According to the most recent Eurostat data, in 2022 each person in Romania generated an average of 301 kg of municipal waste. Although Romania produces less waste than most other European countries, only a small portion is actually recycled.

A significant amount of this waste ends up in landfills, where birds in particular have easy access to freshly deposited organic and plastic waste. Birds are often unable to distinguish between edible scraps and hazardous materials. Ingested plastic causes not only digestive issues, but also internal injuries, poisoning, and ultimately, a slow death.

Recently, we were contacted about a young stork that had fallen from its nest in the locality of Episcopia Bihorului (part of Oradea). The chick was taken in by one of our volunteers in Oradea, who was shocked to discover that the bird was vomiting large amounts of plastic several times a day.

After several days in critical condition during which the chick couldn’t eat, its condition has improved, and we will hopefully be able to release it in the coming days.

What can we do?

• Buy fewer products packaged in and made of plastic,
• Seek out sustainable alternatives,
• Aim to reduce the amount of waste we generate.