The waste from disposable plastics is a major threat to the health of the Mekong River
- Chhut Chheana / USAID Wonders of the Mekong
- December 5, 2020 8:53 AM
The waste from disposable plastic bags, cups, bottles, plates and spoons, as well as styrofoam boxes, diapers and other daily trash of the people living along the Mekong River presents a major threat to the health of the Mekong River.
On the banks of the river, these debris are observed scattered and floating on the surface of the water almost everywhere, which is a nuisance to fish, people, and animals, as well as the well-being and beauty of the Mekong River as well.
According to WWF, plastic bags can take up to 20 years to decompose. A coffee cup takes 30 years, a plastic straw takes 200 years, a plastic bottle takes 450 years, a plastic cup takes 450 years, a diaper takes 500 years and a toothbrush takes 500-years.
So please reduce your use of these items, and dispose of them properly – please do not throw them on the ground or in the river. Let's take care of the welfare of the Mekong River together. A healthy Mekong River means a healthy Cambodia!
Source: wwf.org.au/news/blogs/the-lifecycle-of-plastics#gs.kv6cmf
