Our trash can be life-threatening to the wildlife that live alongside us. You may not realize it, but our garbage is filled with bits of plastic that can do serious damage to the environment. From plastic straws to your chewing gum, here is how our litter impacts wildlife and a few ways you can help avoid hurting our furry friends.

For every ton of trash we throw away, the processes involved in extracting raw materials, manufacturing products, and getting them to market generates 70 times more waste.

Sign up now for COASTSWEEP 2024, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.