Litter Kills Wildlife Researchers estimate that over one million animals die each year after ingesting, or becoming entrapped in, improperly discarded trash. ... Each year over 100,000 dolphins, fish, whales, turtles, and more drown after becoming entangled in or digesting plastic litter.4 may 2020
How does littering affect plants?
Litter alters the physical and chemical environment directly and indirectly. The decomposition of litter may release both nutrients and phytotoxic substances into the soil. ... The accumulated litter intercepts light, shading seeds and seedlings, and reduces the thermal amplitude in the soil.
How does plastic waste and litter affect animals?
PLASTIC POLLUTION HARMS WILDLIFE Animals can starve when they ingest too much plastic that they can't digest. When animals ingest plastic waste, it can block their digestive tracts. ... Toxic chemicals in plastic can harm animals' health—and people can ingest these chemicals as they make their way up the food chain.
How does litter affect the ecosystem?
Litter can severely degrade the quality of land, water, and air. They can end up in waterways such as the rivers, lakes, and oceans and pollute these bodies of water. As an effect of pollution, aquatic life would be severely devastated and can result in fish kill and algal blooms.17 jul 2020
Why is waste so bad for the environment?
Poor waste management contributes to climate change and air pollution, and directly affects many ecosystems and species. Landfills, considered the last resort in the waste hierarchy, release methane, a very powerful greenhouse gas linked to climate change.2 jun 2014