THE human population is now approximately seven billion and still increasing: one of the biggest problems this civilisation faces is that of the disposal of waste.
Plastic in the oceans is increasing at the rate of 6.4 million tonnes a year. This has led to the creation of huge gyres, some twice the size of Texas, full of plastic particles. An ocean gyre is a system of circular ocean currents formed by the Earth's wind patterns and the forces created by rotation of the planet.
Plastic kills marine and avian life, and leads to "dead" areas in the sea. Plastic does not biodegrade. It does deteriorate into small particles. It also absorbs toxic chemicals which can kill anything that eats it. Nearly all albatross have been found to contain plastic in the digestive system, and one third of their chicks are dying because they are fed plastic by the parents. Recent research into the chemical additives in plastics have been linked to problems associated with human health. A change to paper bags has been discussed and would seem to be urgent.
On land, in 1995 there were 327 landfills in New Zealand, often sited near water sources and often with toxic contents. This has now been reduced to less than 100.
One of the best results to come out of the green and environmental movement in response to climate change has been the waste disposal and minimisation activities. In Melbourne, every house has three bins, household rubbish is picked up every week, and one other bin for recycling or green waste. It is the same in many other countries.