Evil Lurks Where You Least Expect It - The Danger of Six Pack Rings And How You And Your Family Can Make A Difference

Danger lurks where we least expect it in life. Even Darth Vader would be surprised that the danger I am discussing today is not from “the dark force” or giant industrial conglomerates. This danger comes from  the simple six-pack ring and is a serious threat to many in our environment.

According to www.nature-magazine.net, “During a beach cleanup along 300 miles of Texas shoreline in 1988, 15,600 plastic six-pack rings were found in 3 hours.” Hundreds of photos of animals trapped in plastic six-pack rings inundate the internet and the message is clear: six-pack holders are virtually invisible underwater, so marine animals of all sorts get trapped in them regularly. It’s often a death trap.

While doing a search on the dangers of six pack rings, I came across a great story on the www.jrcompton.com website. It’s about the rescue of “Six Pack,” a poor crested duck who got trapped in a six-pack ring. J.R. calls it the “Great Six-Pack Duck Rescue” and tells the photo story of how they rescued the duck. Here is his photo.

The message on six pack rings? YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - Before you toss six-pack holders into the garbage, snip each circle with a scissors. Find other ways to recycle and utilize six-pack holders.

Harry the Pug – defender against evil and wrong-doers everywhere, says, “Please send me your ideas for creative ways to reuse six pack holders and help save a life!”

Harry and I look forward to hearing from you!

Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com

Comments

[Shawna Coronado]

Seeing the duck really broke my heart - glad you enjoyed the blog. We need to start doing a few simple things to really make a difference for the world, right?

[Randy]

Shawna,
I've know about this for maybe twenty years. I don't buy anything in six paks these days as we drink water instead of soft drinks. perhaps they should come up with a compost able solution like those corn syrup cups that decompose in ninety days or so.
Good point on cutting the rings I've not heard that before.

[Sherry]

This is such an important topic. I rarely buy things that come with a six-pack ring but when I do, I always cut the rings - almost obsessively. I've also been known to do it at other people's homes as well. It's one of those things that makes such a huge difference to wildlife and it's so easy to do.