Sea of Debris

Imagine my horror when I learned that there is a collection of trash the size of Texas in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In some areas, the trash is 90 feet deep. I had no idea.


It was on Oprah’s Earth Day special yesterday.

The birds, turtles, fish and other creatures are dying because they mistake the garbage for food or they get tangled in the mess of human waste, mostly plastic.

This is not just a problem for the animals. Humans are affected, too.

Many have heard of mercury contaminantion in fish. It's the reason pregnant women are advised to limit fish consumption.

Did you ever wonder how that happened?

Here’s one cause; when I throw away an electronic device, like a battery, cell phone, or computer, it goes to a landfill.

When it reaches to the landfill, it’s buried. After a short while, the mercury and other toxic waste from the trash seep in to the soil.

From the soil, it reaches the water, where it meanders its way to a lake or ocean. The fish live in the water. People eat the fish and drink the water.

Humans are a part of the ecosystem, too. The lives of our children and grandchildren depend on it.

No one can be eco-friendly all the time, but if we all make small changes some of the time, we can make a big difference together.

And if you won’t listen to me, listen to Oprah she'll tell you what the good people at Greenpeace have been preaching this for years.