All around the world, there is so much plastic pollution. But it's hard to believe that there is so much pollution in Bali's ocean. Imagine how many fish might die because of all that plastic. This pollution is like a death trap. If we don't do something about the menace we're causing, Bali's picturesque beaches are going to be replaced by heaps of loathsome trash.
Who is responsible for this abominable litter of plastic all around the ocean and the surrounding beaches? Obviously the blame is directly on the people and the government of Bali because they haven't done enough to address this detestable situation. They need to realize the destruction they've caused to the surrounding ecosystem. The environmental organizations and fisherman whose livelihoods are getting affected would be interested in helping.
How can we prevent further harm to the ecosystem? If we can eradicate the mess on the shores of Bali, they will be cleaner. That way, there's also less pollution. This helps the environment, too. Another way to prevent any damage is a cleanup drive. Many schools do it already. Nearby schools and colleges can help by taking out the trash. The government can ban plastic bags and replace them with paper and reusable bags, like jute and cotton bags, and ask people to clean the beaches whole heartedly. The government should propagate the usage of the 3 R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle. This is our responsibility as citizens, too.
In conclusion, we are the ones who are going to end up living in our own trash. The oceans aren't going to just take our garbage; they'll give it back to us one day or another. That's why we should care of our environment, because that's where we live. Plastic takes a long time to decompose, up to a thousand years. And so this problem is not limited to Bali, this is a global issue. For instance, 150 tons of waste wash up on Mumbai beaches daily.
"A clean environment is a human right like any other. It is therefore part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than we found it."- Dalai Lama.
Aliya Shetty Oza is a 10-year-old studying at Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai, India. She is passionate about writing and dancing. More of her writing can be found at www.shortstoriesbyally.com.
