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Pollution from plastic does not affect only oceans and marine life; it has permeated the soil, thus threatening also land ecosystems. According to the study of Lin et al. (2020), microplastics pollution infiltrated into soil has led to a significant decline in the species living beneath the surface. Mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures, which are essential elements for maintaining fertility of the soil are at risk and their degradation result in negative impact on the growth and health of flora.
Equally alarming is the situation for fauna as, for example, Greenpeace mentioned that many common fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, broccoli, and carrots have been found to contain an impressive amount of microplastic—up to 195,500 particles per gram in some cases, posing a risk to human health in addition to their effect on the plants and animals that rely on the ecosystems they exist.
This situation calls for taking immediate action to protect both flora and fauna from plastic pollution. The following are some practical steps to meet this aim:
a) Reduce plastic use not only by limiting the reliance on single-use plastics but also by support businesses that opt for sustainable packaging, while encouraging others to do so.
b) Sort, recycle, and dispose plastic waste properly to confine microplastic pollution. Additionally, actively participate in or organize clean-up events at community level to remove plastic waste from local environments.
c) Support sustainable agriculture by adopting practices that help minimize plastic use, such as mulch of biodegradable materials instead of plastic, and seek for organic farming methods that could limit the reliance on plastic products like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
d) Encourage, promote, and advocate for stricter regulations on production, use, and disposal of plastic while encouraging the development of sustainable alternatives.
e) Raise awareness on the impact of plastic pollution on flora and fauna by highlighting the connection among microplastics, soil health, and food safety. Support relevant collective actions taken at community level.
f) Opt for products made from sustainable materials like glass or bamboo when shopping and support those companies who prioritize their production.
g) Grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic compost and natural pest control methods.
In conclusion, by following some of these steps we can actively contribute to protecting the delicate balance of flora and fauna that sustain our planet and inspire other to act similarly.
Resources used in this blog article:
Greenpeace East Asia. (2020, January 21). 3 everyday foods that contain microplastics. https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/blog/6016/3-everyday-foods-that-contain-microplastics/
Lin, D., Yang, G., Dou, P., Qian, S., Zhao, L., Yang, Y., & Fanin, N. (2020). Microplastics negatively affect soil fauna but stimulate microbial activity: Insights from a field-based microplastic addition experiment. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 287(1934), 20201268. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.1268
Learn more about the effects of plastic use on flora and fauna by visiting the RESCUE platform: Module 4: Effects of plastic use on flora and fauna – RESCUE (erasmus.site)