Pollution is basically the effect of human’s activities on the environment. These activities could involve release of harmful substances into the air, water or land. One form of pollution that is easily bypassed or do I say has become a regular part of the society where I'm from is noise pollution. As I write this post, two speakers are currently blaring, causing the entire area discomfort.
The effects of pollution on the environment are widespread and absolutely devastating. It has an effect on our health, climate, economy and our ecosystem at large.
Courtesy of the rigorous enforcement of anti-pollufion laws, my state has earned the distinction of being the cleanest in the country, with both urban and rural areas maintaining exceptional water, land and plastic pollution control. But certain areas overlook these law, making themselves an exception. I recently visited one of such areas and to say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
My hairdresser moved to a new shop in a different location and this new location seemed like an okay place. I got there, began the process of getting my hair done and about an hour in, it started raining. I stepped out without an umbrella, so I crossed my fingers that the rain would let up before I finished my hair. Luckily, it did. But little dis I know, the real challenge was only just beginning. The road had become a virtual lake due to plastic-clogged gutters abs I found myself waiting it out for over two hours. This was obviously a major and unplanned setback, one that I rolled with. But I couldn't help but wonder, “what if I lived here and had an emergency. How would I cope?” Because the road was barely motorable and the massive puddle that had formed was knee-deep, making it a significant obstacle for anyone trying to navigate through it.
Plastic pollution is the worst kind of pollution in my opinion. This is because plastic can persist in the environment for years. To the best of my knowledge, it can only be recycled but not totally eradicated. I remember writing a research project on the perils of plastic pollution and its harm to marine life was at the top of the list. Human health, food chain, the soil and even our water supply is affected by plastic pollution.
The first simple solution to plastic pollution would be proper disposal of these plastic wastes. Certain cities make provision for the disposal of plastic wastes in a separate trash bin, for recycling purposes. The least we could do in a bid to save our environment and ourselves by extension would be disposing of these plastic wastes properly. This should be closely accompanied regular sanitation of our environment to ride it of contaminants.
The next possible solution would be the adoption of alternative materials. This has to do with replacing plastics with biodegradable or paper based materials that break down more easily. It's essential that these alternatives are not only viable but also environmentally friendly with a minimal impact on the planet.