5 Alarming Facts About Pollution and How You Can Help

Pollution is a major issue facing our planet. From our oceans to our land, trash and plastic waste are everywhere. Here are five key facts about pollution and what we can do to make a difference.

1. Our Oceans Are Full of Trash
Have you ever seen the ocean and noticed how polluted and dirty it looks? Studies show that 88% of our oceans are filled with plastic and waste. This pollution is affecting marine life and damaging the entire ecosystem. When you visit the beach and see trash scattered along the shore, it’s there because of human behavior. Most humans have the option to help clean our oceans but we choose not to and we ignore it but it’s a big problem.

2. Land Pollution Is Also a Big Problem
It’s not just our oceans that are polluted, it’s also some of our land. In the United States, over 75% of the land is affected by pollution. California ranks as the most polluted state. Globally, pollution is everywhere, with 99.999% of the world affected. Bangladesh is currently the most polluted country, with a pollution rate of 65.8%. Pollution levels have increased steadily over the years, and it’s becoming harder to ignore.

3. There Are Simple Ways to Help
If you want to help this issue there are multiple ways to help fix it. You can join a program that helps clean the ocean. If you go on vacation and you see trash pick it up and put it in the correct waste bin. If you live by the ocean or you live in a big city in your free time you could clean up the trash you see and help keep the community you live in trash free. You could even get your friends and family to help you clean up so you can help make our environment safe for humans and animals to live.

4. Plastic Use Is Out of Control
Do you know how much plastic we use? As us humans we use 1.5 billion plastic bottles a day. So every year there is 450 million tons of plastic that is not recycled and potentially on our street or in our ocean. Even 69% of our clothes even have plastic in them.  We should try and reduce the amount of plastic we use.

5. Marine Life Is Dying Because of Plastic
At least 100,000 marine animals die each year due to plastic in the ocean. By recycling and reducing our plastic use, we can help save these animals. Even if you don’t want to join a clue or pick up trash just remember that one day our world will be covered in plastic. I hope after reading this you will consider cleaning up the plastic waste that is in our ocean or on our land. Let’s start making changes now. Our oceans, land, and wildlife are counting on us.

Make a Difference Today!

• Bring a reusable water bottle instead of using plastic ones.

• Pick up litter when you see it in your neighborhood or at school.

• Join (or start!) a clean-up club or project with your friends.

• Talk to your family about reducing plastic use at home.

• Follow eco-friendly organizations on social media to stay informed.

One small action can lead to a cleaner planet. Let’s be the generation that makes a change.