The

Plastic Problem

Why Your Shopping Bag Might Be Out to Get a Turtle

Imagine being a turtle. You’re out there in the ocean, living your best turtle life—gliding through the blue, nibbling on some seaweed, generally minding your own business. And then, one day, you come across what looks like a delicious jellyfish snack. You take a bite, only to realize it’s a floating plastic bag. Now you’re stuck with this indigestible, non-biodegradable mistake. Whoops.

Plastic pollution is that “gift” we humans keep giving to the ocean, and while we may not intend it to be so, it’s wreaking havoc on Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystem.

What’s Happening?

(Spoiler: It’s Not Good)

Sri Lanka has a bit of a love affair with plastic. Bags, bottles, straws, wrappers—you name it, we’ve got it. The problem is, like any unhealthy relationship, we’re refusing to let go. Plastic doesn’t just disappear when we’re done with it. It doesn’t magically vanish into thin air; instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller bits called microplastics, which are basically like glitter for the environment. It gets everywhere, and no one can ever seem to get rid of it.

From the beaches of Galle to the waters around Trincomalee, plastic has taken over. Plastic waste clogs up our rivers, gets dumped into the ocean, and travels far beyond our shores. This means that plastic we toss away in Colombo can end up halfway across the globe—or worse, right back in our seafood dinner.

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Who’s Taking the Hit?

Plastic pollution might seem like it’s just messing with our view of the coastline, but for many animals, it’s a life-or-death issue. Let’s meet some of the Sri Lankan creatures most affected by our plastic problem:

Sea Turtles

Sri Lanka is home to five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, including the green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle. Turtles, being turtles, aren’t exactly plastic experts, so they often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. The result? Blocked intestines, starvation, or even drowning as plastic makes it harder for them to swim.

Dolphins and Whales

These charismatic ocean mammals aren’t immune to plastic’s reach either. Sri Lanka’s coastline is a popular spot for spinner dolphins and blue whales, but they frequently get entangled in discarded fishing nets or ingest microplastics, which can be toxic.

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Seabirds

Birds like the lesser crested tern and frigatebirds are also getting caught up in the mess. These birds mistake floating plastic debris for food or nesting materials, which leads to internal injuries or entanglement.

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How We maybe Making It Worse

(Yes, It might be Us)

You might be thinking, “I don’t throw plastic into the ocean!” And you’re probably right. But here’s the kicker: most of the plastic that ends up in the ocean doesn’t get there because someone dumped it directly into the water. It comes from land.

It’s not just littering either. Even if we throw plastic away “properly,” Sri Lanka’s waste management system is overwhelmed, and much of the plastic ends up in open dumps, where it eventually escapes into the environment.

When we casually toss a plastic bottle, bag, or straw away into a bin, that waste can end up in rivers and drains. From there, it makes its way into the sea. And those convenient plastic bags from our last supermarket shop? Well, they can take up to 1,000 years to degrade. So even if we're long gone, that bag could still be out there, haunting turtles in the Indian Ocean.

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What You Can Do
to Help

(Without Becoming a Plastic-Free Hermit)

Okay, so we’ve established that plastic is a problem. But let’s not throw in the (plastic-free, organic cotton) towel just yet. There are practical things we can all do to help reduce the plastic burden on Sri Lanka’s oceans and wildlife:

Cut Down on Single-Use Plastics

The next time you’re offered a plastic straw, cup, or bag, just say no. Carry a reusable bag and water bottle with you—your turtle friends will thank you.

Join Beach Cleanups

Want to feel like a superhero? Join or organize a beach cleanup. Not only will you be clearing plastic waste, but you’ll also get a front-row seat to the problem, and trust me, nothing inspires action like finding a plastic bottle stuck in a crab hole.

Support Plastic-Free Initiatives

Many companies and organizations in Sri Lanka are leading the way by offering eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products. Support businesses that are actively reducing their plastic footprint.

Recycle Properly

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating—recycle! Know what can and can’t be recycled in your area, and make sure you’re doing it correctly. Recycling is a pain, sure, but so is a whale choking on a plastic bottle cap.

Spread Awareness

Tell your friends, family, and everyone else who’ll listen about the impact of plastic on marine life. Heck, share this article if it helps. The more people are aware, the more likely they are to make changes.

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Ready to Take Your First Step?

If you’re looking for a way to dive deeper into the issue and find more practical ways to help, we’ve got just the thing. Sign up for our ‘Learn’ weekly email program, where we break down the latest environmental challenges and solutions in a way that’s easy to digest (unlike plastic bags). It’s your first step towards making a real impact—without having to live on a plastic-free island. Subscribe today and start your journey toward helping Sri Lanka’s oceans and wildlife!

Final Thoughts

(Before the Turtles Come for Us)

Plastic pollution is a serious issue, but the good news is, we’re not helpless in the face of it. By cutting down on single-use plastics, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and getting involved in local cleanups, we can help protect Sri Lanka’s marine life. Because let’s be honest—turtles shouldn’t have to worry about choking on our shopping bags, and dolphins have better things to do than navigate a sea of plastic debris.