Why littering is a problem? (2023)

Why is littering a problem?

In addition to water and land pollution, litter can also pollute the air. Researchers estimate that more than 40% of the world's litter is burned in the open air, which can release toxic emissions. These emissions can cause respiratory issues, other health problems, and even be a starting base for acid rain.

Even with recycling included in the cycle, the whole process destroys habitats, emits pollutants and greenhouse gases, spends energy, and wastes water. Thus, the issue is not just with certain people and their behavior; the issue is that there are just too many of these plastic items in the first place.

People are lazy

Many times, the simple reason for littering is just laziness. Many people are just not willing to keep their trash and dispose of it in the next trash bin. They rather throw away their stuff right where they stand. A good example of this behavior is the disposal of cigarettes.

Littering Can Lead To Soil, Water, And Air Pollution

The contaminants also stunt plant growth and cause health issues in animals living in the area. Littering can also lead to air pollution. Often, the litter is put on fire as an easy way to get rid of the litter.

Littering is an ever-increasing worldwide problem. Chances are, you've seen litter scattered along roadsides, floating in waterways, or blowing across a parking lot. The well-being of people, animals, and the environment is compromised by litter.

According to the website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, littering was identified as a crime in 1972. Pennsylvania was actually relatively early to criminalize the act, but many other states recognized it as illegal by the late seventies. Individual communities have also made efforts to control littering.

Simply put, destroying it. When waste isn't properly disposed of in the correct bins there's less chance of recycling. The litter ends up in our water systems, it ends up in the digestive tracts of our wildlife, it ends up smothering plants, and reduces air quality due to smell and toxic chemical vapors coming from it.

Is litter like murder? Not exactly, perhaps — but it's worse than you probably think. According to donttrashaz.com, more than 25,000 car accidents a year are linked to litter, scores of which result in fatalities. Of course, the environmental effects of litter are well known.

Who is most likely to litter?

Along roadways, motorists (52%) and pedestrians (23%) are the biggest contributors to litter. Research also shows that individuals under 30 are more likely to litter than those who are older. In fact, age, and not gender, is a significant predictor of littering behavior.

Litter pollutes the air as it decomposes, releasing unwanted chemicals into the air we breathe. Too much litter in a community can decrease the quality of air, impacting both our and our children's health. Disposing of waste correctly means that litter is kept away from thriving communities.

According to the website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, littering was identified as a crime in 1972. Pennsylvania was actually relatively early to criminalize the act, but many other states recognized it as illegal by the late seventies. Individual communities have also made efforts to control littering.

Air Pollution

Litter pollutes the air as it decomposes, releasing unwanted chemicals into the air we breathe. Too much litter in a community can decrease the quality of air, impacting both our and our children's health. Disposing of waste correctly means that litter is kept away from thriving communities.

Litter is bad for animals and people. Plastic waste suffocates, disables and kills thousands of animals each year. Litter is dirty and spoils our environment. Turtles, seals, birds and dolphins often mistake plastic waste for food.

The list of social problems caused by litter and trash is also extensive. Litter creates safety, fire, and a variety of human health hazards because of the organisms attracted to it (bacteria, rats, roaches, and mosquitoes), (Schultz et al., 2013).