Corella (and all Creatures) in Crisis - SAVE OUR WILDLIFE.... STOP THE CRUELTY... Abolish UNNECESSARY and DEADLY Plastic Takeaway DOME Shaped Lids and Plastic Closed-Loop Ring Seals

This distressing photo was taken by my friend Julie in her garden at Deception Bay, Queensland.  This picture speaks volumes.  The scent of something sweet probably attracted this little Corella to a discarded takeaway drink, she would have popped her head in to take a sip, then absolute terror!  I wonder how many other birds, reptiles, marine life and small creatures are suffering the same cruel fate in silence and fear that we don't see.

I often find littered on my local beach, or floating in the shallows, hazardous fishing line and discarded takeaway containers, including these "plastic dome lid nooses" and many solid ring seals from under plastic caps.  The risk doesn't only lie in dome lids being trapped around the neck of a poor creature, they also resemble jelly fish in the water.  On my daily walks I pick up discarded dome lids in shopping centre car parks, gutters, beaches, community parks and playgrounds etc.  THESE ITEMS ARE LETHAL TO ALL WILDLIFE.

Although all ring seals and plastic lids pose the same risk to wildlife, of particular concern are the raised Dome Shaped Lids, with a large hole in the middle, that would prevent a bird or animal from eating or drinking (I've seen 23mm and 43mm diameter holes).  These lids are rife throughout the cafe, takeaway and fast food industries (used for iced coffees, slurpees, crushers, frappes, thickshakes, sundaes and frozen softdrinks etc).

The plastic used in these specific lids is extremely sturdy with a sharp rigid inside edge (very painful if pressed around the neck of a bird or animal).  Dome Lids can NOT be torn with your hands.  They would take years to break down in the environment, along with "unbreakable" ring seals (of all sizes) found under the majority of softdrink, juice, milk, vitamin and medicine caps. Not only are they a guaranteed death sentence, it would be a painfully slow death by starvation or strangulation.  Even if birds and animals somehow managed to eat and drink, the ring seals and dome lids would slowly and painfully cut into their flesh and strangle them as they grew.  ALL closed-loop plastic ring seals and plastic lids should be banned entirely.

Unfortunately there was no happy ending for this little Corella, although we hope by some miracle she was freed and survived.  This photo was taken on an earlier visit, however, over the following weeks her condition deteriorated significantly (dirty and dishevelled).  Sadly, being "different", she was isolated, and not welcome in the flock.  Rescue attempts were unsuccessful as she was extremely skittish and could still fly, albeit with difficulty.  She hasn't been seen since February 2019.

Until people are made aware, they have never considered the dangers of entrapment to wildlife from Plastic Takeaway Dome Shaped Drink Lids.  The ultimate goal is to have these deathtraps banned forever.  In the meantime, say "No Lid, Thanks".  If you must use one, or see one littered, please cut it in half with scissors & dispose of it responsibly.

SUMMARY (Recommendations/Solutions in order of preference):

Plastic Dome Shaped Lids

1.    ABOLISH this single-use plastic item IMMEDIATELY (Dome Shaped Lids KILL wildlife).

2.    Use a flat lid instead, made of recycled biodegradable cardboard, with four perforations crisscrossing the centre hole (for a re-usable metal straw) so it separates easily under duress.  As an extra incentive, businesses could have their store logo imprinted on the lid.

3.    A deeper cup can be used if room is needed for toppings or cream (e.g. iced coffee). 

Closed-Loop Plastic Ring Seals (All sizes from under Softdrink, Juice, Milk, Vitamin and Medicine caps etc)

1.    ABOLISH this single-use plastic item IMMEDIATELY (Closed-Loop Plastic Ring Seals KILL wildlife).

2.    A readily available alternative is a Ring Seal that separates when twisted open, but remains ATTACHED to the lid.

3.    Manufacture from recycled biodegradable cardboard, with four perforations crisscrossing the ring seal, so it snaps when twisted open.

4.    Substitute rings with inner foil seal under a tamper-proof screw top.

5.    Replace plastic ring seals and caps with air-tight metal lids.

6.    Replace rings with the tear-off plastic strip/band type cap (tears off in a single line) in lieu of the unbreakable ring seal.

In the meantime, EDUCATE school children and communities to care about the consequences of their choices and the welfare of wildlife, and cut these items in half after consumption before responsible disposal in a bin.  Dome Shaped Lids and Closed-Loop Ring Seals will cause prolonged suffering and death to innocent creatures repeatedly on earth, in waterways and in landfill if they are not cut in half with scissors. 

ENFORCE stringent mandatory regulations NATIONALLY.  Approval must be granted from an Environmental Impact Study BEFORE any new products are permitted to be manufactured.

Sadly we can't change some people's abhorrent behaviour, but we can reduce the impact on the earth's innocent and vulnerable wildlife by producing ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY products.

STOP THE CRUELTY.  Let's give our wildlife a fighting chance and remove these deathtraps. Please BAN Plastic Dome Shaped Lids and Closed-Loop Plastic Ring Seals from production and circulation IMMEDIATELY.

"Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind"

Dr Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)  Philosopher, Theologian and Medical Missionary

I honestly didn't know who to send this urgent plea to. I have sent emails to Local, State and Federal Politicians, Environment and Wildlife Groups, Schools and both Print and Television Media.  If you know of another authority to deal with this matter, forward it on with the earth's creatures and my sincere gratitude.  Let me know how you can help.  This is a GLOBAL problem, let's pave the way for change. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss this matter further.  I would appreciate your feedback.

THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION TO PROTECT OUR PRECIOUS WILDLIFE. PLEASE DON'T IGNORE THIS CRY FOR HELP.