There's more to plastic waste than Oceans and Wildlife.

Plastic waste is a significant concern in both mountainous regions and deserts. Let’s explore the impact of plastic waste in these environments:

Mountains: a global survey conducted by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) revealed that plastic is the most common type of waste encountered at altitude by mountaineers. Here are some key findings from the survey:

• Hard and soft plastics are frequently observed. *Soft plastics are single-use plastic bags and plastic wraps.
• Nearly two-thirds of mountaineers spot litter most or every time they set foot in the mountains on trails, camping, and hiking.
• COVID-related litter, such as masks and hand sanitizer bottles, has been recently deposited when getting to a trash can.
• Plastic food packaging, first aid equipment, and mountaineering gear are commonly encountered.
• Waste is seen not only on trails but also in crevasses, lakes, and mountain forests.
• Negligence by individuals visiting the mountains and poor waste management practices contribute to the problem.
• Solutions include promoting the “take in, take out” principle and increasing education on waste impact

https://www.ifmga.info/news/plastics-on-the-peak-the-2021-global-mountain-waste-survey

Deserts: While deserts may seem remote, they are not immune to plastic pollution.

• Tourism plays a significant role in the rapid increase of plastic waste in desert regions.
• Microplastics, which travel long distances, often end up in deserts from the Arctic to the Alps, the Rockies, and even Mount Everest.
• These tiny plastic particles degrade biodiversity and negatively affect the health and livelihoods of local populations 2 3 .
• https://www.basel.int/Implementation/Plasticwaste/Technicalassistance/Projects/RemoteandMountainousAreas/tabid/8346/Default.aspx

In summary, plastic waste poses a serious threat to the pristine ecosystems of mountains and deserts. Efforts to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management, and raise awareness are crucial for preserving these fragile environments.