5. Human Impacts on Coral Reefs—Litter

There are a number of human activities that have harmful effects on coral reefs. When you minimise these human activities coral reefs, in general, will have a greater chance of remaining healthy. Can you name a few natural and man-made threats to reefs?

Activity

There are both natural and manmade threats to reefs. Can you name a few?

Litter

It only takes a second to drop a piece of litter (rubbish) but this litter can then stay in the environment for a very long time. Can you guess how long the things below would last?

  • Cigarette butt
  • Plastic bag
  • Plastic bottle
  • Glass bottle
  • Battery
  • Tin can

Brainstorming Session

Why is litter bad for the reef?

Activity

Next time you go to the beach, note the different types of litter that you find on the beach and how many of each you removed

To minimise rubbish around your community:

  • Have community rubbish bins and ash trays, especially in meeting areas, e.g. church, community hall
  • Have community pride—let others know that littering is not good practise
  • Nominate a fine or punishment for litter offenders in your class, school, or village

What is composting?

Composting is simply the method of breaking down waste organic materials (kitchen and garden waste) in a large container or heap. Natural composting or decomposition occurs all the time in the natural world. Organic material, the remains of dead animals and plants, is broken down and consumed by decomposers and eaten by small invertebrates. Decomposers are those animals that break down organic material and feed on natural rubbish, like leaves, vegetable peelings, and cut grass. Examples of decomposers are bacteria and fungi. Earthworms, millipedes and slugs help in the decomposition process. The nutrients that were once present in these remains (rubbish) are returned to the soil or water, where they are able to support the growth of new plants. This is natural recycling where it acts as manure to the soil.

Composting has many benefits for the environment:

  • Saves space at dumping areas
  • Can be used as a fertiliser (manure)
  • Composted material improves the condition makes the soil healthy

To make a compost heap:

  1. add roughly equal amounts of “greens” (kitchen waste and fresh garden waste) and “browns” (fallen leaves and shredded paper, coconut husks);
  2. keep the heap moist, but not too wet; (add a little water and keep it in the shade).
  3. place the heap/bin on well drained soil to improve drainage; and turn it frequently to aerate (allow air o mix with the soil) the organic material (if this is not possible, then insert a piece of plastic agricultural pipe, with slits (holes) in the side, into the centre of the heap. This will help to bring air into the centre of the heap).

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