https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-sad-discovery-in-bush-sparks-urgent-warning-harmful-040118605.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=YW5kcm9pZC1hcHA6Ly9jb20uZ29vZ2xlLmFuZHJvaWQuZ29vZ2xlcXVpY2tzZWFyY2hib3gv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIkwYqq9rkW4BANRZuw_VmpheNUdDW2whD7EeO8-UsmL6VD9UF1jOqlTMDSl3hMoXzXcX8WJJwYfLgxgaJTBLs6XQHV_tDdazBT662lSnFNf_6RdGu635u07C6SJhD3IchgwBF023SU5E-5bxhSA4qqu9wxZN73MvMD_RDb1exZu
Australians consumes a mind-blowing 3.8 million tonnes of plastics per year, according to government figures.
A heartbreaking photo from southern Australia has captured the devastating impact of plastic pollution, showing the harmful material woven into a native bird’s nest — a stark reminder of the growing threat human waste poses to wildlife.
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) posted photos this week showing the nest "made using wire left from past farming ventures". Yahoo News spoke with the organisation and they confirmed the occurrence isn't uncommon.
A spokesman said crews work hard to protect Tasmania's "species and landscapes" — including from threats like plastic — that are "fundamental to the state's character".
TLC said images of the plastic-filled nest are a "great example of why we dedicate so much time to reserve management" — which "includes dismantling fences wherever we can" and removing and recycling the leftover materials.
"We also remove a significant amount of garbage from our reserves which may be illegally dumped, left over from the properties' previous use, or blown in via the roaring 40s (strong westerly winds)," it said.
"There is mounting research showing that garbage used in nest building can harm chicks. Chicks can accidentally consume the garbage mistaking it for food, become tangled in plastic or wire and some trash can introduce toxins to the nest, exposing the birds to harmful chemicals."
Why is plastic so harmful to our birdlife?
Birds often incorporate human-made materials like plastic, wire, fishing line, and other debris into their nests, either due to a lack of natural materials or because they mistake them for suitable nesting components. For chicks, this can pose several serious risks.
They may accidentally ingest plastic or other synthetic materials, mistaking them for food, which can lead to blockages, malnutrition and death. Tangled debris, such as fishing line or plastic strips, can trap and injure young birds, restricting their movement and causing deformities or fatal wounds.
Additionally, some trash — especially treated fabrics, cigarette butts, or chemically coated materials —can introduce toxins into the nest, exposing both chicks and parents to harmful substances that can weaken their immune systems or affect their development.
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As urbanisation increases, many bird species have adapted to nesting in human-altered environments, making this an escalating issue. Aussies can help reduce plastic pollution by minimising single-use plastics, properly disposing of waste and choosing reusable alternatives.
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Globally plastic is the biggest problem choking our planet and the only solution is to phase it out completely
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urgent action is needed to reduce plastic pollution
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a very worrying and growing problem!
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This is so unfortunate, there is need for it to be addressed soonest
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This is a dangerous product
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Plastics, the worst product ever.
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Unfortunately, that's true, and it's a growing concern.