Sir, – Congratulations on your editorial (September 19th) highlighting the devastation being caused to our environment by the proliferation of plastic materials.
Plastic degrades our countryside and strangles birds and small animals when they go searching for food. It breaks down into micro-beads in the oceans, where it is consumed by fish and sea mammals who mistake it for food.
It is estimated that eight million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans annually. That is desecration on a massive scale.
For far too long our rivers, lakes and seas have been used as dumping grounds for plastic and many other forms of waste. The countries of the world must behave with greater respect for our fragile natural world. Ireland must give leadership on this matter by introducing a total ban on material that can degrade into micro-plastic, and thus seek to inspire other countries to do likewise. Your editorial will, I hope, inspire our national politicians to take action to protect and enhance our beautiful world. – Yours, etc,
Cllr MICHAEL GLEESON,
Killarney,
Co Kerry.