Could we live without plastic? This year's Earth Day theme is Planet vs Plastics. Scientists around the world are on an urgent search for alternatives — but they are very difficult to find.
The slow poison that we are all addicted to
Deadly diet: Chris Jordan's shocking photo of an albatross killed by eating plastic. Glossary
Albatrosses - A type of very large seabird.
Non-profits - Tax-exempt organisations that provide a social benefit.
Toxicity - Being poisonous.
Mirage - An optical effect where you see something that is not really there.
Respirators - A device worn over the mouth that stops you from inhaling toxic fumes.
Perishable - Likely to go bad or decay quickly.
Polytunnels - A polythene-covered frame under which plants are grown outdoors.
Biodegradable - Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Synthetic - An artificial substance or material. It is made by humans using chemical processes, rather than occurring naturally.