http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8639769.stm
It is easy to assume that if we make a mess, we can simply clean it up. However, this is not always the case, as shown in this disturbing video, where a Hawaiian beach is slowly turning into plastic. The video introduces us to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a huge collection of plastic waste that has gathered in the Pacific Ocean. As the waste is weathered, it does not break down, but simply gets broken into smaller and smaller pieces. Some of this plastic gets deposited on land, and the smaller parts become mixed in with beach sand. On the beach in question, there is no way to separate out the sand from the waste, presenting a seemingly unsolvable ecological disaster. Efforts to pick up larger pieces of garbage have proved equally futile, as more simply washes ashore. On top of these problems, there is also the worrying issue of plastic being consumed by birds and marine animals, who either die as a result, or pass the toxins up the food chain.
This video really drives home to what a great extent we have despoiled our planet.
May 10th, 2010 on 8:46 pm
Hi, some good information with a contradictory point of view about the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’: http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4132#. It’s worth checking out the use of evidence and the research that goes into the conclusions that Brian Dunning (the host) draws. He gives ample links to other sources and bodies of research. One interesting point he makes is about the current supposed to be responsible for the Garbage Patch, the North Atlantic Gyre, more information can be found at: http://theoystersgarter.com/category/north-pacific-trash-gyre/page/2/.
Hope this gives a good jumping off point.
May 13th, 2010 on 10:45 am
@Alex
Alex, thanks for providing a counter-point to the views expressed in the video. You have provided a welcome reminder to use multiple sources and to be skeptical of things we read. The article raises some interesting points, some of which are countered in the comments attached to it. The author of the Skeptoid piece aims to debunk what he refers to as an “island of trash”, and whilst I think that is an over statement, I am inclined to believe that it is still a serious problem. Most likely, media reports have mislead people into seeing the Garbage Patch as a consistent, solid block of garbage: whilst the truth might be a little less dramatic, the consequences and causes are incredibly serious. Some interesting images can be found at http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2009/05/great-pacific-garbage-patch.php.
May 13th, 2010 on 7:35 pm
totally agree with your comments. The problem isn’t any less serious but the miss reporting by press and exaggeration by some bodies doesn’t help trying to alert people to the dangers that are real. Keep up the good work mate.