Life in the wild is a constant hunt for sustenance. But currently, what may seem like a nourishing morsel to a bird may actually be a deadly piece of plastic. Among other problems with plastic detritus, it absorbs toxic pollutants and when mistaken as food can poison birds and clog intestines. Discarded fishing gear entangles and debilitates birds and a multitude of other sea creatures. Plastics pollution is a growing cause of death to a number of wildlife species. 

As we learn more about how plastic refuse endangers our oceans and its critters, we can be inspired to adjust our behavior to stop this problem. This presentation defines the plight of our birds and offers action steps we can each take to end plastics pollution.

Jaco ten Hove retired in 2017, after 30 years as a Unitarian Universalist minister in the Seattle area, to live in Bellingham Cohousing. With a longstanding interest in waste reduction, he quickly certified as a WSU Master Composter and Recycler and is avidly working towards solutions in waste management. Among other things, he manages two BellCoho waste corrals and parts of their compost zone (“Comptown”), efforts that have saved $1000 a year by reducing landfill dumpster size.

 Chris Brewer is an Audubon Board Member with a lifelong career in teaching and an ecology degree. She is currently working on environmental issues and is a staff member at the Whatcom Land Trust.