PART A
The global issue of littering affects people worldwide, with an increasing amount of waste being dumped into the environment each year. This leads to a buildup of garbage in landfills. Developed countries have implemented recycling and disposal segregation methods, while less developed countries simply dump their trash, allowing it to decompose over time. Humans dispose of various materials like paper (newspapers, books, magazines) and plant waste (rice husks, coconut husks, corn, wheat). Additionally, if not managed properly, leftovers from homes, hotels, food stores, and restaurants also contribute to the rubbish. One specific problem is that humans often litter rivers, streets resorts areas and parks which negatively impacts the environment.
The deposition of waste and obstruction of drains and ditches can happen when garbage is discarded in urban regions. This has an adverse effect on the drainage system, resulting in sluggish water flow into the river or sewage area during intense rainfall. Consequently, if the drainage system malfunctions or gets clogged, rapid floods may occur, impeding the proper direction of rainwater. These sudden floods can inflict considerable harm to urban areas by disrupting economic operations, damaging property, and occasionally causing fatalities. Despite their brief duration, these floods significantly affect human activities in major cities.
Throwing garbage into rivers and the sea causes water pollution, which harms aquatic life. When garbage is discarded in rivers, it decomposes and depletes oxygen levels in the water. This leads to a lack of oxygen for fish and algae, limiting the growth of organisms. Additionally, high levels of carbon dioxide become poisonous to these creatures. The consequences negatively affect humans by reducing access to food resources like fish and seaweed, important protein sources for people worldwide.
The majority of discarded rubbish, including both liquids and solids which are mainly organic chemicals, is classified as landfill waste. When this waste is deposited in landfills, it generates methane gas that accumulates in the soil, leading to changes in land color and negative effects on plant growth such as wilting. Moreover, leachate from these landfills can infiltrate the ground, introducing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and wastewater into our resources. Prolonged exposure to these substances can result in diseases like cancer for humans. Additionally, the decomposition process responsible for methane gas production can cause underground explosions, especially if they occur near residential areas.
Depositing waste in open spaces can create an environment that fosters disease and bacteria, while also attracting pests like rats, cockroaches, flies, and other animals. The presence of these pests in such areas heightens the risk of spreading bacteria to other locations. If flies or cockroaches come into contact with food that humans later consume, it can lead to food poisoning and potentially severe illnesses. In extreme cases, this can be lethal for humans or result in the transmission of new contagious diseases such as H1N1 and SARS. Littering additionally endangers wildlife as birds or marine life may suffocate or become trapped by the rubbish. Furthermore, broken glass poses a hazard to the general public.
Littering has a negative impact on both the environment and the tourism industry. Careless littering affects urban areas, public parks, and tourist destinations, making them dirty and damaging the country’s reputation. Inadequate waste management creates unattractive scenes that discourage tourists and contribute to environmental pollution.
