings before disposal or avoiding the purchase of drinks packaged with plastic rings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic rings | Entangle birds, fish, seals and other wildlife |
| Consumed by marine animals | |
| Cause strangulation and starvation | |
| Are photodegradable but not biodegradable | |
| Turn into microplastics | |
| Are ingested by animals | |
| Alternative options | Biodegradable, compostable and edible six-pack rings |
| Cardboard wrap carriers |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic rings are often mistaken for food by fish
Plastic rings, which have been available for four decades, are often mistaken for food by fish and other marine life. They are also a choking hazard for marine animals and birds. In the 1970s, the National Marine Mammal Laboratory reported that plastic entanglement was causing the deaths of more than 40,000 seals annually. Within 30 years, the population of Northern Fur Seals declined by 50%. In 1987, the Associated Press reported that one million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals were killed each year by plastic six-pack rings and other plastic items they mistook for food.
While it is important to note that six-pack rings may not be the most common form of plastic debris in the ocean, they are extremely dangerous to marine life. They are often lightweight and easily blown from bins or landfills into waterways, where they are practically invisible and can entangle birds' necks and beaks.
To address this issue, some companies are transitioning from plastic to more eco-friendly materials. In 2016, Salt Water Brewery announced that all its six-packs would be packaged with a compostable and edible holder. Coors has also invested $85 million in transitioning to 100% recyclable cardboard wrap carriers.
While cutting up plastic rings can help, it is essential to recognize that "plastic that breaks down" does not mean it becomes harmless. The microplastics that result from the degradation of plastic can still be ingested by marine life, leading to potential health risks.
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They can strangle and starve fish
Plastic rings can strangle fish and other marine life. They can also cause starvation by blocking their access to food. In the 1970s, the National Marine Mammal Laboratory reported that plastic entanglement was the cause of death for more than 40,000 seals annually. Within 30 years, the population of Northern Fur Seals declined by 50%. If the entanglement wasn't the direct cause of death, starvation, exhaustion, or indigestion was.
The threat of six-pack rings to marine life has been widely recognised since the 1970s. In 1987, the Associated Press reported that one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals were killed every year by six-pack rings and other plastic materials they mistook for food. This figure is still widely cited today. However, some have argued that the threat of six-pack rings has been exaggerated, as they made up only 0.48% of the 10.4 million items collected during the 1998 cleanup.
Six-pack rings are particularly dangerous in water as they are practically invisible, and birds fishing or feeding in the water can easily entangle their bills and necks in the strong plastic rings. Marine animals can also ingest the microplastics that form when plastic breaks down. Even if the plastic rings are photodegradable, they still turn into microplastics that can be ingested by animals.
To address this issue, some companies are turning away from plastic rings altogether. In 2016, Salt Water Brewery announced that all their six-packs would be packaged with a compostable and edible holder. Coors has also recently announced that it is investing $85 million in transitioning to 100% recyclable cardboard wrap carriers.
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They are invisible in water, making them dangerous to birds fishing or feeding
Plastic six-pack rings are a significant hazard to birds, fish, and other wildlife. They are particularly dangerous in water, where they are practically invisible, making it difficult for birds to spot them while fishing or feeding. This increases the risk of birds becoming entangled in the strong plastic rings, which can lead to strangulation or starvation.
The threat posed by plastic six-pack rings to marine life has been recognised since the 1970s, when reports emerged of marine animals, including birds and fish, becoming entangled in these plastic yokes. In response, many people started cutting the rings before disposal to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped. However, despite these efforts, plastic six-pack rings continue to pose a danger to marine life.
While regulations have been implemented to make plastic six-pack rings environmentally degradable, they do not completely eliminate the risk to marine life. These rings are designed to break down in sunlight, but this process can take longer in the ocean, and the resulting microplastics can still be ingested by marine animals. Additionally, the degradation process may not always be complete, leaving smaller pieces of plastic that can be harmful if consumed.
To address the issue, some companies are transitioning away from plastic rings altogether. For example, Salt Water Brewery has introduced a biodegradable, compostable, and edible six-pack ring made from wheat and barley by-products. Coors is also investing in recyclable cardboard wrap carriers as an alternative to plastic can rings. These initiatives are positive steps towards reducing the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, including birds and fish.
It is important to note that plastic six-pack rings are not the only threat to marine life. Other plastic debris, such as monofilament fishing lines, fish hooks, and lures, pose significant hazards as well. It is crucial to address plastic pollution as a whole and transition to more eco-friendly materials to protect marine ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabits them.
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They are photodegradable but do not dissolve, turning into microplastics
Plastic six-pack rings are a major threat to marine life, especially birds, fish, and turtles. They are often ingested by animals and can cause strangulation or starvation. While these plastic rings are photodegradable, they do not dissolve completely. Instead, they break down into microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can have harmful effects on the environment and human health.
Photodegradable plastic is designed to degrade in sunlight, typically within a set period, such as 60-120 days. However, this process can take much longer in the ocean or other environments with limited sunlight. As a result, the plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces over time, eventually reaching the microplastic level. These microplastics can be ingested by animals and accumulate in the environment, including our bodies, with potential health consequences that are not yet fully understood.
Microplastics are formed through the biological degradation of plastics by microorganisms, enzymes, and other biological processes. They can also arise from the mechanical breakdown of plastics due to sunlight, oxidation, friction, or animals nibbling on the plastic. While biodegradable plastics are an improvement, they can still leave behind microplastics that contribute to pollution and harm the environment.
The issue of plastic six-pack rings highlights the need for more sustainable solutions. Some companies have developed edible or biodegradable alternatives to plastic can holders, but these options are not yet widely adopted. Cutting up plastic rings before disposal can help reduce the risk of entanglement for wildlife, but it does not address the underlying problem of plastic pollution.
To truly protect fish and other marine life from the dangers of plastic rings, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling practices, and advocating for the development and adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. Public awareness and support for initiatives that address plastic pollution are crucial to drive change and protect marine ecosystems and wildlife.
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They are not easily recyclable
Plastic six-pack rings are a major hazard to birds, fish, and other wildlife. They are often disposed of carelessly, polluting public spaces and waterways. Birds fishing or feeding in the water can easily get their necks entangled in these strong plastic rings. In the 1970s, plastic entanglement was the cause of death for more than 40,000 seals per year, and within 30 years, the population of Northern Fur Seals declined by 50%.
While plastic six-pack rings should be recycled to avoid contaminating the waterways and harming wildlife, they are not easily recyclable. The material they are made of does not meet the requirements to be recycled. They are considered contaminants in the recycling process as they jam recycling equipment and increase costs. Even if you put them in your recycling bin, they will likely end up in landfills, which are already full of birds and other creatures looking for food.
In the US, plastic six-pack rings must be photodegradable, meaning they degrade in sunlight within 60-120 days. However, photodegradable does not mean biodegradable. Plastic still breaks down into microplastics, which are ingested by animals. While cutting up plastic rings before disposal can help, it does not solve the problem of microplastics.
To address this issue, it is best to avoid buying drinks packaged with plastic rings. You can also look for drinks with biodegradable, compostable, or edible six-pack rings, such as those offered by SaltWater Brewery. By making conscious choices, we can reduce the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Fish can get stuck in plastic rings, which can strangle them or cause their shells to deform.
You can cut up the plastic rings before disposal, but it is more effective to avoid buying drinks packaged with plastic rings. You can also support companies that use biodegradable, compostable, or edible rings.
Biodegradable or compostable rings are made from photodegradable plastic, which breaks down in sunlight. Edible rings are made from by-products of the brewing process, such as wheat and barley.
No, other plastic materials like fishing lines, fish hooks, and lures are also harmful to marine life.
