The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the United States and it’s home to a vast array of life forms. However, due to human activities, the long-standing health of the Mississippi River is at risk because of plastic pollution. Plastic is one of the worst pollutants impacting not only the river, but global ecosystems. Studies have shown that the Mississippi is burdened with an alarming amount of plastic, both from its own local sources and from the larger Great Lakes, which drain into its tributaries.
As much as two thirds of trash in the Great Lakes is plastic and due to their massive size, a large chunk of this plastic makes its way into the Mississippi. The majority of it isn’t visible, however, because it has broken down into microplastics, which are virtually enebled to pass through the water filters and the environment. The presence of plastic in the Mississippi River doesn’t stop here either, as runoff from residential areas and agricultural sites also cause their own influx of plastic.
These plastic particles come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from larger plastic items like straws and utensils to nanoplastics which measure less than five millimetres. Despite their small size, these pieces of plastic have an immensely damaging impact on marine life. Aside from the chemical toxins they release into the water, researchers also claim that cell-sized organisms, such as zooplankton, mistake plastic for food. The consequences of this are not only devastating for the species due to lack of ingested nutrients, but for the entire ecosystem.
As it relates to humans in the local area, the presence of plastic poses a health risk for them as well. According to National Environmental Health Associate studies, microplastics are now being found in ‘dead-zones’ of water regions with very low oxygen content and high levels of plastic and chemical pollutants, including the Mississippi River. Microplastics can cling to deep water sea sediment, where they slowly accumulate in the drinking water supply. Studies have also shown that these microplastics can be absorbed by fish, which can then be transferred to human beings.
Fortunately, there are a number of initiatives being put in place to reduce the amount of plastic currently in the Mississippi. Municipal authorities in the states that bound the Mississippi River have enacted bans on using plastic bags, straws and utensils, which is reducing their local plastic pollution. Plastic-free micro waste campaigns are also underway and are inspiring individuals and communities along the Mississippi to reduce their own plastic waste. Moreover, local clean-up initiatives are being spearheaded to actively remove plastic debris from the river.
In order to properly tackle the problem of plastic in the Mississippi, however, collaborative efforts are needed by every stakeholder involved, including local authorities, environmental groups, businesses, and individuals. It is also important to note that waste management policies are integral to this process, as they determine the ways in which plastic is picked up, sorted and recycled. The success of these efforts depend on the collective individual actions. Together, we have to raise awareness, create change and reduce our use of plastic, particularly those items that are single-use.
Local Governance
Local government can make a big difference in helping to reduce plastic pollution. The authorities in the states that border the Mississippi River need to put in place effective regulating strategies that are enforced and monitored. For example, in the case of implementing a ban on single-use plastics, this may mean setting up incentives for small businesses to switch to eco-friendly alternatives. This could be done by providing assistance, such as grants and low-interest loans, to help fund the transition.
Local governments can also educate residents in their local area to encourage behaviour change. Whether it’s through banners and signs, or campaigns and focus groups, plastic pollution can be reduced through raising awareness. Additionally, government bodies can set up clean-up campaigns and educational initiatives to target different stakeholder groups and highlight the importance of contributing to the reduction of plastic waste.
Conscious Consumerism
Consumers have a considerable influence on the amount of plastic that ends up in the river. We must all reduce our use of plastic, particularly those items that are single-use, such as water bottles and plastics bags. We should choose to buy items that come with minimal packaging as these are less likely to be made of plastic and are easier to recycle. Furthermore, seeking alternatives or investing in reusable items such as cloth or paper bags is another good step.
Moreover, utilising corporate campaigns is a great way to spread the environment-friendly word. After all, by taking advantage of corporate social responsibility initiatives, the message of the importance of reducing plastic pollution can be relayed to a larger population. An example of this is the ‘Be a Mermaid’ campaign, initiated by Sea Life Aquarium, which encourages consumers to discard single-use plastic.
Public Communities
The public have become increasingly more engaged with environmental initiatives in recent years and have been working together to help clean up rivers. Joining communities such as river clean-up initiatives or plastic-free campaign groups is a great way to make a tangible impact, and they are a great way to get connected with like-minded people. Many of these groups provide guidance and training to ensure that their members are well informed when it comes to plastic pollution.
Aside from these physical events, there are also many virtual networks dedicated to raising awareness for plastic pollution, as well as sharing tips to reduce plastic consumption. Plastic-free experts also leverage the power of social media to reach out and inform larger audiences. Additionally, there are social media campaigns online, such as ‘#seachange’, which feature a variety of stories about inspiring individuals and their efforts to reduce their plastic impact.
Inter-Entity Cooperation
Networking between different entities is key to making a measurable impact in terms of reducing plastic pollution. Public institutions, including government departments and lobby groups, have the power to influence sector markets that have the potential to change the norms and definitions of sustainability. International cooperation between different governments is crucial in reducing the amount of plastic travelling interstate. By designing policies in line with standards set by agreements such as the Basel Agreement, governments can raise resource efficiency, reduce trade in hazardous waste, and promote better management of plastic waste.
Business associations between private companies and environmental foundations can also help to preserve the environment by ensuring the promotion of eco-friendly versions of products in the market and reaching out to consumers. Examples of such initiatives are campaigns, such as the ‘Bye Bye Plastic’ or ‘Love Nature’, which successfully increase awareness and promote plastic-free shopping.Furthermore, a number of corporate action plans have been put in place worldwide to address the plastic crisis and maximise the potential for its reduction.
stewardship
Finally, stewardship plays a vital role in the reduction of plastic pollution. It is the responsibility of all of us – as individuals, communities and businesses – to take care of the environment in order to combat plastic pollution. Through our actions we can encourage a culture of mindfulness, in which individuals and organisations think carefully about their material choices, rather than taking advantage of the convenience posed by single-use plastic.
We all need to recognise our role in the maintenance of the environment and
take any measures necessary to combat plastic pollution. By disposing of plastic correctly, such as through recycling or composting, and avoiding single-use plastics, we can significantly reduce our impacts to our waterways, forests and land. Awareness of how plastic is contributing to global warming also needs to be raised. We must remember that every small action taken could potentially make a real difference.
