Effects on People

Litter is more than just an unsightly nuisance.

The degradation of beaches and parks can result in lost revenue for the tourism industry.
Shoreline litter and aquatic garbage can entangle divers, boat propellers and even submarines! This can result in injury and costly damage to equipment.
Beach-goers can be injured by broken glass or plastic. Discarded waste can also carry disease.
Discarded or lost fishing gear can continue ensnaring fish, birds and marine mammals for many years. This is referred to as “ghost fishing”, and can cost the fishing industry considerable income. It also needlessly endangers wildlife.