Plastics And Pescatarianism
A country of coastlines, Wales produces some of the finest quality seafood in the world. But how has the rising tide of plastic influenced its quality, asks Varsha Babuji?
The increasing accumulation of plastic in the oceans has been a topic of discussion over the past few years. Studies show that about eight million pieces of plastic make their way into the water bodies every day; these plastics take more than 450 years to degrade and cause catastrophic effects upon our ecosystem.
Experts say that plastics of all sizes – such as microplastics from skin care products, clothes and even fragments of larger plastics – are consumed by marine creatures and pose a threat to their survival. “These toxic entities have been proven to cause infertility in sea mammals and can even make a mammal’s milk toxic to their young ones. This opens up the possibility of the same occurring to humans,” says Lloyd Nelmes, a marine biologist from the South Wales Sea Trust.
Shellfish such as mussels and oysters are among the worst affected animals. It’s been found that a shellfish lover could be consuming up to 11,000 plastic fragments in their seafood each year. Zooplankton, tiny animals at the bottom of the food chain also feed on plastic and are then consumed by larger creatures like the UK’s favourite, sea bass. This has a direct impact on human health and the environment.
Communities across Wales have responded to this danger and have come together to fight against the use of plastic. The Welsh village of Aberporth became the first community to be recognized as plastic-free. Going back to glass bottles and abandoning non-biodegradable takeaway cups, the local businesses in the Welsh coast showed their active participation in the campaign led by Gail Tudor.
“I changed my plastic straws to biodegradable ones from Vegware, sauces are now in bottles and not in sachets and the relishes we serve with our burgers are in a paper pot which can be put in the food waste,” says Nicola Jennings, a local café owner in Aberporth.
Though most businesses are enthusiastic about the idea, the difficulties of finding cheap biodegradable alternatives has been a subject of concern. “The paper bags were the most expensive things to have changed. While the plastic ones were just a penny, the paper bags were 11p,” said a local shop owner. They believe that pressurising more businesses to give up plastic would cut the cost of other alternatives.
Inspired by the documentary series Blue Planet II, Cardiff resident Naomi England, along with Cardiff North MP Anna McMorrin, have also launched a campaign to make the Rhiwbina area of the capital first single-use plastic-free community in Cardiff.
“It’s not just the seafood but also water. If our seas are full of plastic, it just goes into our water cycle. I am looking down the line at my children and grandchildren. What will the water quality be like? It makes me think twice about everything,” says Naomi. Organizations like Surfers Against Sewage and the South Wales Sea Trust also play a major role in educating the public by organizing beach cleaning events and workshops for young people.
Raising their hands in support, councillors Mike Jones-Pritchard and John Lancaster put down a proposal before Cardiff council to become a plastic-free city; a report is expected by October. “As a local authority, Cardiff can stop using plastic in its own buildings and can promote other alternatives among its own staff. It works with hundreds of businesses and other organizations and can influence other cities,” says Jones-Pritchard.
The positive impact of the growing efforts in Wales to support the green revolution is clearly evident. The ultimate goal is far from being achieved, but through the sustenance and active participation of the people in the fight for a greener future, the light at the end of the tunnel grows closer by the day.