The Effects Trash has on Wildlife
Did you know the particles of food we drop at the dump are mixed up dangerous chemicals which can result in the death of any living being that feeds on the food? Animals are not aware of these facts. All they want is food, so they can feed on these poisonous foods and then be killed.
Today, many families are no longer eating organic food. They feed more on canned and other processed foods. These foods are preserved with chemicals that can become dangerous when they expire. Of course, we longer eat them when they are expired. We dump them in the landfills. Unfortunately, it is these animals and birds that will eventually feeds on these expired foods. Gradually, they will be affected by the chemicals used in preserving these foods.
Most of the times, fishermen throw away fishing nets that are no longer useful to them. These nets can also cause harm to these animals. The legs, neck and even the wings of birds can be trapped by these discarded nets. The animals can become hooked up in an attempt to rescue themselves.
Some of the food that we eat which these animals scout for are not good for them. For instance, gummy masses can be formed in the stomach of ruminants by purified grains like bread. But these are the food they feed on in the landfill. So, the ingestion of a lot of such foods can result in the death of such animals.
The animals can also be harmed in the work face by the landfill workers either intentionally or accidentally. Many animals have been crushed to death by heavy truck and compressors as refuse is being dumped. Some are killed by the pile of waste while they are scouting for food.
The noise oozing out from the landfill does also affect the wildlife. Many animals are always frightened by noisy environment. Most of the time, micro-organisms and other harmful materials from the landfill can escape into the rivers which are the source of drinking water of these animals. Wildlife can be killed when they drink contaminated water from these rivers and lakes.
The question is: Is there anything that can be done in order to remedy the situation? We cannot avoid dumping refuse otherwise, we will be in trouble. Man seems to be in dilemma here. Should he jeopardise his own life and save the life of lower animals? Definitely, nobody will suggest that.
In the light of the above there is need for collective effort. We all should come together to remedy the situation. People should make sure that they do not mix up their refuse. Broken bottles and harmful equipments should be kept differently so that it will be taken to the appropriate quarters. Recyclable materials should be taken to the recycle centres.
Today, there is emphasis on the use of reusable materials. If we all should resort to reusable materials, it helps to reduce the amount of refuse that comes out from different homes. This will equally reduce the volume of waste taken to the landfill. Pack your refuse very well so that they will not be scattered by wind.
