Plastic Pollution
The plastic problem is visible - and invisible - all over the world. Plastic pollution is literally everywhere. This is especially so in developing countries where waste management systems are less present or effective.
Curious about what all this visible waste plastic looks like? All you have to do is type “plastic pollution images” into Google to get some horrifying visuals of the scale of the problem.
Image Credits: Stijn Dijkstra, Infonautica
Keep in mind it’s both visible and invisible all over the world. A growing number of scientists argue that we have entered a new geological epoch known as the Anthropocene era. It is characterized by pollution from human activities altering the Earth’s geology as never before.
A key marker of this geological shift is the growing sedimentary layer of plastic developing on land and in water environments all over the world, from the mythic heights of the Everest region to the deepest depths of our oceans and seas, including the Mariana Trench.
Scientists studying the geology of the island of Hawaii made a startling discovery through their investigations on Kamilo Beach. They announced the appearance of a new “stone” formed through the intermingling of melted plastic, beach sediment, lava fragments and organic debris. Guess what they’ve called this new stone?
Welcome to the new Anthropocene era brought to you by plastiglomerate!
An Earth-shaking example of the plastic problem lies in the oceans, literally. Plastic pollution is the oceans has reached epidemic proportions as indicated by the cutting edge research and education being carried out by the California-based organizations Algalita Marine Research Institute and The 5 Gyres Institute.
For more information and resources on the plastic pollution problem, see also the important work being done by Break Free From Plastic and the Plastic Pollution Coalition.