The Mediterranean, a fertile and blue expanse of which we are all children. But if Bennato celebrated it in his song, the man is destroying it. Paradoxically, the same progress that nourishes kills.
“Let the Mediterranean be
that ship that goes alone
all music and all sails
on that wave where you fly
between science and legend
of flamenco and taranta
and between algebra and magic
in the wake of those sailors
and that wave that never stops
that the Mediterranean is […]”
The Mediterranean Sea, historical cradle of civilisation, heritage of nature, stories and traditions, is today one of the most polluted seas in the world. The cause of this state is to be found solely and exclusively in the plastic, of which it appears to be full.
Most of the plastic produced and used is not biodegradable and for this reason it tends to remain in the environment for years and years, clogging and oppressing it. This is how the Mediterranean Sea, like many other expanses of water in the world, appears like the contents of an enormous plastic bag. Not just the sea. With it hundreds of fish also fall victim to this trap.
On the seabed and on the beaches of the Mediterranean there appears to be 95% of plastic in the form of waste. Italy, certainly, is not the only state to produce and dispose of them incorrectly. In fact, most of the plastic thrown into the Mediterranean Sea comes from Egypt, Turkey, Spain and France.
The situation is certainly not the most rosy, especially knowing that Europe is the second largest producer of plastic in the world and that, certainly, it will not stop now. Every year the quantities of micro and macroplastics that end up in the sea are frightening, as well as seriously harmful to the entire ecosystem. Like any self-respecting circle of life, everyone is affected: the environment, man, animal species and anyone who revolves around it. Without ever putting an end to this vicious cycle of death and destruction.
Plastic is a man-made organic substance produced using materials such as oil and gas. The greatest danger lies in its being indestructible and therefore, since it is widely used, destined to accumulate in the world for hundreds of years. Only a third of that produced is today regularly recycled.
What man creates and then destroys can still be saved. This is the best news out there and not at all utopian. The Mediterranean, like every sea and land, can still be cleaned up. Furthermore, the production of this type of plastic can be reduced in favor of 100% natural and biodegradable plastic. A valid alternative in this is plastic produced with cellulose and corn starch. All it takes is commitment, collaboration and above all the love and respect of everyone towards this world that hosts us.
There are really small steps that need to be taken little by little on a global level:
- to start with, it is essential to achieve the production and use of 100% recyclable plastic by 2030.
- By 2025, completely eliminate packaging and microplastics for products of all kinds. Together implement bans and sanctions for those who transgress.
- Put the separate waste collection into practice to the maximum and best through an efficient and integrated system. Separate waste collection should become an obligation for everyone, as well as a strong push coming from one's conscience.