Urge the European Union to ban plastic bags to help save the Mediterranean Sea and its wildlife

  • by: Georgina B.
  • recipient: Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission

The Mediterranean Sea is accumulating large zones of plastic debris that is effecting wildlife and threatening fisheries, according to a report on the BBC News website.

A study found approximately 1000 tonnes of plastic floating on the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, consisting of the fragments of bottles, bags and wrappings.

The study also found plastic in the stomachs of birds, whales, fish and turtles as well as minute sized pieces of plastic in oysters and mussels grown on the coasts of northern Europe.

Commenting on the study, Dr David Morritt of Royal Holloway, University of London, said scientists were particularly concerned about "microplastics"- very small pieces of plastic that are less than 5mm in length. The study found more than 80 per cent of plastic in the Mediterranean Sea fell into this category.

Dr Morritt told BBC News: "These very small plastic fragments lend themselves to being swallowed by marine species, potentially releasing chemicals into the gut from the plastics."

"Plastic doesn't degrade in the environment - we need to think much more carefully about how we dispose of it, recycle it, and reduce our use of it,” he added.

The Mediterranean Sea, the animals that live in it, the people that swim, fish and live by it deserve to be protected. Will you join me in urging the European Union to take action now by banning plastic bags and working towards better recycling standards throughout the EU.

Please sign and share the petition.

Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.