The Golden Isles and Litter
Authors: Jade Bailey
Faculty Supervisor: Anelise Farris, Ph.D.
Community Partner: The Golden Isles
Abstract:
I've done clean-ups at beaches but also common community areas, and by roadsides. The experience was shocking, to say the least. There was even litter in the dunes; dunes where turtles, crabs, and other sea creatures make their home. I've researched the dangers of plastics not being properly disposed of and how they affect wildlife. For example, turtles might mistake grocery sacks as food. Or how plastic never truly breaks down. It takes years on top of years before it breaks down into "microplastic", and small organisms will consume it and die. This can cause a breakdown of the food chain. Sea birds also will feed debris to their young, believing it's food. So by properly disposing of this litter, I hope I've helped at least some wildlife. I want to raise awareness to these issues. This experience has made me more aware. I feel like people simply don't think of the long-term consequences of conveniently tossing their trash to the side.
