Why does litter harm the environment

So now we know how plastic litter enters our rivers and oceans and why it lasts so long, how does that end up impacting wildlife? Sea turtles are one species that suffer adverse effects from plastic litter pollution. But death could result from just a single piece. This is due to the digestive tract of the turtles and therefore their inability to regurgitate the plastics they consume.

This either leads to blockages or internal injuries causing an even slower death. It was also found that young turtles were much more at risk due to being less selective about what they eat. Another group of animals that are particularly vulnerable are seabirds which ingest plastic more frequently than any other group of animal s. Mistaking the bits of plastic litter for food on the ocean surface or shoreline. The ingested pieces of plastic can harm seabirds in a number of ways from physical damage and blocking of the digestive tract meaning they are unable to eat.

The plastics can also release toxic chemicals once inside the birds which vary in severity depending on the types of plastic. The Laysan albatross was one species of seabird found to be particularly negatively affected.

One study in Australia on the flesh-footed shearwater bird revealed that plastic ingestion was impacting the birds kidney function, blood calcium levels, body mass and even size. Results of studies like this are particularly worrying as most press only relates to birds physically choking on plastics but this shows even small amounts could lead to bird declines.

Even larger mammals are not safe from plastic litter in the oceans. Over 8 years a study in Southeast Alaska and British Columbia revealed stellar sea lions were entangled in marine debris.

Which often include plastic packaging bands which entangle the animals. Microplastics in the oceans can be observed by all sorts of marine life. From the smallest plankton to larger birds and fish.

The toxic nature of some of these small particles has been shown to have an impact. One study of sea urchins found their larvae were less likely to survive due to the toxic effects of microplastics. The study and others also showed that the microplastics can transport other harmful chemicals and pollutants such as pesticides, solvents and pharmaceuticals. Across a variety of studies micropplastics have been blamed for decreased food consumptions, weight loss and decreased growth.

Earthworms were found to make burrows differently when microplastics were present in the soil, affecting their likely survival. The unknowns for modern-day phenomenons like this are also worrying.

Studies are ongoing into the true impact of nanoplastics but behavior change in some fish species has been attributed to nanoplastics in the brain. Alien or invasive species are species that are introduced to a location where it does not naturally occur.

This ranges from exotic pets that are imported from other countries and are then released or escape to sea creatures transported in the ballast water of ships. Floating pieces of litter in the ocean can act as a raft which certain species can attach to. As these pieces of litter float across the sea they offer an excellent means of transportation potentially for thousands of miles. A study in in Sweden on the Baltic Sea showed how litter is used by non-native species as a transport mechanism.

Litter was collected at 8 sample sites and around 92 species of organism were found. Of these species 4 non-native species were found in high numbers. This was compared to natural substrates such as rocks where only 2 non-native species were found. This impact can be higher in extreme events such as after the Japanese tsunami when lots of litter was washed into oceans.

Additives in plastics can leach into soils and cause damage. Phthaltes and Bisphenol A have been observed to leach out into soils and are known to affect wildlife by disrupting hormones.

One increasing source of litter is e-waste. As computers and other electronics come down in price, people are increasingly fly-tipping electronics too. These items are full of toxic compounds from mercury to arsenic.

This can lead to the deaths of vital microorganisms in the soil. Nicotene from cigarette butts wash away in rainwater and end up in rivers and streams. Studies have shown they pose a threat to drinking water quality.

A real lack of empathy is shown amongst people when littering is concerned. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the distance between trash cans was a strong predictor of littering likelihood. So increasing the frequency of bins will help. Habitat Destruction Litter can damage the habitats of marine and land animals such as the coral reefs.

Ingestion by Animals Plastic litter is dangerous to animals because they can be mistaken as food by these creatures. Conclusion Keeping your trash and throwing them according to their garbage classification can go a long way. Excellent service, quote given on the spot for major clean-up of household throw-outs.

The team provides quick, efficient and courteous removal! Very satisfied customer. Les Thompson - Bondi. I just wished I had found you sooner. Sheryl D - Maroubra. Paul, sensational job as always, love how easy you make it look.

Thanks again! Simon R - Auburn. About Latest Posts. Sarah Ann. Sarah is a huge advocate for recycling, environmental sustainability, health and well-being and has a genuine love for all sea animals. Keep up with Sarah by following Paul's Rubbish Removal blog! Latest posts by Sarah Ann see all.

Related posts:. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes it bad for Mother Earth? Littering is what happens when waste products are discarded incorrectly and without consent, whether on land or in water.

It can create health and safety issues for humans and wildlife alike, in addition to harming the planet. Trash gives off harmful gases that hurt the air and atmosphere, such as methane — a greenhouse gas that's 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, as Enesia reports. Where many landfills have their methane emissions regulated by the U. Environmental Protection Agency, there is no way to regulate the emissions from litter.

The arsenic from cigarettes can taint soil and water. Plastic pollution makes its way into the ocean and refuses to break down. It is shocking, but not when you consider the facts around ocean littering.