Each year, humans produce two billion tons of waste. Although some of this gets burned or recycled, a lot of it is sent to landfill to break down over time.
As trash breaks down it can cause damage to the environment around us. Waste that has been dumped has a big effect on nature because it changes habitats and causes pollution.
As plastic breaks down, dangerous chemicals are leaked into the environment, making the problem even worse. Animals also often eat litter because they mistake it for food.
Effects of Trash on Natural Habitats
All over the world, habitats are being affected by waste that has been dumped in nature. This effect is especially strong in bodies of water, such as rivers, seas, and lakes.
When litter is dumped, it can reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates the water, which makes it difficult for plants to grow. This reduces the oxygen levels in the water which causes the structure of the habitat will change.
Scientists estimate that almost 300 species are affected by the waste in the environment. Cleaning up waste is a great first step toward solving this issue and preventing mass extinction.
Chemical Effects of Trash
Another major problem is the chemicals that are released by litter. Almost all plastics are made of fossil fuels, so they come from nature.
However, some of the most dangerous chemicals known to us are used during the production process, including flame retardants, heavy metals, bisphenols, and phthalates. Studies have shown that many natural habitats now contain thousands or even millions of times more of these harmful substances than they should.
This is partly because chemicals are released into bodies of water but also because plastic can absorb dangerous substances. When plastic breaks down in a natural environment, chemicals are released, causing pollution. Toxic chemicals have been found inside many animals.
Effects of Ingesting Trash
One of the biggest reasons why plastic waste is so damaging is that animals often eat plastic, metal, or glass because they perceive it as food.
For example, plastic bags look a lot like jellyfish when floating in the water, so they are often eaten by turtles, fish, and seabirds. Litter ingested by animals can cause both external and internal injuries.
As the chemicals inside plastic waste break down, they contaminate animals. Some of the effects of ingesting waste are lower body weight, a reduced ability to reproduce, and problems with building up fat reserves.
Effects of Trash on Humans
Although we don’t always realize it, human beings are connected to the natural world, so the impact of pollution and littering on our lives is huge.
The most noticeable issue is the pollution of our food. Nowadays, many common foods contain tiny particles of plastic called microplastics. We don’t yet know how these will impact our health in the long term.
How Can We Reduce Trash?
Virtually everyone living in the US creates waste, but we can all do our part to reduce its impact.
The best way to reduce consumption is to start paying attention to where most of your trash comes from. Do you buy food that comes packed in a lot of plastic? Are you still using plastic bags instead of reusable ones? Do you get a lot of deliveries that are packaged in a wasteful way?
If so, it’s time to make some changes. Commit to reducing the amount of waste you create, for example, by buying a reusable water bottle and cloth bags.
You can also check whether there are more environmentally friendly supermarkets and delivery companies in your area. Instead of throwing out old clothes, furniture, and other objects, bring them to a charity or second-hand shop where someone else can use them.
Does Recycling Help?
Recycling is a great way to reduce the amount of trash in a landfill.
Whenever you can’t go without packaging, try to opt for something that can be recycled. For example, aluminum cans are better than single-use plastic bottles because they are infinitely recyclable, and they don’t leach any chemicals into the environment.
Many regular household items can be recycled, including paper, some kinds of metals, glass, plastic bottles, and other plastic containers. Reach out to your local waste collection company to learn more about your area’s recycling system.
At Panhandle Dumpsters, we are campaigning to access Apple Valley Waste’s recycling center. We hope that we will be able to help you with recycling soon.
Call Panhandle Dumpsters for your Trash Service
The best way to get rid of any remaining waste is to sign up for a weekly trash pick up service with a responsible and community-oriented company.
We aim to always put your local area and the environment first. Our trucks are specially designed to be quiet and environmentally friendly so your neighborhood remains undisturbed.
Households can sign up for weekly trash collection as well as bulk pick up for larger items. We also offer affordable dumpster rentals to residents and companies.
Waste is an inevitable part of our lives, however, we can dispose of our waste in an ethical, environmentally-friendly way. In order to maintain our responsibility to the younger generation and the environment around us, Panhandle Dumpsters asks that you sign our Planet Over Profit petition to help us gain access to the local Recycling Center.
Searching For A New, Local, Residential Trash Pickup Provider In The Eastern Panhandle Of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland Or Virginia? We Should Talk!
If you’re looking for a well respected trash pickup or dumpster company to service your property the search is over! Panhandle Dumpsters is a family owned and operated business that services clients throughout the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia as well as the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Please feel free to call us directly at 304.707.3913 and we will be happy to explain our affordable pricing plans. We take great pride in being 100% transparent with no hidden fees! We also offer a variety of discounts for senior citizens, first responders and military members. You may have never fallen in love with your garbage hauling company in the past, but we’re convinced you’ll fall in love with us!
