Bagging the Arctic

(Photo by Phrontis)

You’d think that the best place to get away from plastic bags would be the Arctic, but you’d be wrong.

Although these crinkly carriers have greatly deteriorated by then, environmental damage is still being done.  Microplastics within snow and ice can absorb heat, thus causing a quicker melt.  Plastic particles within the air can “cause condensation,” bringing about the additional rain which hastens melting.

Scientists estimate that the Arctic Ocean “receives more than 10 per cent of the global discharge from the world’s rivers.”  What’s not carried by water is carried by air.  Wind currents sweep microplastics around the entire world.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-world-s-plastic-flood-has-reached-the-arctic/ar-AAVS8c9?ocid=uxbndlbing 

Copyright April 6, 2022 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved