12. Straws and Stir Sticks
Plastic straws and stir sticks are deceptively small but incredibly dangerous to marine life—especially sea turtles, which often mistake them for food or become injured by them.
These items are consistently among the most commonly found plastics during ocean cleanups.
Once in the ocean, they rarely break down and can travel great distances, causing long-term harm.
Learn more about the global impact of plastic straws from National Geographic.