Birds and Plastic—The Creation Groans!

“About 90% of seabirds have eaten plastic and are likely to retain some in their gut, a new analysis estimates. The study concludes that matters will only get worse until action is taken to stem the flow of waste to the oceans. Researcher Erik Van Sebille says the oceans are now filled with plastic and it is ‘virtually certain’ that any dead seabird found in 2050 ‘will have a bit of plastic in its stomach’” (BBC, August 31, 2015). About eight million tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans each year—and plastic decays very slowly. “Every ocean is now filled with plastic. Some have more than others, but what we found is that even the oceans that are not known for their plastic—they still have quite a bit of plastic and they can be where the harm is really done just because that’s where all the birds live” (ibid.).

When God created Adam and Eve, He commanded them to “tend and keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15) and to manage the animals (Genesis 1:26-28). However, mankind has failed abysmally at this responsibility, so much so, that the Apostle Paul observed, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22). The earth and its creatures cry out for peace, order and protection. That is why “the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (v. 19)! All of God’s creation, including the animals and the environment, awaits a time when it will be ruled responsibly in righteousness, as God originally intended. For a glimpse into this awesome coming time when even the animals will be safe and at peace, read The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?