HOW SIMPLE SHIFTS ARE RESCUING OUR OCEANS THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF SAYING NO TO PLASTIC
Something refreshing is happening along our coastlines, and it’s not just the salty sea breeze. Thanks to local policies across the country, beachgoers are now enjoying cleaner shores, and science is backing up this progress.
instead, it breaks down into tiny, toxic particles. These pieces can outnumber plankton six to one, acting like sponges that absorb harmful chemicals such as PCBs and DDT at levels millions of times higher than the surrounding seawater. What’s the consequence? A food chain caught up in toxic waste.
Recent research indicates that areas implementing plastic bag bans or fees are experiencing significant improvements in shoreline cleanliness. Scientists have observed up to a 47% reduction in litter along coastlines where these policies are enforced. That’s nearly half of the trash eliminated!
Wildlife bears the worst impact. Sea turtles, mistaking bags for jellyfish, swallow them with deadly outcomes. Other species, from puffins and seals to whales and dolphins, are found with stomachs and airways blocked by plastic debris, especially bags. These silent killers are among the leading threats to marine life today.
This isn’t just a one-time fluke either. The reductions have persisted and even increased over time. Researchers from the University of Delaware and Columbia University analyzed data from tens of thousands of beach cleanups and compared it to local laws across towns,
But change is achievable, and it’s happening. It’s an encouraging sign in the fight against plastic pollution. By reducing the use of single-use bags, these local laws are shifting shopper habits and helping preserve the natural beauty and delicate balance of our oceans. So the next time you pack a reusable tote for a grocery run or stash a foldable bag in your car, know this: You’re not just making a smart choice for your convenience, you’re part of a much bigger ripple effect that’s making beaches brighter and the planet a little lighter. Now that’s a change worth celebrating .
counties, and states. What they found was clear: The more severe the plastic bag problem was initially, the more effective the cleanup impact of bans or fees.
This is important. While most plastic bags are used for only about 12 minutes, their environmental impact can last up to 1,000 years. The ocean bears the brunt of this. Once plastic enters the water, it doesn’t disappear;
SUDOKU
EATS WITH ELLIE
GRILLED TERIYAKI FLANK STEAK
INGREDIENTS Marinade •
• • • •
1 tsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ginger powder
2/3 cup red wine
• • • •
1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sesame oil 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Meat •
1 1/2 lbs flank steak
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
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