Wildlife

Plastic Pollution and Wildlife Welfare

Plastic pollution causes widespread suffering and death in wildlife through entanglement, ingestion, and toxin exposure.

Key Facts

Over 800 animal species are affected by plastic pollution globally
Ingested plastics cause intestinal blockage, starvation, and toxic effects in wildlife
Seabirds, sea turtles, and cetaceans are among the most severely affected groups
Microplastics have been found in the tissues of animals throughout the food chain
An estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans annually

Welfare Considerations

Plastic pollution causes immense welfare harm to individual wild animals through painful entanglement, starvation from ingested plastics blocking the gut, and exposure to toxic compounds. The scale of this problem is vast, affecting species from the deepest ocean to mountain environments. Individual and policy-level action to reduce plastic production and improve waste management can significantly reduce wildlife welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Reduce single-use plastic consumption in your daily life
Participate in beach, river, and countryside litter picks
Support producer responsibility legislation for plastic packaging
Advocate for plastic pollution reduction in international environmental policy
Donate to organisations working on marine plastic removal and wildlife rescue