Litter-pollution
What is litter?
Litter is defined as waste products that have not been discarded properly. Litter endangers our environment, our wildlife, and our economy. It pollutes our neighborhoods, decreases property values, and destroys our city's natural beauty.
Litter pollution
In addition to water and land pollution, litter can also pollute the air. Researchers estimate that more than 40% of the world's litter is burned in the open air, which can release toxic emissions. These emissions can cause respiratory issues, other health problems, and even be a starting base for acid rain. As litter degrades, chemicals and microparticles are released. Litter alsok kills Wildlife. Animals are innocent victims affected by litter every day. Researchers estimate that over one million animals die each year after ingesting, or becoming entrapped in, improperly discarded trash. Plastic litter is the most common killer of animals, and marine animals are the most notably affected. Each year over 100,000 dolphins, fish, whales, turtles, and more drown after becoming entangled in or digesting plastic litter.
What are the sources of litter pollution?
The greatest sources of it are land-based activities, including: waste released from dumpsites near the coast or river banks, the littering of beaches, tourism and recreational use of the coasts, fishing industry activities and ship-breaking yards.
Litter Solutions and Prevention
So now that we understand why litter is harmful, it’s time to discuss potential solutions. Here are three ways we can fight back against litter today.
- Increase the Number of Public Disposal Bins. One of the reasons that people litter is due to lack of public garbage bins, or overflowing bins that do not get emptied regularly. By increasing the number of available trash receptacles and the frequency that they get cleaned, communities can help deter littering.
- Deposits on packaging. According to KplusV 2015, 50-100 million plastic bottles and 100 to 160 million cans end up as litter each year (2008-2014). Introducing a deposit will reduce these figures substantially, with best available data suggesting a 70-90%. reduction.
- Impose Strict Laws and Regulations. An effective barrier to littering is strong anti-litter laws and regulations. Both individuals and businesses are more likely to follow litter laws when there are serious legal or financial consequences.
- Community Cleanups. Take a proactive approach to stop littering by attending organized cleanups (litter walks). Working to clean up your community is not only beneficial to the environment but will make your community beautiful.
