by Ariel Rivera
Plastic has been causing issues that can end life. There are more than 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris (an estimated 18 billion pounds) in the ocean, as reported by National Geographic, which causes many problems.
The fish that we eat consume that plastic which stays inside their bodies. When we eat these fish, we eat the plastic inside of them, causing diseases.
If fish die from plastic, we cannot eat fish causing many problems systematically. Trading between countries could be affected and lead to effects that can not be changed. Because of the trading being affected this could lead to damage within the people because countries would be losing resources they normally have.
Even besides the plastic in the ocean, there are other problems with plastic. Plastic also litters the city. The burning of plastic in the open air can also lead to environmental pollution due to the release of dangerous chemicals.
If humans and animals were to inhale the polluted air it could cause major respiratory problems such as asthma or lung cancer. Plastic is a worldwide threat that needs to be taken under a more careful consideration.
There are things that can be done to prevent as much trash entering the ocean. One of the biggest movements happening right now is the limit or banning of plastic straws. Now because of this companies are creating metal straws for the better.
Companies like Disney and Starbucks are talking about limiting and banning the use of plastic straws from their businesses. Banning or even limiting plastic straws can make a big change to our environment.
Freshman Athanasios Kompotiatis has heard of systems other countries have created to help this dilemma. Kompotiatis said, “I’ve heard about other systems in countries that pay people in cents. For example, 1 cent for every 1 piece of plastic recycled. Therefore, turning in 10 bottles, will give you 10 cents and so on.”