Litter : What is It?

Litter consists of waste products such as containers, papers, and wrappers which have been disposed of without consent. Litter can also be used as a verb. To litter means to throw litter onto the ground as opposed to disposing of it properly.

Litter pollution is the main problem of urban areas where people drop all sorts of packages, pets and cans in the environment, particularly in areas where the law enforcement cannot be applied to them immediately. Local authorities are the ones in charge of offering a solution to dumping litter; pollution resulting from such sources drastically affects the ecosystems as many of the garbage left about like this will either remain unmodified in nature, or will modify the quality of soil and water. Cleaning programs, emptying litter bins and investigating individuals who are responsible for litter pollution are some of the best official ways to put an end to it.

Each and every one of us can put an end to litter pollution with the minimum of effort. If you go out for a picnic or a barbecue, always gather the waste in some bags and dispose of it properly. In many parts of the world burning is considered the right way to get rid of litter. What people don't know is that when exposed to flames, some materials result in chemical compounds that are even more harmful for the environment by their accumulation in the atmosphere. Recycling is actually the only way to be rid of the things you know longer need.

Maybe, litter pollution is not the most environment threatening human activity, but it nevertheless creates a negative image and it surely contributes to the degradation of the natural world. Increased awareness and proper education: these are the right ways to fight litter pollution for good. Teaching children and youngsters in schools and getting them involved in green activities are considered among the best ways to develop a waste-efficient approach to cleaning. Moreover, such programs, that are already implemented in schools around the world, are also supported by anti-litter initiatives.

Fines and law regulations have been created to determine people to stop litter pollution. Ironically speaking such measures have proved a lot more efficient than educative and moral ones. For decades litter cleaning was left to people's common sense, unfortunately experience proved that wrong and unpractical. Warders are therefore hired by local communities to keep an eye on the green parts most exposed to litter pollution, and a large number of bins has been placed in areas where people are more tempted to drop litter. It is also for you to speak out and try to prevent others from littering. As we clean our houses so we should clean the green habitat!

When people are not careful to properly dispose of of trash and household toxic substances, wild animals suffer. Many animals are injured, become ill, and die each year due to human carelessness with litter and pollution. Animals can swallow or get entangled in many of the litter items people leave in the environment. They can also ingest toxic substances like motor oil and pesticides, which are often dumped into storm drains and end up in our waterways.

Even if a toxin originally entered the environment or water in small amounts, it can be concentrated by "biomagnification." This means that the pollutant is concetrated ten times with each step up the food chain from plankton to humans. By remembering the following simple tips, you can help protect wildlife.

1. Do not litter. In a safe manner, pick up any trash that others have left in the environment.
2. Cut up plastic six-pack and milk bottle rings, and dispose of them in a closed trash bag. If the bag is not tightly sealed, the rings can still pose a threat to animals at the landfill.
3. Pick up and properly dispose of loose fishing line, plastic bags, aluminum foil and cans, cigarette butts, fast food wrappers, straws, pop-can tabs, glass, metal, and anything else that seems unsafe for wildlife or simply does not belong in the environment.
4. Take used motor oil and household hazardous wastes to the recycling center, or call your local disposal company to find out how to properly dispose of these substances.
5. Keep your car tuned up so that it does not leak oil or emit pollutants into the air or rainwater.
6. Avoid using fertilizers or pesticides. You could plant extra crops, or use organic fertilizers and pesticides. If you must use fertilizers or pesticides, carefully follow the usuage and storage instructions listed on the container.