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Protection From Climate Change
Greenhouse gases keep the sun's radiant heat from bouncing back into space, keeping the planet warm. Too much, and temperatures rise. In the past century, the average temperature around the world has increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This is due primarily to carbon dioxide emissions which account for 84 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel combustion is the largest contributor to this emission stream. Extreme heat is required to manufacture plastic from raw materials. Making products from recycled plastic reduces the amount of energy expended to create them by 70 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 percent, depending on the type of plastic. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases helps maintain a stable climate and environment for animals and their habitats.
Fewer Pollutants Ingested
Plastics are generally considered to be biochemically inert. However, they are infused with chemicals termed "plasticisers" that extend the life of the product. These additives readily leach out of plastics as they break down into smaller particles called microplastics. Additives include polybrominated diphenyl ethers, phthalates and the constituent monomer bisphenol A. These chemicals are known to cause disruptions in endocrine processes and hormone production in animals. In addition, waterborne pollutants adhere to the surface of plastics. Significant amounts of PCB, DDT and aromatic hydrocarbons have been found on these plastics. Microplastics contaminate every ocean in the world and have recently been found in the Great Lakes. In the ocean, plastic debris is carried by currents that converge in areas known as gyres. Most notable is the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, dubbed the garbage patch for its tendency to collect large amounts of debris. There is an estimated 6 kilograms of plastic per kilogram of plankton floating in this gyre, so animals that forage there are likely taking in toxins that could kill them or impair their development and and reproduction.
Malnutrition Prevention
Some animals ingest plastic debris. Sometimes they mistake it for their natural food and other times it is unintentional. Plastic is not digested and it can obstruct the digestive track or simply give the animal a false sense of being full. This can lead to starvation and death. In 2008, Algalita Research Foundation found that 35 percent of the fish captured in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre had ingested plastic. In Australia, 55 percent of the dead green sea turtles were found to have plastic in their stomachs. In studies of the northern fulmar, it was found that 95 percent of these birds had plastic in their digestive systems. Recycling plastic instead of throwing it away would prevent animals from starving, becoming malnourished or experiencing gut blockage due to eating it.
Fewer Entanglements
Animals that become entangled in fishing line and other plastic waste are unable to forage for food, surface to breathe, or hide from predators. In 2010, Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup found 488 animals and birds entangled in debris. They removed more than 8 million pounds of trash from coastal waters, most of which consisted of plastic products. In the 25 years of sponsoring these international cleanup events, volunteers have found 41 amphibians, 1449 birds, 1341 fish, 221 mammals and 161 reptiles entangled in debris. It is estimated that between 0.001 and 5 percent of the world population of seals and sea lions and 48 to 65 percent of humpback whales become entangled each year. Recycling plastics would help prevent injuries and deaths due to entanglement.