Thursday, August 23, 2012

Claiming Back Our Beaches and Oceans

          Floating around our oceans are massive “Garbage Islands.” These islands are made of tons upon tons of garbage created by the garbage that does not make it to the dump. All of this garbage comes from debris and liter thrown into the water and eventually ends up in our oceans. Currents from across the globe have pulled all of this garbage together and have formed actual islands that spans miles long. The current estimated guess is that the “islands” span the size of Texas, but research has suggested it could be larger.
            The “Island Civilization” could prevent this because everyone would have to be self-sustaining and take care of their garbage, but humans could still be too lazy to take care of their garbage properly. Though the “civilizations” that choose to live near the oceans would more than likely take care of the oceans and treat it with respect, the responsibility cannot fall on them alone. Other colonies could still dump their garbage into the rivers and streams that would eventually end up in the ocean. The beaches would not be able to handle all of this on their own; the “Island Civilizations” who live near water would have to take care of their water sources. IF the civilizations were to actually be self-sustaining and take care of their water source then the issue of the garbage islands could be taken care of and prevented from ever happening again. It would be a huge step in a cleaner direction.
            The place that would benefit the most would be the beaches, no more liter and garbage would wash ashore if all went according to plan and the beaches would be cleaner and the water cleaner. The wildlife nearby would also once again have a fighting chance without having to dodge sinking garbage and have to seek shelter elsewhere when the garbage ruins their homes and habitat.

Garbage Island Source: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/what-is-the-great-pacific-ocean-garbage-patch

1 comment:

  1. I had no idea about these "garbage islands". This is a serious problem and is a hazard to the environment. I completely agree with you about the people that would be living near the natural water sources while living in the island civilizations. They would have to be very responsible and they would have to care about the environment. Issues like these are the reason why we are having to think of alternative lifestyles because the current ones we are living are not sustaining the environment. Humans have only been thinking about themselves. These "garbage islands" are a perfect example.

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