As the population of the world increases, the amount of waste produced by people continues to rise. From food waste to packaging materials, plastics, and hazardous chemicals, we create so much trash that it adversely affects the environment, both on land and at sea. Landfills are filling up, and the garbage is finding its way into the oceans, thereby creating massive ecological issues.
The impact of trash on the environment is dire, and we must take immediate steps to reduce the creation and disposal of waste. The ecological ramifications of disposing of waste irresponsibly can be observed in our oceans. Marine life is threatened by the trash that we dispose of in our landfills, primarily plastics and plastic by-products. These items can take hundreds of years to decompose, landing in the ocean to harm marine life in different ways.
Plastic bags choke large marine animals, such as whales and sea turtles, while smaller animals mistake them for food. Last year, a whale was found dead on a beach in the Philippines, and an autopsy revealed that it had consumed 40 kg of plastic bags, causing its stomach to rupture. Similarly, countless birds die annually from ingesting plastics that are mistaken for food.
Furthermore, plastic debris doesn’t just harm large marine animals. Sea birds often mistake plastic bits as food and become unable to digest anything else, leading to malnutrition, starvation, and ultimately, death. The plastic debris in the oceans have also proved to be a navigational hazard, with marine animals getting entangled in them, temporarily or permanently hindering their movement.
The issue of plastic pollution in marine environments has become a worldwide epidemic, but it’s not just marine life that’s harmed. The plastic that finds its way into our oceans ultimately serves as a fundamental component in the food chain, working its way up to humans who consume fish that have ingested plastic. Studies show that even the smallest of fish, such as anchovies and sardines, have consumed plastic and are now part of our seafood.
To address this problem, governments across the world have adopted measures curbing the use of plastics such as plastic straws, utensils, and bags. These measures will help to reduce the immense amount of waste that ends up in our oceans. We also need to incorporate better trash management techniques such as waste segregation and recycling, and promote the use of biodegradable alternatives.
In conclusion, the trash that we dispose of in landfills is finding its way into the ocean, creating catastrophic environmental damage. The problem of plastic pollution in the ocean is an epidemic that requires immediate and concerted efforts from everyone, from individuals to global organizations. The way forward is to increase public awareness of the impact of trash on the environment and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly practices that reduce, reuse and recycle waste. We must act now to protect our planet, our oceans, and the rich marine life that call it home.
