This highlights the potentially deadly effect of our disposable culture. When we throw something away, it doesn't just just disappear, it goes somewhere and because of the durable nature of plastic, it takes a long time to decompose and stays there causing great damage to the ocean's ecology. Some other recent worldwide research estimates that 90% of all seabirds have swallowed plastic. And worse still, this plastic is broken down into tiny particles over a long period by the wind and the waves, then sea creatures at the bottom of the food chain ingest them. These creatures are eaten by the fish that we eventually consume.

The solution to this problem would be to use less plastic. Several countries now charge for using plastic carrier bags which reduces the amount used and some products now use natural and recyclable materials but it seems inevitable that plastic will continue to be necessary in many of the gadgets that we demand.

So next time you pick up a carrier bag, or buy a plastic bottle of water, spare a thought for the birds and animals on the remote Henderson Island. What do you do to help the environment?

词汇表 plastic carrier bag 塑料购物袋

ubiquitous 感觉无处不在的

blight （使）破坏

wildlife 野生动植物

acute 十分严重的

be littered with 在公共场合到处乱扔垃圾

density 密度

debris 碎片

【Plastic problem 塑料带来的问题】相关文章：

★ Objective and purpose 目标和目的

★ Pull your socks up 加把劲儿

★ Lunchtime dilemma 午饭时间的“选择困难症”

★ Britain's food waste problem 英国的食物浪费问题

★ Wardrobe dilemma 面对衣橱的困惑

★ Planet Plastic 地球快要变成“塑料星球”

★ How late is too late? 多晚算太晚？

★ Brass neck 厚脸皮

★ Plastic threatens coral reefs 海洋塑料垃圾威胁珊瑚礁的生存

★ Sweet tooth hazards 爱吃甜食给健康带来的隐患