https://doi.org/10.59132/geo/2025/3/38-41
Izvleček
V Sloveniji smo leta 2023 pridelali 518 kg komunalnih odpadkov na prebivalca, kar nas uvršča med države z največ odpadki. Velik del odpadkov, zlasti plastike, konča v rekah in oceanih, kjer povzroča hude okoljske težave. Najbolj znan primer je Velika pacifiška cona smeti, ki meri več kot 1,6 milijona km² in je nastala zaradi kroženja morskih tokov. V oceane letno pride med 75 in 199 milijonov ton plastike, večinoma iz azijskih držav. Plastika se v morju razkraja na manjše delce, sprošča toksine in negativno vpliva na morski ekosistem, zlasti živali, in posredno tudi na gospodarstvo in zdravje ljudi. Problematičnost plastike je v njeni trajnosti, množični uporabi in nizki stopnji recikliranja. Prvi in najpomembnejši korak, ki ga lahko naredi vsakdo izmed nas, je zmanjšanje ustvarjanja odpadkov. Le tako lahko resnično prispevamo k varovanju okolja in ohranjanju naravnih virov za prihodnje generacije.
Abstract
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
In 2023, Slovenia generated 518 kg of municipal waste per capita, ranking it among the countries with the highest per capita waste generation rates. A significant portion of this waste, particularly plastic, ends up in rivers and oceans, causing severe environmental issues. A striking example is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which spans over 1.6 million km² and has formed due to circulating ocean currents. Between 75 and 199 million tons of plastic enter the oceans yearly, most from Asian countries. Once in the marine environment, plastic breaks down into smaller particles, releases toxins, and severely disrupts marine ecosystems, threatening marine animals in particular. This pollution also has indirect consequences for the economy and human health. The problematic nature of plastic pollution lies in its durability, widespread use, and low recycling rates. The most essential action each of us can take is to reduce waste production. Only by doing this can we effectively protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations.