Learn how polar bears are affected by plastic pollution and how your decision to take smalll can help protect these creature.
As sea ice continues to melt, polar bears face more threats to their lives. The shrinking ice forces them to swim longer distances for food, draining their energy and ultimately reducing their chances of survival. But polar bears aren’t the only creatures in the Arctic battling new challenges every day because of global warming. You’re likely more than 9,000 kilometers away from this sanctuary in crisis. But what if we tell you there are still meaningful ways you can help? Learn how the polar bears are affected by plastic pollution and how your decision to take small but powerful steps can help protect these vulnerable creatures.
How are the polar bears being affected by plastic pollution? For starters, plastic releases greenhouse gases as they degrade, speeding up the melting of the Arctic ice. This destroys the natural habitats of several subpopulations of polar bears and other species, such as killer whales and walruses.
Beyond this, there’s an even more immediate concern that plastic waste is causing.
The animals tend to mistake plastics for food. When they ingest plastics, they face the risk of severe health issues or even death. Research shows that over 28% of polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea have plastic in their stomachs.
Using sustainable packaging may seem like a small change to make, but it can be crucial in helping reduce this problem. Limiting the amount of plastics that may find their way into the Arctic helps polar bears keep their homes without the added danger of accidentally consuming plastics.
And yes, you don’t need to be based in the same region for your efforts to be felt. Reducing plastic consumption as a business in the Philippines is a small step to help preserve the Arctic ecosystem.
Alternative packaging to plastic, such as cassava starch bags and other biodegradable packaging for businesses, allows you to support environmental health for all. Refusing to use toxic plastics like Styrofoam and PET benefits the polar bears. It helps reduces your workers’ and customers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Now that you know how polar bears are affected by our packaging choices, deciding to be an eco-friendly business is just the first step. The next and more crucial one is to find the right partner company that shares the same advocacy. It can provide you with the necessary tools to practice sustainability fully.
If your business can benefit from using materials like bags made of cassava starch or corn starch, consider working with Oikos Sustainable Solutions.
A leading brand and the only local manufacturer of corn and cassava packaging in the Philippines. Our products have been awarded with the Department of Science and Technology’s Environmental Technology Verification. Learn more about our products today!