From: Ogbazgy A.Asmerom (ogbazgy@gmail.com)
Date: Sat Nov 21 2009 - 22:12:46 EST
*Litter and its Longevity on the Ground*
*By Ogbazgy Abbay Asmerom*
The earth is a gift to human beings, and it needs to be maintained and
protected in a very special and careful way. As we know now, in a different
setting, the whole world is talking about global warming and climate change,
which is another way of affecting quality life on the earth. This shows that
if the earth and its environment are not protected, life on earth will be
affected.
In order to make a trip to some New England states, I visited the local AAA
office and obtained some brochures to read. I began reading some of the main
points that caught my eyes.
I found out that state of Maine has a unique way of protecting its land,
forests, and coastal areas. There are various ways of educating the citizens
and letting them know how to protect the environment from being polluted.
Maine emphasizes on recycling and preservation of a clean environment. This
is done in order to prevent pollution and carcinogenic elements! One slogan
states, “Be a friend of the forest.” Another statement indicates, “Our
national Forests belong to all of us and we have been entrusted with their
care.”
All things considered, I believe the Eritrean government and the Eritrean
people can continue to learn very useful lessons in keeping clean the
pristine coastal areas of the Red Sea, plus maintaining and protecting the
forests and landscapes of the plains and plateaus of the six administrative
regions.
According to the Acadia National Park of Maine Bulletin, I found out some
staggering numbers that show for how long some litter can last when it is
thrown away out carelessly and left on the ground to pollute the earth.
Listed below are some results of some studies to think of:
1. Glass bottles....................... 1,000,000 years
2. Aluminum cans .................. up to 100 years
3. Rubber boot soles............... up to 80 years
4. Leather ............................... up to 50 years
5. Nylon fabric........................ up to 40 years
6. Plastic film containers....... up to 30years
7. Plastic bags ........................ up to 20 years
8. Plastic-coated papers......... 5 years
9. Wool socks ......................... up to 5 years
10. Cigarette butts.............. up to 5 years
11. Orange/banana peels..... up to 5 years
Based on the information cited above, the Eritrean government and people
need to emphasize continuously the process of recycling and preservation.
Bins for litter and recycling should be available in places where tourists
visit, and at all public places.
Citizens should also incorporate the value and practice of recycling, and
maintaining a clean environment. Schoolchildren need to learn how to take
care of the earth, protect it, and be good stewards.
Throwing garbage in open places should be discouraged. Polluting the soil,
water, and the environment is one way of damaging the earth, and another way
of causing different kinds of diseases to creep in, and spreading
carcinogenic elements that affect the health of the citizens.
THE END
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