Woolworths' milk cap makeover takes a ‘small’ win for wildlife
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Content Warning: This article includes a graphic photo of a bowerbird, which may be unsettling to some readers. Discretion is advised.
Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket giants, has recently made a seemingly small yet impactful adjustment to their brand of milk containers.
This has enhanced their commitment to recycling and has become a saviour to the country's unique native wildlife.
Woolworths took a step towards a clearer future by introducing transparent milk bottle caps.
The blue-coloured caps caused this change. The pigments in coloured plastic caps limit their recyclability, as they can only be remade into dark plastic. On the other hand, clear plastic caps can be transformed into clear or coloured plastic.
However, the blue caps pose another problem.
Certain species of birds, particularly the satin bowerbird, are attracted to blue objects.
The species' males constantly look for blue treasures to decorate their bowers and impress females.
In the past, these treasures would typically be rare blue flowers.
However, with the Australian landscape now littered with rubbish, these treasures often take the form of blue plastic items, including the blue lids and rings that seal bottles of fresh milk.
When birds grasp the rings, they flip backwards over their heads and become stuck. This leaves them unable to eat or drink, leading to starvation and dehydration.
Wildlife rescue groups such as WIRES, BirdLife Australia, and WWF-Australia have applauded Woolworths' decision to switch to clear caps and rings.
They are also urging other grocery chains and milk producers to follow suit.
'I've seen photos of bower birds with these things flipped over their necks, and they're pretty awful,' said WIRES Spokesman John Grant.
'The bird picks them up, and they immediately flip backwards and get stuck between their beak and their neck, and it can't flip it back again.'
By switching to clear caps, Woolworths ensured that the lids and rings would no longer attract these species.
Coles, another major supermarket chain, has yet to change the colour of its lids. However, it is currently exploring options to make its own-brand bottles recyclable.
It comes after the devastating impact of blue lids on a satin bowerbird last year.
A heartbreaking photo showed a bird with a plastic ring stuck in its mouth and around its head. The bird had likely been scavenging for blue objects to return to its bower when it became entangled.
'A reminder to cut milk bottle cap rings, or leave them in the bottle with the cap on, so they can’t strangle our wildlife,' one wrote on social media.
Many agreed that it was 'so sad' and incredibly 'tragic' that such incidents were happening, especially since they were avoidable.
Megan Fabian from the Australian Wildlife Society said such incidents happen frequently.
Ring-shaped objects that are disposed of incorrectly pose a significant threat to Aussie wildlife, with thousands of birds being strangled by them each year.
'Taking small actions at home, such as snipping through the ring-shaped items before disposing of them, can make a difference,' Megan said.
'All you need to do is snip the ring shapes in half, put it in the bottle, put the cap back on, and then you can put it in your recycling bin.'
Loose lids that are disposed of separately are too small for most plastic recycling equipment.
Have you noticed the change in milk bottle caps? Should other companies follow suit? Let us know in the comments below.
Woolworths, one of Australia's leading supermarket giants, has recently made a seemingly small yet impactful adjustment to their brand of milk containers.
This has enhanced their commitment to recycling and has become a saviour to the country's unique native wildlife.
Woolworths took a step towards a clearer future by introducing transparent milk bottle caps.
The blue-coloured caps caused this change. The pigments in coloured plastic caps limit their recyclability, as they can only be remade into dark plastic. On the other hand, clear plastic caps can be transformed into clear or coloured plastic.
However, the blue caps pose another problem.
Blue caps can cause potential dangers to the environment. Credit: Shutterstock
Certain species of birds, particularly the satin bowerbird, are attracted to blue objects.
The species' males constantly look for blue treasures to decorate their bowers and impress females.
In the past, these treasures would typically be rare blue flowers.
However, with the Australian landscape now littered with rubbish, these treasures often take the form of blue plastic items, including the blue lids and rings that seal bottles of fresh milk.
When birds grasp the rings, they flip backwards over their heads and become stuck. This leaves them unable to eat or drink, leading to starvation and dehydration.
Wildlife rescue groups such as WIRES, BirdLife Australia, and WWF-Australia have applauded Woolworths' decision to switch to clear caps and rings.
They are also urging other grocery chains and milk producers to follow suit.
'I've seen photos of bower birds with these things flipped over their necks, and they're pretty awful,' said WIRES Spokesman John Grant.
'The bird picks them up, and they immediately flip backwards and get stuck between their beak and their neck, and it can't flip it back again.'
By switching to clear caps, Woolworths ensured that the lids and rings would no longer attract these species.
Coles, another major supermarket chain, has yet to change the colour of its lids. However, it is currently exploring options to make its own-brand bottles recyclable.
It comes after the devastating impact of blue lids on a satin bowerbird last year.
A heartbreaking photo showed a bird with a plastic ring stuck in its mouth and around its head. The bird had likely been scavenging for blue objects to return to its bower when it became entangled.
'A reminder to cut milk bottle cap rings, or leave them in the bottle with the cap on, so they can’t strangle our wildlife,' one wrote on social media.
Many agreed that it was 'so sad' and incredibly 'tragic' that such incidents were happening, especially since they were avoidable.
A bowerbird died with a milk ring around its neck. Credit: Facebook
Megan Fabian from the Australian Wildlife Society said such incidents happen frequently.
Ring-shaped objects that are disposed of incorrectly pose a significant threat to Aussie wildlife, with thousands of birds being strangled by them each year.
'Taking small actions at home, such as snipping through the ring-shaped items before disposing of them, can make a difference,' Megan said.
'All you need to do is snip the ring shapes in half, put it in the bottle, put the cap back on, and then you can put it in your recycling bin.'
Loose lids that are disposed of separately are too small for most plastic recycling equipment.
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