The RSPCA receives 5,000 phone calls every year regarding animals affected by litter - equating to an average of around 14 reports per day. The UK has the worst record for dropping litter in Europe. In England alone, a shocking 62% of residents have admitted to littering.
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Globally, 1.5 million tonnes of plastic waste come from plastic water bottles, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature; and 33% of litter is caused by carelessly discarded fast-food wrappers. Cases of birds and animals being adversely affected by plastic litter have risen by 22% in the past four years alone, according to the RSPCA.
Trapped in plastic packaging
One of the biggest threats to wildlife is plastic packaging. Marine mammals are curious about plastic and while investigating, they often become trapped. One of the most dangerous items is the plastic packaging that holds four cans of alcohol together. When carelessly discarded, it can harm many different creatures including turtles, birds, fish and small mammals. Large fish will often inspect plastic debris and be tempted to take a bite out of larger items.
Research in coastal regions has revealed 80% of plastic on the beach or in coastal waters shows birds' peck marks, suggesting they thought it was food. In particular, polystyrene foam is easily mistaken for cuttlefish bone that attracts birds. Unfortunately, ingesting plastic can prove fatal for fish, seabirds and other wildlife.
Suffocating in plastic bags
Wildlife can suffocate in plastic bags and similar litter. Animals can confuse plastic bags for food or be tempted to look inside by a lingering smell of food, especially if it's been freshly dropped.
Small mammals can get trapped inside and suffocate or even choke if they try to eat the bag. If they swallow a plastic bag, it can obstruct their stomach or bowel, resulting in a painful and lingering death.
Cut by sharp objects
Wild creatures can cut themselves on sharp objects thrown away by humans. Empty cans are a source of fascination for animals including foxes and hedgehogs - they are likely to look inside for food.
Birds and marine creatures such as turtles can get tangled in fishing lines and hooks, resulting in serious injury and death. The RSPCA reports seals suffering from deep infected wounds, caused by sharp plastic objects cutting into their necks. There are also cases of geese and swans becoming trapped in fishing lines and netting.
Discarded chewing gum
You may not realise the impact that discarded chewing gum has on wildlife. However, if small mammals and birds tread on chewing gum, it can get stuck in their feet, fur or feathers. It soon gets matted, making flight and movement difficult.
Damaged nests
Litter can damage the nests and homes that birds and animals have spent so long creating for themselves. Research reveals an increase in the number of birds mistakenly using plastic to build their nests – if they get tangled, there is a real danger they could die.
Seabirds taking food back to the nest for chicks and regurgitating it are inadvertently feeding their young harmful plastic mixed in with the food.
How to help
The easiest and best way to help is to simply stop dumping litter irresponsibly. Dispose of waste properly - there are further steps you can take, even if you recycle your waste.
Try to cut down on single-use plastics and reuse things before you throw them away. When it comes to specific types of waste, think carefully about how to make it wildlife-safe before you bin it. Tie a knot in the top of a plastic bag so no small animals can crawl inside and get trapped. Before disposing of the four-pack holders, cut each of the loops so they can't get wrapped around animals' necks. Similarly, cut elastic bands.
If you're an angler, fish responsibly and never leave nets or broken rods by the water. Take all waste home with you - leave no trace!
Crush metal cans before you send them for recycling and always wash containers and put the lid back on before disposing of them.
Benefits of recycling
The modern philosophy of "reduce, reuse and recycle" should become a way of life if we are to save the planet's resources for future generations. Recycling saves energy and prevents excess greenhouse gas emissions and water pollutants.
Not only does it preserve virgin materials, but it also helps to reduce the pollution caused by extracting and processing. Refill bottles and reuse boxes; avoid purchasing anything packaged with single-use plastics where possible.