I remember in middle school when they taught us about this, I raise my hand and asked," Why are we throwing that stuff on the ground or in the ocean?!" I was one of those kids who didn't litter, so I didn't get it then.
*Sigh. Look, kids, they are photodegradable now. And by now, I mean for the last two decades or so. That means that they disintegrate if left in sunlight. So please stop silently judging anyone who just tosses them. Don't believe me? Look up six pack rings on wikipedia.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/36/e0/dc/36e0dcbe06bbbc093bc56ee7994d4e9d--six-pack-ring-meat-skewers.jpg
because I had alot of arts and craft kid books as a kid.