Plastics packaging and coastal pollution
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Abstract
Studies of isolated stretches of shore line have indicated that pollution due to plastic packaging is a result of the deposition of sea‐borne waste. The waste is primarily a by‐product of international commerce and not, as is commonly assumed, due to the irresponsibility of the casual visitor. Indications are that the common packaging plastics vary markedly in their resistance to environmental breakdown. Low density polyethylene which is used for agricultural sacks, wrapping film and detergent bottles survives unchanged for many years, whereas high density polyethylene which is used for bleach and sanitary fluid, and other rigid containers embrittles and eventually disappears by absorption into the environment on very prolonged outdoor exposure. The survey indicates a need for the acceleration of this process.