Tenerife under the siege of plastic: in the sea you swim in the waste

Tenerifethe largest of Canary Islandsis a paradise for tourists, but also one of the most obvious victims of the plastic crisis. With millions of visitors every year, the island faces a growing environmental emergency linked to production and management of plastic waste.

The mass tourism It is the main source of income for Tenerife, but also involves a series of negative consequences for the environment. THE Disposable plastic productswidespread in the hotel, bars and restaurants, generate huge quantities of waste. Local management, however, is not equipped to cope with this flow, and many waste end up in thenatural environment.

Despite some virtuous initiatives, the plastic waste management In Tenerife it remains lacking. The infrastructures for the recycling and the waste sorting I am insufficientand a considerable part of the waste ends up in landfills or directly at sea. This worsens an already fragile situation, putting the health of the whole at risk Insular ecosystem.

Marine animals under attack

The marine species they are among the most affected by the presence of plastic at sea. Turtles, birds and fish can ingest plastic or remain trapped in debris, with often fatal consequences. The balance of the marine biodiversity of the Canaries is increasingly compromised by these episodes, now frequent.

It is not just the fauna that is in danger. There microplasty Enter the food chaincontaminating water and food. The long -term effects on health of peopleespecially of those who live on the island, are not yet completely known, but they arouse growing concern.

In addition to environmental damage, the plastic compromises the tourist image of the island. Dirty beaches and polluted sea where you literally make a bath between plastic can remove visitors, undermining a fundamental sector for thelocal economy.

Reduce the use of disposable plasticinvest in efficient disposal systems and promote greater environmental awareness They are fundamental steps. Tenerife needs a sustainable strategy, if he wants to continue to be one of the most loved destinations in the world without succumbing to plastic.

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