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Why does the garbage around you affect the environment? Uncover the secret of garbage!
When we throw away a packaging bag, a beverage can, or other small items in our daily lives, do we realize that the existence of these garbage may affect the entire environment? Litter, generally referring to waste that is disposed of incorrectly, without consent, and in inappropriate locations, is a global problem.
About 4.5 trillion cigarettes are discarded every year, and the degradation time of this waste may take anywhere from 5 to 400 years.
According to the report, trash discarded on the roadside is more than just visible objects; it also symbolizes the impact humans have on the environment. From seemingly insignificant cigarette ash to giant truck tires, this waste can remain in the natural environment for decades or more. The quality of our living environment is therefore threatened, and the root of all this comes from our daily careless behavior.
The causes of garbage
In addition to intentional dumping, much of the waste is actually generated accidentally or unintentionally. For example, waste that falls from a garbage truck that is not properly secured during transportation also falls into this category. The causes of garbage generation can be summarized into several aspects: smoky urban environment, heavy traffic and the distance from garbage disposal facilities can all lead to garbage accumulation.
80% of people believe that "everyone always leaves paper, aluminum cans or other items on the street."
Young people in particular, usually between the ages of 12 and 24, are more likely to cause garbage to grow than older people. According to the data, 78% of garbage producers are men. Behind this behavior, in addition to the improper behavior of young people, there is also the influence of poor law enforcement, lack of legal knowledge and economic background.
The life cycle of waste
Once formed, waste remains in the environment for a long time. Some items, such as plastics and foam, can even last for millions of years. When this debris enters the water system through heavy rain or storm flow, it will affect the water quality and may cause algae blooms. About 80% of marine debris comes from land, and cleaning and recycling this debris is often difficult.
Impact on humansBesides visual pollution, the impact of garbage on human health is profound. Much untreated garbage may contain hazardous substances that not only contaminate the soil but also seep into groundwater, threatening human survival. Strong critics point out that the cost of cleaning up the garbage is far greater than the cost of disposing of the garbage itself, and these cleanup efforts amount to as much as $11 billion a year.
Trash removal costs in the United States are ten times higher per ton than regular waste disposal.
Not only that, garbage can also cause various social problems, including an increase in traffic accidents and a decline in the quality of life of surrounding residents. If people are in a garbage environment for a long time, their mental health will also be affected.
Impacts on WildlifeThe presence of trash poses a direct threat to wildlife, which may be injured or killed by ingesting plastic or other trash. According to research, cigarette butts and filters have been found in the stomachs of many carnivores such as fish, birds and whales, which ingest these harmful substances by mistaking them for food.
Finding a solution
Many places have already started taking action to tackle the waste problem. Increasing the number of public trash cans and organizing clean-up events have become popular measures. Various anti-waste campaigns such as the American Good Campaign and other international clean-up events are also raising people's awareness of the waste problem and promoting social participation.
Many countries have introduced container deposit laws to encourage people to recycle used bottles and cans through incentives.
In Germany and the Netherlands, for example, such legislation has significantly reduced litter on the roads and increased recycling rates. The success of this measure demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government and the community, and allows everyone to play their part in protecting the environment.
Conclusion
The waste problem is a global concern. Whether in cities or rural areas, proper waste management and disposal measures are essential. Is it possible to effectively reduce the amount of waste in our environment through changes in individual behavior?
