SEA TURTLES MUNCHING ON OUR GARBAGE By Xavier Barajas

What's the issue? o New studies show that more than 52% of sea turtles have eaten plastic waste. o Every year 13 million tons of garbage gets dumped into our oceans. o This issue has been growing over the years. o My prediction is that this problem will continue to get worse if we don't take action. o New studies show that more than 52% of sea turtles have eaten plastic waste. o Every year 13 million tons of garbage gets dumped into our oceans. o This issue has been growing over the years. o My prediction is that this problem will continue to get worse if we don't take action.

Areas most affected  Areas most dangerous for the sea turtles are East Coast of Australia,Southeast Asia,Southern Africa, and Hawaii.

Why are these turtles eating plastic?  The turtles consume jellyfish and other floating animals for food.  The plastic floating in the water looks like their food source so they consume it.  The turtles consume jellyfish and other floating animals for food.  The plastic floating in the water looks like their food source so they consume it.

Fact and Opinion  Fact – over half of the turtles have eaten some plastic waste.  Opinion- we need to throw our trash in the trash can not the oceans.  Fact- the turtles could die if they eat plastic waste.  Fact- the plastic can cut or block their intestines.  Fact – over half of the turtles have eaten some plastic waste.  Opinion- we need to throw our trash in the trash can not the oceans.  Fact- the turtles could die if they eat plastic waste.  Fact- the plastic can cut or block their intestines.

Question? Question  What can we do to help this issue? Answer  We can avoid using plastic bags and water bottles.  Use face cleaners that do not contain micro beads.  The micro beads have plastic in them and it hurts ocean life when it goes down the drain.