DUMPING is so much more than just an eyesore.
This social scourge has a host of impacts that extend far beyond merely leaving an unsightly mess in its wake.
When rivers become polluted it’s not only unsightly, but the water quality is adversely affected, which in turn means marine life is impacted.
Haphazard littering on an individual basis is as big a problem as illegal dumping that takes place at the hands of unscrupulous business owners.
Litter inevitably ends up in the wind, and there’s sadly, valid reasons for the plastic packet being termed South Africa’s unofficial national flower.
THREATS
All forms of irresponsible dumping pose serious threats to public health and safety, as these unsavoury pastimes draw rodents, snakes and insects to the vicinity.
Scrap tyres which are dumped irresponsibly provide the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes to nest as they hold warm, stagnant water.
The disastrous effects of dumping on wildlife have often been exposed in the Sun, with birdlife at Toti bird park being euthanased after cans became lodged in the beaks of birds.
Dumping also encourages crime as overgrown bush and grass offer the perfect hide-away for criminals and vagrants.
It also hits residents where it hurts most – in the pocket – as uncontrolled, it can lead to a decrease in property values and affect tourism. Get involved by pro-actively being part of the solution this Heritage Month – volunteer your time to help with the beach clean-up and ensure that Toti is remembered for all the right reasons.
