They say diamonds are forever, but nowadays, it feels like plastic is even more so. Plastic waste can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose. Even then, it doesn’t truly disappear, it just breaks down into microplastics – tiny bits that linger in our environment forever. Various sources say microplastics have been discovered in every nook and cranny of our planet. In fact, the United Nations estimates that each of us is ingesting a credit card’s worth of plastic every week.
The surge in plastic use has led to a corresponding increase in plastic pollution in the environment, including in wetlands. It is said only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, while 12% has been incinerated. The rest is either still in use or improperly discarded, eventually making its way into streams, rivers, and wetlands, and ultimately into the ocean.
During local clean-up initiatives by organizations like Nature Seychelles, plastic items are found everywhere. From water bottles to packaging for everyday goods, plastic pollution persists.
Plastic affects wetlands in numerous ways. Often referred to as the “kidneys of the earth” because they filter pollutants and enhance water quality, wetlands also trap large amounts of plastic waste. Unlike natural materials in wetlands, plastics don’t decompose, and their accumulation in wetlands becomes problematic over time. They are putting immense pressure on these natural filters, affecting both ecosystems and humans.
They are a severe threat to biodiversity, causing habitat degradation and toxic exposure, which affects the entire food chain.
Plastic pollution can change soil properties, reduce plant growth, affect flood control, and impair the ability of wetlands to capture carbon and lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions when wetlands are degraded and release stored carbon. Plastic waste creates new habitats for bacteria to thrive. And polluted wetlands lose their appeal as attractions and places of rest.
While all this might feel overwhelming, tackling plastic pollution is something we can address. Globally, 175 nations are negotiating an international treaty to combat the plastic crisis, although no agreement has been reached yet. Many countries are also stepping up with laws to cut down on plastics, especially single-use plastics. But since plastic pollution doesn’t respect borders, cooperation on an international level is crucial.
At local level, there are plenty of actions we can take to lessen plastic pollution and safeguard our wetlands. Plastic waste overwhelms waste management systems worldwide. Much of the plastic produced ends up in landfills or as litter.
You can start by cutting back on plastic in everyday life and opting for sustainable alternatives. Before making a purchase, take a moment to ask yourself: Do I really need this? Is there something I already own that I can reuse?
Dispose waste properly and end littering. A plastic bottle tossed aside can find its way to a wetland miles away. Join local wetland clean-ups, every piece of plastic picked up is a small win.
Support businesses that are genuinely committed to reducing plastic waste, and become a champion for change. Encourage your family, friends, and community to cut down on plastic use, and ask local shops and restaurants to reduce or eliminate plastic altogether. Some are already doing so and should be commended.
Alongside addressing plastic pollution, support wetlands protection and conservation.