Littering is a major problem in our modern world. Littering is conducted by both commercial entities and individuals. Commercial littering can consist of unauthorized (and authorized) chemical or material dumps that are often conducted on quite a large scale. Individual littering consists of every day unauthorized disposal of materials such as plastic packaging and other items. Either way, littering at both scales is harmful for the environment and the communities that reside within those ecosystems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to litter as ‘mismanaged trash’ which has habitat, chemical, biological, and human impacts both in the short and long term. Plastic trash is the worst litter material of them all as it accumulates in the environment and does not biodegrade because it is made of petroleum.
Littering can alter habitats. As more and more plastic and other materials are littered, they can accumulate to form new structures within habitats that may or may not be damaging to the inhabitants of that habitat. More often than not these new accumulations are damaging. Effects include: reduced light levels, altered habitat occupation, and depletion of oxygen supply.
Litter doesn’t only affect habitats but also their inhabitants. It is estimated that there are roughly around one million animals that die due to litter-related situations. Situations such as becoming trapped in litter or ingesting litter can prove lethal to animals of all habitats and biomes. As there are more plastic products being produced, there are more opportunities for animals to fall victim to anthropogenic creations once more.
It is our duty to ensure that litter no longer affects humans nor the environment. As a responsible steward of the Earth, we should take into consideration our actions and help educate others on the effects of littering. Small actions such as beach and neighborhood cleanups go a long way when many people around the world are involved. Get up and take action for the environment. Go forth and leave it better than you found it.