The Saddest Thing

As a result of oceanic currents, garbage from around the Pacific Ocean ends up being concentrated in an area that is generally termed, "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch." It is estimated that 80% of the garbage comes from land sources and 20% from sea sources (like ships). Most of this garbage comprises of plastic objects. Over time, these objects get broken down into smaller pieces that can get eaten by animals and birds.

Medway Atoll is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean that is home to many different kinds of seabirds. One such kind is the Laysan Albatross. The parents of these birds feed their young whatever food they can find in the ocean. Plastic objects in the ocean look like food to these birds. The plastic remains in the stomachs of their chicks until they eventually die of starvation, toxicity or choking.