There is a huge issue that has been plaguing the world for decades. It is a problem everywhere, and it has gone on long enough. Something needs to be done.
“Which problem are you talking about, Haley? There are too many to count."
I am talking about the problem of plastic. That’s right. One of the most revolutionary inventions this world has seen is the cause of one of our world’s greatest problems. There are several methods by which this massive problem has progressed: natural disasters that cause debris, rivers full of trash running into the ocean, improper disposal of plastic products, etc. - and all of those methods contribute to the massive reservoir of plastic found in the ocean. In the ocean, there is what has been called “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” which is exactly what it sounds like. In the midst of the Pacific Ocean, this collection of plastic is estimated to be about twice the size of the state of Texas. There is no telling how much plastic is floating and sinking in this portion of our beautiful ocean.
This plastic is extremely harmful to marine life - both ocean inhabitants and birds alike are affected by the plastic that floats around, taking up the animals’ habitat. This, however, is not simply an “animal rights” issue - it is far greater than that. This is a pandemic that is harming animals, affecting our ecosystem, and will eventually affect human lives directly. All that said, it is our job to be educated and active.
This past semester, I took a microbiology course, and my professor gave us a semester-long assignment that had to do with us being aware of our plastic consumption and what effect plastic has on the world. It quickly came to my attention that I play a very large roll in preventing any more pollution from occurring. It sounds cliche, I know, but honestly just by bringing my own bags to the grocery store and bringing my own mugs to coffee shops, I can prevent the spreading of plastics inhabiting the oceans and other parts of the environment.
I encourage you all to spend just one week being aware of the plastics you use. You may be surprised by the number of objects you use and discard daily that are made of plastic - from garbage bags to the container your hummus comes in. It may also surprise you (as it did me) that we do not properly dispose of such things. Educate yourself and be more aware of the things that you use. Take small steps to improve the quality of this earth - buy a re-usable water bottle, recycle your plastics, bring your own bags to the grocery store - there are so many options!
For a better understanding of “The Great Plastic Garbage Patch” and the problem with plastic, watch this short video:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/environment/an-ocean-of-plastic/2686/
