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Managing and minimizing litter
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IN recent years, the problem of plastic waste has increasingly troubled the global community. Not only does it pose challenges economically, it is also a huge danger to our natural environment, causing much harm to natural habitats and ecosystems.
In this essay, I will be discussing possible methods of managing and minimizing litter, particularly in the oceans. Firstly, to solve the problem, we must look at the root cause of the issue — overconsumption. The increasingly luxurious lifestyles of the middle to upper classes have led to increased amounts of plastic goods purchased, which in turn contributes to the corresponding rise of rubbish produced. It is expected that global waste will increase to a whopping 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. Most of this waste is either sent to the landfills, or wind up in the ocean, posing a threat to underwater organisms. This plastic waste may end up stuck in the animal’s bodies, or be accidentally consumed by them.
As such, a good way to reduce the amount of waste is to use it less. We could start with switching from disposable plastic goods to reusable products. When ordering takeout or drinks, we could bring our own washable containers and cups instead of using the plastic ones provided by the shops. It may seem like a small move, but if everyone starts to change their behavior and reduce the amount of plastic used in their daily lives, our cumulative efforts will be able to lessen the burden that plastic places on the environment.
It is also noteworthy that changes need to be made not only on a personal level, but also on a community level. Large-scale recycling projects need to be implemented throughout global societies, where an effective system of waste sorting, processing and recycling runs smoothly on a regular basis. Many plastics are actually recyclable, but due to the ignorance and carelessness of people, a lot of them get lost in the regular waste. Therefore, it is crucial to educate the masses on the importance of waste management and classification, and teach them how to identify recyclables.
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