THE CARROLL COX SHOW

NEWS AND COMMENTARY

February 22, 2015

For years we have been told about a mass of plastic about the "size of the state of Texas" in the Pacific Ocean.   EnviroWatch, Inc. explored the possible origin of the plastic and haow some or all of it may have entered the ocean.  

Many states, countries, territories and other landmasses are inhabited by humans and have waterways that empty into the oceans.  Hawaii has streams and canals that have become dumping grounds for plastci and other human generated waste.  We have noted here in Hawaii the large amount of plastic and other human generated waste that enters the streams and eventually flows into the ocean.   Homeowners and renters seem to want to throw their unwanted items into the stream instead of transporting them to a convenience center or leaving on the side of the road for pickup on their designated day.    We recently found a trucking company operator dumping into the stream because they did not want to pay the tipping fees at the landfill.   Also, the wind picks up and drops off trash from the landfill, as well as parks and camping ground located near the streams and ocean.   

Some plastics, such as bottle caps, were discarded on a river bank because the recycling company did not accept bottle caps.   Shopping carts are thrown into the streams by children who find them abandoned near the stream.  

We all need to do our part to keep Hawaii clean.  Throw your trash away properly.  Help clean up when you see abandoned items.  Call the city and state if you see something,  to report problems, and when it is too much to clean up yourself.