Texas size swirling vortex of plastic debris threatens variety of sea life

Truthout:

Washington – Old toothbrushes, beach toys and used condoms are part of a vast vortex of plastic trash in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, threatening sea creatures that get tangled in it, eat it or ride on it, a new report says.

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Because plastic doesn’t break down the way organic material does, ocean currents and tides have carried it thousands of miles to an area between Hawaii and the US West Coast, according to the study by the international environmental group Greenpeace.”

This swirling vortex, which can grow to be about the size of Texas, is not far from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, designated as a protected US national monument in June by President Bush.

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