008: The environmental impact caused by plastic pollution
December 7, 2023 by Ashley Madden
Our actions are significantly changing the environment, from greenhouse gas pollution to harming biodiversity. But one of the big problems is plastic pollution and its effects on our surroundings.
Plastic pollution, especially in the oceans, is causing serious harm. Efforts are underway to change our habits, like using paper instead of plastic straws and finding better ways to deal with the rings that hold beer cans together. We're also trying to reduce waste and reuse materials more creatively.
But why is this so important? How exactly is plastic pollution hurting the environment? And what's happening in the oceans that affects all life, especially marine animals?
Health risks from pollution
Studies show that about 90% of the salt we buy has tiny bits of plastic, with sea salt having the most. Even after cleaning, most salt brands still have plastic in them. This pollution is everywhere, and it's affecting what we eat and even the salt we use.
Plastic problems everywhere
Chemicals from plastic that touches our food can harm us. Surprisingly, most bottled water has tiny bits of plastic in it. Plastic pollution is even in the air from burning trash outdoors, and our clothes can have plastic that gets on our skin.
Water pollution
With fewer water resources due to droughts and fires, the water we have left is in danger because of plastic waste. When it rains, plastics in landfills mix with the water, making our drinking water polluted with plastic.
Impact on animals
Most sea turtle species are in danger of disappearing. They're crucial for their ecosystem, keeping things balanced and healthy. But plastic in the oceans is a huge threat to them. They eat plastic by mistake, which can kill them, and other marine animals get stuck in plastic rings from cans.
Global issue
Plastic pollution in the oceans and in our food chain affects everyone worldwide. If we don't deal with it, things could get really bad for all of us. This problem crosses borders and affects us in ways we might not notice right away but can cause big trouble. It's super important that we take this seriously and do something about it.