Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3023945/if-plastic-pollution-has-been-transported-arctic-air-we-have-no
Comment/ Letters

If plastic pollution has been transported to the Arctic by air, we have no time to lose

A helicopter from the Swedish icebreaker Oden lands on an ice floe to pick up crew members involved in the retrieval of a scientific acoustic recorder containing valuable data on Arctic marine life movements in the Canadian Arctic on July 25. Earlier this month, a US-led team of scientists found tiny pieces of plastic in ice cores drilled in the Arctic. Photo: Inner Space Centre via Reuters

The article “Microplastics discovered deep in Arctic ice, highlighting growing threat of plastic pollution” implies that plastic waste has already drifted to the remotest waters of the planet and is threatening all marine species globally. According to the United Nations, 100 million tonnes of plastic have been dumped in the oceans to date.

Microplastics are small plastic fragments less than 5mm long, which are found in items we use daily, especially health and beauty products such as shower gels and toothpaste. Greenpeace’s research shows the concentration of microplastics in Hong Kong waters has increased 11-fold in just three years. These particles not only negatively impact the animals that consume them, but also enter the human food chain.

Marine ecologist Melanie Bergmann notes microplastic have probably been transported to the Arctic by air, raising concerns that we could be inhaling plastic.

We are already aware of the harm plastic waste does to our planet, including its impact on ocean species and birds. For example, a pilot whale died off southern Thailand after swallowing 80 plastic bags.

All stakeholders need to take steps to tackle the problem. Manufacturers should reduce use of excessive packaging as this could break down into microplastics. Cosmetics companies should limit the use of microplastics in their products. Meanwhile, we could all volunteer to keep beaches free of rubbish.

Koco Chau, Tseung Kwan O

Humans, not dogs, need to eat less meat

Paul Stapleton (“Climate change should dampen the enthusiasm for luxury hotel stays for pets”, August 15) apparently resents a pet dog eating well. If he had bothered to do his homework, he would realise that a canine diet should include protein, grain and other food groups.

As a vegan, I abide by my personal beliefs regarding my food choices but Stapleton should perhaps focus his disdain on wasteful humans who consume far more meat than all pet dogs and cats combined. Or he could join the protesters with yet another demand for the beleaguered government.

B. Lo, Mid-Levels