Litter does endless damage to our world and wildlife bears the brunt of the harm. The RSPCA receive, on average, 14 calls a day about animals affected by litter. The actual figure of animals injured by litter is thought to be much higher as unfortunately many won’t be found.
Animals can find much of our litter very tempting as often they’re looking for food. Plastic bottles, jars and food containers may smell good to a hungry critter but they can get their heads stuck inside. Cans can cut animal as they look for shade or their next meal, and plastic bags are often confused for food resulting in animals choking or suffocating, or eating the bag which then obstructs their stomach or bowel, resulting in their needless death.
We’ve all seen the horrific images of animals suffering from the litter produced by humans, however there are things we can do with our rubbish to protect wildlife should it accidentally end up in the environment:
- Cut all of the loops of plastic six-pack can holders to avoid animals’ necks getting stuck in them.
- Tie a knot in the top of plastic bags to help prevent animals getting stuck inside.
- Cut elastic bands before putting them in the bin to stop animals from getting stuck in them.
- Pull the tab back to cover the hole at the top of a can and crush it before you put it in your recycling.
- Always wash containers and place lids back on before recycling.
- If you chew gum switch to plastic free and biodegradable gum. Put it in the bin once you’re finished with it.
- If you must use balloons, switch to biodegradable balloons and cut them up into pieces before disposing of them. Don’t release any balloons outdoors.
- Don’t release Chinese lanterns, they are harmful to humans, animals and property. Most notable cows who accidently eat small pieces of the lantern wire in their feed.
For more information about the effects of litter on our animals go to the RSPCA’s website.