Earth Day, 22 April 2024

Plastic waste can enter the rainforest through various means, including rivers and streams that flow through urban areas where plastic waste is improperly disposed of. Much of this waste will end up in the ocean, but some will be mistaken for food by wildlife, often resulting in injury or death. Plastic that reaches the sea is consumed by sea life who, in turn, are consumed by birds.

Some plastics will break down into micro-plastics which pass through a bird's digestive system and are excreted over the rainforest. Here, plastic waste is not only harmful to the soil and plants, but disrupts the work of ecologically important species like worms. Unable to move freely through the earth means that soil is not irrigated as it should be and this has a negative impact on plant health and orangutan habitat.

• In 2023, our team organised a beach clean up in Sandakan, Borneo, and used the waste materials, including plastic, to make an amazing orangutan sculpture which is now based at Sepilok to raise awareness of plastic pollution to all that visit the centre.
  
  
• We're working with Sabah Wildlife Department to increase awareness in schools and communities of the impact of littering, and the small changes they can make to help preserve wildlife. 'Pongo Goes to School' is a fun and educational workshop helping to inspire conservation and environmental awareness.
  
  
• We are constantly reviewing and researching new, sustainable options for our online shop and adoption packs. Our current toy is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and weighted with recycled glass beans making it a lovely gift for orangutan fans and eco-warriors alike.
  
  
• We use recycled, recyclable and reusable mailing bags to send all our postal adoptions and merchandise. We also use recycled paper and vegetable based inks wherever possible, and avoid unnecessary plastic use.