A video capturing the painful removal of a plastic straw from a turtle's nostril became a catalyst for worldwide action against single-use plastics.
Carla Rosch reports for the BBC.
In short:
- The 2015 video by marine biologist Christine Figgener highlighted the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, particularly on turtles.
- The footage spurred global awareness and campaigns aimed at reducing the use of plastic straws and other single-use plastics.
- Efforts led by individuals and organizations, including significant policy changes and corporate commitments, have resulted in a noticeable decline in plastic straw pollution.
Key quote:
"It started with straws, but it was only the start. People started questioning what else they could do, and the turtle video catapulted the whole conversation. It was the key that opened the door."
— Jackie Nuñez, program manager at the Plastic Pollution Coalition
Why this matters:
The fight against plastic straws symbolizes a broader battle against single-use plastics, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective action in tackling environmental challenges. The US falls behind most of the world in plastic pollution legislation.
