THE DANGERS OF PLASTIC 6-PACK TYPE RING HOLDERS
Though plastic products have helped us in many ways by reducing the number of trees used, they have created another problem we didn't foresee. Paper products, being naturally produced, break down when exposed to the elements. Plastic products, being as strong and durable as they are, can take at least 800 times longer to break down. Because of this, millions of animals, birds and fish on land and in the sea are suffering severe injuries or dying because of inappropriately discarded plastic items.
One of the biggest dangers to wildlife are plastic six-pack type ring can holders. Wildlife become trapped in them, cannot get them off, then slowly choke as they get older then strangle or suffocate. Many of these cases are on land but the majority are in the oceans were the plastic holders are almost invisible underwater, so animals cannot avoid them.
These dangers are EASILY stopped by the simple action of cutting the plastic rings before discarding of them appropriately, preferably by recycling. The BEST action to stop millions of wildlife from suffering is for companies to do away with the plastic ring holders altogether.
This petition is aimed at the World Retail Congress to ask them to:
A. Ban the use of these plastic ring holders completely or
B. Clearly mark on the product ‘Cut Rings Before Disposing Recycling’
Dear Mr McGarrigle.
THE DANGERS OF PLASTIC 6-PACK TYPE RING HOLDERS
Though plastic products have helped us in many ways by reducing the number of trees used, they have created another problem we didn't foresee. Paper products, being naturally produced, break down when exposed to the elements. Plastic products, being as strong and durable as they are, can take at least 800 times longer to break down. Because of this, millions of animals, birds and fish on land and in the sea are suffering severe injuries or dying because of inappropriately discarded plastic items.
One of the biggest dangers to wildlife are plastic six-pack type ring can holders. Wildlife become trapped in them, cannot get them off, then slowly choke as they get older then strangle or suffocate. Many of these cases are on land but the majority are in the oceans were the plastic holders are almost invisible underwater, so animals cannot avoid them.
These dangers are EASILY stopped by the simple action of cutting the plastic rings before discarding of them appropriately, preferably by recycling. The BEST action to stop millions of wildlife from suffering is for companies to do away with the plastic ring holders altogether.
I ask you to recommend to your member companies to either:
Ban the use of these plastic ring holders completely or
Clearly mark on the product ‘Cut Rings Before Disposing Recycling'
Either of these measures will save the lives of MILLIONS of our wildlife.
Thank you
