Littering is often seen as a minor offence with little consequence.
Whilst many are educated on it through social media or school, people still disregard it as a serious issue that contributes to our growing environmental problems.
Our local areas are supposed to be vibrant and welcoming, but this ideal cannot come across whilst our streets are littered with plastic bags, bottles and wrappers.
Plastics, in particular, are known for their inability to decompose in nature.
They are notorious for breaking down into microplastics, further harming the environment yet so many people refuse to take responsibility for their own waste.
People’s refusal to recycle contributes to disrupted plant growth, public health risks, and neglect in local communities.
Why do people litter incessantly?
Understanding motivations can help communities to tackle the problem so here are some reasons why many people feel it is acceptable to litter.
One reason may be that they do not truly understand the environmental consequences of littering.
This lack of knowledge fuels their actions.
The problem may be further built upon by a lack of bins available.
Public areas that lack effective waste disposal solutions have a higher rate of littering.
Littering is becoming increasingly normalised and, as a society, people tend to mirror the behaviour of those around them.
Individuals may feel gratified in leaving litter behind if they feel that others do the same.
However, littering is mostly a result of simple carelessness for the environment.
This unsympathetic tone for environments and communities needs to change.
What environmental problems does litter cause?
The primary problem of littering is its contribution to climate change.
The disposal of litter is highly harmful to the planet as when they degrade, greenhouse gases are released, giving rise to global warming.
Littering also has an impact on plants and habitats.
Litter increasingly disrupts plant growth which in turn affects species that rely on clean habitats to survive.
This can take a massive toll on local communities since it diminishes the beauty of public spaces.
A littered area creates a sense of neglect and disorder, which many do not appreciate.
Whilst litter is a massive contribution to environmental decline, it also poses risks to public health.
Rubbish left on streets attracts rodents which poses the threat of disease.
Littering harms environments and the people in it deeply.
What can you do to help tackle the problem?
One way to decrease litter is to ensure that there are bins readily available.
This makes disposal of rubbish convenient and decreases the likelihood of people resorting to littering.
Organising community clean ups is also a great way to tackle litter and a great boost for morale and neighbourly relations.
Educating the people around you is also important.
Highlighting the environmental and health impacts of littering is vital in understanding why littering is unacceptable.
Littering needs to be identified as a major problem with many consequences.
Commit to bettering your environment.
