As I sit here tapping out my latest verbal outpouring of thoughts and feelings, I wonder how long I will be able to continue before this planet we reside on finally heaves one last monumental gasp. Do you think I’m being overdramatic? Well that could be; but please, before you click on through give me the chance to open your eyes to something that affects us all in every way, shape and form.
Our world is turning into a heap of trash! You don’t believe me? That’s okay, you don’t really have to; all you have to do is go for a walk to see the proof. Don’t expect to get any quality exercise though. You might not even make it to the end of your driveway; that’s about as far as I get before I feel compelled to bend over to remove some type of offensive litter. If this isn’t enough proof for you, then may I suggest a stroll down the nearest highway? Hold back the tears though because that isn’t the worst of it. Not by half.
If you are the type of person who needs definitive proof, then by all means, go for a road trip! Grab the yellow pages and locate your nearest landfill site. While you take in the view, notice all the plastic. Not that you would be able to miss any of it. I mean, seriously people! Why are there bales upon bales of petroleum based products in something called a “Landfill Site”? I know that’s where it comes from in the first place but you can’t just stuff it back in the ground and expect it to go back to its original form! Hang in there, I’m almost done.
The last diatribe I will let slip is a big one; unfortunately, it is very unlikely you will ever lay eyes on the effects unless you have help. Well, me and my Buddhist nature (except when I’m ranting, of course) would like to introduce you to the newly developed, completely man-made continent. Please welcome ‘The Great Pacific Garbage Patch’!
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is approximately twice the size of the state of Texas and reaches depths of over 100 feet. As a landmass, that doesn’t seem so big, but as a garbage patch, that’s outrageously enormous! This collection of human litter coalesces in the middle of the Pacific Ocean where the flows of certain currents circle each other creating a vortex of a sort. Since the currents’ journeys for all intents and purposes ends at this juncture, all the flotsam is deposited there to float aimlessly until some form of marine life ingests it. That being the case and also considering we eat that same marine life, I’m hoping you can see how it affects us directly?
I’m going to put you to work on this one; of course, I can’t force you to but I have faith that some of you will have your curiosity peaked enough to investigate. Use whatever search tool you have and link the keywords “Pacific Garbage Patch” with “health” and see what you come up with. Here’s a hint: You may want to consider becoming a Vegan after that search. I’m already Vegan and those simple search terms still made me recoil within myself!
So from now until the end of days, please, please, please teach our children right! Lead by example: reuse, recycle, pick it up, boycott plastic and do whatever comes to mind. The last thing I want to be digesting is garbage!