Simple Actions we can do to keep our outdoors healthy:
Food Waste & The Outdoors
When we’re heading out (and have remembered to #PlanAheadAndPrepare!) we’ve probably packed water and some food with us to keep us going – maybe even a flask of tea on the colder days.
And after we’ve reached our bench on the beach or rocky mountain summit, that snack is looking like a mighty fine idea! We polish-off the banana, and then look at the skin. It’s biodegradable, so is it safe to drop on the ground?
The simple answer is no!
But why…?
“Biodegradable” litter is still litter. Did you know a banana peel can easily take two years to break down in the Irish environment? As a species not native to our land and climate, its waxy skin preserves it for years. If left at higher altitude in our hills and mountains, the cooler temperatures will take it even longer to break down.
During this time, the banana (or other item!) can have several different negative effects:
- Our wildlife, pets, and livestock might try to eat it
While not native, this won’t stop many animals from trying to eat a banana peel. However, their stomach’s have not evolved to break down this kind of material, and it can have negative impacts to their digestive system - It becomes a beacon impact
Negative actions attract further negative impacts. Once there is once piece of litter, more will follow, and within no time it can create a black spot in the landscape - It can affect our plants and soils
Whether a banana peel, orange skin, or biodegradable packaging – the chemical makeup is different to what is naturally found in our natural habitats. If left to break down in nature, items will leach their natural (or man-made) chemicals into the soil, upsetting the normal balances, and be absorbed by many of the surrounding plants.
Simple Actions you can do to protect our environment from food waste:
- Pack it in – Pack it Out!
Anything we bring into nature, we bring home again, no matter how “natural” a material it feels like. A top tip is to always pack a small personal waste bag – like a zip lock bag, dry bag, or small Tupperware container or empty bottle. - Remove before it becomes a problem
If you’re on a summit and find some food waste left behind by others, pack it out before it can cause any harm, and feel good in knowing that you’re protecting our environment on several different levels! - Share the #LeaveNoTrace Message!
Many people who love the outdoors make the mistake of leaving food waste behind, not knowing the consequences. Find friendly ways to share that tea bags, fruit peels, and sandwich crusts can negatively affect the animals of an area, and attract more man-made litter from other outdoor users. Use our Breakdown figures below as an easy conversation starter!
Breakdown Timelines – Food Waste in the Irish Environment:
- Apple core: 2 months
- Cardboard: 3 months
- Banana peel: up to 2 years
- Cigarette butts: up to 10 years
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Previous #SimpleActions to help keep our outdoors healthy:
