For decades, wildlife has been lost to massive amounts of plastic waste being thrown into the world’s oceans. Birds, fish, and turtles are often caught up in six-pack rings. The plastic constraints cause deformities, injuries, and even death. However, animals being trapped by the rings is not the only concern. Many marine animals swallow the plastic, causing impactions that can result in illness or death.
Amid the world’s worsening pollution issues, many companies are adopting greener practices. Saltwater Brewery has developed one of the most innovative solutions yet. Located in Delray Beach, FL, this craft brew company is serving up a product that can be enjoyed by both people and marine life. They have created an edible six-pack ring for fish and other animals to feast upon.
The rings are created from beer by-products that are %100 biodegradable and safe for animals to eat. The rings make the product a little more expensive, however, most say it is worth the price. “It’s good beer. It’s good for the ocean. I love these guys!” says one happy customer.
According to research conducted by PNAS, over 90% of all seabirds have ingested plastic within their lifetime. Not all plastic passes through their systems, meaning they will likely retain some of the plastic for the remainder of their lives. The Ocean Conservancy reports that plastic was the most common waste ingested by sea turtles in 2015, and that their volunteers recovered an alarming number of animal life trapped in plastic.
Head of Brand at Saltwater Brewery, Peter Agardy, says, “It’s a big investment for a small brewery created by fisherman, surfers and people that love the sea.” Saltwater Brewery hopes to see more breweries hop on the edible waste bandwagon in the near future, as the ocean’s current state becomes more and more critical.