Welcome to Garbage Island
Have you ever been to an island? An island is surrounded on all sides by water. When most people think of an island, they think of beaches. But, in the Pacific Ocean, there are islands that are not made of dirt, rocks, and sand. These islands are made of garbage!
The ocean water moves in patterns called currents. The currents cause plastic and other garbage floating in the water to collect in certain places. One giant collection of floating waste is larger than the state of Texas. That’s a big garbage island!
Most of the garbage collecting in the ocean comes from the land. Litter from streets blows out to sea. Other waste is carried down streams and rivers or left by boats. Ocean creatures can mistake this waste for food. Many animals and birds die every year from eating our trash.
You can help stop garbage islands from growing. When you go shopping, take a reusable bag. Don’t litter. Recycle! There are many ways to help. What other ways can you think of to help reduce waste?
TLX News Journal Geography Activity:
Draw a picture of something you do, or can do, to help reduce waste in your community.
Ocean currents & convergence zone.
