SEA TURTLES MUNCHING ON OUR GARBAGE

By Xavier Barajas

What's the issue?

o New studies show that more than 52% of sea turtles have eaten plastic waste.

o Every year 13 million tons of garbage gets dumped into our oceans.

o This issue has been growing over the years.

o My prediction is that this problem will continue to get worse if we don't take action.

Areas most affected

Areas most dangerous for the sea turtles are East Coast of Australia,Southeast Asia,Southern Africa, and Hawaii.

Why are these turtles eating plastic?

The turtles consume jellyfish and other floating animals for food. The plastic floating in the water looks like their food source so they consume it.

Fact and Opinion

Fact – over half of the turtles have eaten some plastic waste. Opinion- we need to throw our trash in the trash can not the oceans. Fact- the turtles could die if they eat plastic waste. Fact- the plastic can cut or block their intestines.

Question?

Question What can we do to help this issue?

Answer We can avoid using plastic bags and

water bottles. Use face cleaners that do not contain

micro beads. The micro beads have plastic in them

and it hurts ocean life when it goes down the drain.