Dear Educator:


No matter where on Earth you live, plastic pollution is a serious problem. This is especially the case in the ocean. Bits of plastic and other trash bob, float, and collect into giant floating garbage patches. Worse yet, since these patches are far out into international waters, they tend to be easily forgotten.


These garbage patches aren’t just an eyesore. They also affect life. Ocean animals eat the plastic. Many of these animals die. Others are eaten. The toxic chemicals get passed through the entire ecosystem.


While the immense garbage patches seem like a problem too big to solve, there are some smaller steps everyone can take. Recycling and using less plastic can prevent much of it from ending up in the ocean. Participating in cleanup efforts can help remove some of the existing waste. Even the smallest effort can have a large impact.


This month’s GeoNews will spark an important discussion with your students. Talk about the issues, and find ways to help protect our planet.


Shelby Alinsky Digital Editor, National Geographic Explorer


Copyright © 2011 National Geographic Learning. National Geographic and the Yellow Border are registered trademarks of the National Geographic Society.


Image Credits


Cover © Rich Carey/Shutterstock; pages 2-3 © Mike Nelson/epa/Corbis; page 3 © ShEd Artworks/Shutterstock; pages 4-5 Captain Moore at Kamilo Beach, HI, Courtesy of Algalita Marine Research Foundation; page 5 (inset) © www.timsilverwood. com; pages 6-7 © Gary Bell/Corbis; pages 8-9 Norbert Wu/Getty Images; page 10 Paul Sutherland Photography/Getty Images; page 11 © Phillip Colla/SeaPics.com; pages 12-13 Britt Erianson/Getty Images.


National Geographic Explorer now to bring the world to your classroom in 2012-2013.


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