PHOTOS: Washed Up – Oceanside beach pollutants

According to the World Economic Forum, there are anywhere from 75 to 199 million tons of plastic in the ocean.

Despite its soap-like look, the foamy rainbow is caused by decaying phytoplankton. The organic matter blooms and dies at certain times of the year and causes foam as it crashes upon the shore.

Plastic makes up 80% of the debris found in the ocean.

Most beaches have a policy against glass items, but pieces of broken bottles can still wash up on shore.

While the plastic label probably wasn’t the demise of the owner of this shell, it could have caused harm to other animals if it were ingested.

Approximately 1 million birds die from plastic every year. They often mistake it for food and die from suffocation.

Plastic cutlery is primarily made of petroleum compounds, which don’t easily dissolve.

The ocean can be smelly to some people, but car fresheners don’t change that. They are small and easily mistaken for a snack by marine life.

Packing peanuts are made of polystyrene, which doesn’t break down once discarded.

Several efforts are in motion to help the ocean pollution crisis. The Ocean Cleanup Project is a nonprofit organization that hopes to collect 90% of floating ocean plastic.

Tiger Media Network

PHOTOS: Washed Up – Oceanside beach pollutants

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