Litter may seem small, but it can really hurt our environment and the animals living in it. Let’s see how litter affects wildlife and marine life and what we can do to help.
How Litter Harms Animals
Hurting Animals:
Trash like plastic bags, cans, and glass can hurt animals. They can get tangled, hurt, or even die. Birds sometimes eat plastic, thinking it’s food, which can make them very sick.
Poisoning:
Some litter, like batteries and cleaning products, has dangerous chemicals. If animals touch or eat these, they can get very sick.
Ruining Homes:
Litter can mess up animals' homes. Plastic in rivers and oceans can make the water dirty and unsafe for fish and other creatures. Trash can block paths and burrows where animals live.
Danger to Sea Creatures
Plastic Problems:
Plastic trash, like bottles and straws, is very harmful to sea animals. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, which they like to eat, and it can make them very sick.
Getting Stuck:
Fishing nets and plastic rings can trap sea animals. Seals, dolphins, and birds can get caught, hurt, or even die.
Toxic Water:
Chemicals from trash can leak into the water, making it dangerous. These toxins can get into the food chain, affecting fish and even the people who eat seafood.
What We Can Do
Learning about litter and teaching others, especially kids, can make a big difference. Reading stories like "The Lamb Gang Save the Loch Ness Monster" by Safari Thomas helps kids understand the importance of keeping our planet clean.
Here are some actions we can take:
Recycle and Reduce Plastic: Use less plastic and recycle as much as we can.
Clean-Up Events: Join or organize clean-up events in your community.
Support Conservation: Help organizations that work to protect wildlife and marine habitats.
By working together, we can keep our environment clean and safe for all animals. Let's make a difference!
By Safari Thomas and The Lamb Gang
7 June 2024
Contact or Visit us at safarithomas.com for more information, resources, and to join the Lamb Gang V.I.P. Club!