▶ Sung Ho Woo, Whitney High school 10th Grade
After eating breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner, where does all our left over waste and candy wrappers go? Many misconceptions are that our trash is dumped into the ocean or used to just create huge piles of garbage. There is some truth to these statements, but it is not the complete truth. The Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) prohibits the dump-in of trash and waste into the ocean because it causes a disruption in the environment and pollution in the war-ter. Although there is some trash in the ocean, the government does not allow mass amounts to be deliberately thrown into the ocean. Not only that, but the garbage is actually not ash armful as perceived.
Currently in Korea, there is an island called Nanjido that is filled with waste.
They piled up so much trash that they had to close the garbage disposal company in that area. Later on, they started to plant trees and cover up the garbage with dirt to create an island that could be inhabited by people. The U.S. is doing the same in New Jersey.
Many people say that piling up the trash is dangerous because it creates methane gas, which is very toxic forth, environment. However, the U.S uses the garbage piles for the purpose of collecting methane gas. This deadly gas is then converted into electricity.
So not only is this garbage piling safe and cheap, it is also helpful for society.
In New Jersey, residents have saved roughly thousand s on electricity bill s.
Although the U.S. is finding ways to reduce pollution and destruction of the ecosystem due to trash, if the citizens start with minor changes, the world can become a better place. For example, in Korea, it is mandatory for people to separate their biodegradable trash from other general waste. This small act makes all the difference. In America, we too can help the environment and save money through recycling. Although this state-mint about recycling is much overused, it is actually very important. We must keeping mind that plastic and glass take long periods of time to decompose. Although in our lifetime we cannot drastically change the way we throw away trash, we can start on a small scale in our home by teaching our family so that future generations can live in a healthy and beautiful world.