February 2010
As the rains came down in January, I pondered just what might be in that “river” of water
rushing down 11th Street. Was it just water? Or were there countless other items washing away?
Well, I’m sure we can all answer that question without even thinking. We rejoice in the clearer skies
and actually being able to see the mountains in the distance and breath more fully and clearly.
But do we ever stop to think what the rains may have swept into the ocean (aside from the obvious
gas, oils, fertilizers and insecticides)? The rains brought much needed moisture to our dusty landscape that will hopefully
build up the vegetation to better protect us during the next wild fire season. But, every time is rains in Southern California, it also washes away all of our carelessness.
I like to think that I do a decent job of staying abreast of current events and our general goings on in the world - So, I was shocked to find out recently something I’d never heard about - something that is so disturbing that I think maybe we’re all in denial because it’s just too ludicrus to believe. Have you ever heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? It’s referred to as the world’s largest landfill... except it’s not on land. It’s in the Pacific Ocean somewhere between San Francisco and Hawaii. It’s size is two times bigger than the state of Texas. And it’s made up of tons and tons of trash - mostly plastic. The plastic comes from countless things like plastic grocery bags to bottles and bottle caps to electronics to medical supplies to that DVD or CD case you tossed a few months ago, and I could go on. Once it’s in the water and is carried to this specific spot in the Pacific (following the currents) it’s broken down into smaller and smaller pieces by the sun. But, it never breaks down completely (and never will) because its... well... plastic! The pieces are consumed by marine life and sea birds who either die or pass the toxic waste on to other larger animals that consume them. The irony being that it can eventually come back to us in the form of that tasty fish on our next dinner plate. One columnist jokes that maybe we should just eat the plastic bottles when we’ve finished the water in them and complete the process in one fell swoop. But, I don’t think I’ll go that far.
It’s very difficult to accept what all the scientists are saying which is that there’s absolutely nothing we can do about the existing mess (because it’s too huge and would cost too much money to clean up) but all we CAN do is try to keep it from growing. Though I will always dream that “plan A” could and would be implemented despite the challenges - I guess we’re all stuck with “plan B” for now which is to do the absolute best we can to keep trash off the land and out of the ocean.
• It all starts with consumption. Which looks better, that loose crown of broccoli or that really convenient plastic bag of broccoli flourets?
• Then reusing and recylcing come next. There are actually pretty few plastics (and other materials) that can’t be recycled these days - so just pay attention. If you HAVE to buy something new, try to find the item you want in a recycleable or natural material.
• finally, just be responsible. If that plastic bag slips out of the trunk of your car while you’re loading your groceries, take a second to run after it (be safe and look both ways first!). Some might even dane to go so far as to pick up that discarded piece of whatever lying next to the sidewalk or close to the car as they're walking by. I've picked up a grimy junkfood wrapper or two on my walk around the church block. If you don’t - most likely no one else will either.
• And, encourage others in your efforts as well. Keeping this planet healthy (or making it well again) is going to take a lot of cooperation on all our parts.
(For more on the GPGP just do an internet search for “great pacific garbage patch.”)
