In our daily routine, the stuff we throw away has a significant impact on our environment. In today’s world, the amount of solid waste is increasing, which is alarming. Solid wastes include plastic and electronic consumer products, which pollute not only our environment but also marine life. It is not just about solid waste, it is also the liquid waste that is directly or indirectly affecting the environment.
However, many of us do not realize how much we are affecting the environment through our trash. Let’s dig in and see how our waste affects nature resources.
Groundwater Pollution
Improper waste disposal can contaminate the water underground. For most of our trash, landfills are the primary destinations, and they are a serious threat to the quality of groundwater. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it produces a liquid called leachate. If you do not take any measures, such as landfill pump controls, leachate can seep into the soil and contaminate the underground water. This water can pollute nearby wells, which can make the drinkable water harmful to health. This is really concerning because some of the areas rely on bore water to meet their water needs.
Plastic Can Kill Wildlife
Plastic is a major component of our waste because we use too much plastic in our day to day use. It stays in the environment for hundreds of years because of its slow decomposition rate. This plastic trash finds its way into oceans, rivers and forests, which ultimately hurt animals in different ways. Sometimes, animals eat plastic, which can clog up their stomachs and make them very sick or even cause them to die. Plastic pollution is everywhere, and it’s causing big problems for nature. It messes up the ecosystem and poses a major threat to wildlife.
Trash Facilitates the Spread of Disease
When we throw away trash properly, It becomes a place for bacteria and germs to grow. This litter can make people sick by spreading diseases, viruses and tiny bugs through two methods: direct and indirect contact. Sometimes bacteria and parasites can be passed on to humans indirectly through vectors. Vectors are animals that come in contact with dirty trash and spread germs.
Air Pollution and Climate Change
Many people burn trash to get rid of it, which releases toxic pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The decomposition of the organic materials in landfills also produces greenhouse gases. These two are the major causes of air pollution and climate change. This leads to respiratory illnesses and global temperature changes. Proper waste management is super important. We can do this by recycling, composting and using special techniques to turn waste into energy.
We are suffering a lot because of our throwaway culture. When we know how our trash harms the environment, we can choose to make less waste and use methods that are better for the Earth. By this we can take measures to make sure we don’t hurt the Earth too much and keep it healthy for the future.
