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| Wayne took one step closer to becoming “the cleanest city on Earth” last weekend, according to Councilman Alfred Brock who led a large contingent of volunteers in the continuing effort to clean and renovate the city parks. |
The large number of volunteers allowed DPW employees to complete split rail fencing at Attwood Park while work continued at the two other locations. Volunteers included Wayne Police Sgt. Jeff Perez who helped install mulch at Soroptimist Park and Fire Chief Mike Stradtner who cut the debris from the fence line during the effort. Former city councilmembers Jeremiah Webster and Phil Wagner joined the volunteers led by City Councilman and Park and Trails Leader Alfred Brock. Wayne City Manager Lisa Nocerini and Assistant Director of the DPW Ed Queen also joined the work crew. Brock noted that while working in Soroptimist and Rotary Park 1, the volunteers found multiple plastic items among the debris. He explained the serious negative effects of plastics on the environment as, he said, the material does not degrade.
“Because of the fine work by volunteers to fit out the local Rain Garden at Soroptimist Park this material is trapped before it can make its way into the water system and end up in the Rouge River. The river is only a few minutes away,” Brock posted online.
He added that the work last weekend took the community “one step closer to making Wayne the cleanest city on Earth.”
Small plastics persist in the environment, he said, and cause problems for wildlife and plants.
Small pieces of plastic, also known as microplastics, can cause a number of problems for animals and birds. These problems can include ingestion by animals and birds which may mistake microplastics for food and eat them. This can lead to digestive system blockages which can be fatal.
Another danger is inhalation of microplastics by animals and birds. This can lead to respiratory problems, such as pneumonia. The toxicity of microplastics can leach chemicals into the environment, which can also be harmful to animals and birds, Brock said in his Facebook post. These chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system suppression, he said.
Microplastics can also reduce the reproductive success of animals and birds as the substance can damage eggs and embryos and can also interfere with the hormonal balance of animals.
“The problem of microplastic pollution is a global one. Microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even in the air. As a result, all animals and birds are at risk from this pollution,” Brock, a strong advocate of the environment posted.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the amount of microplastic pollution including, reducing the use of single-use plastics like plastic bags, straws, and water bottles, which are a major source of microplastic pollution.
Recycling plastic whenever possible helps to keep it out of the environment and consumers are urged to avoid products that contain microbeads. Microbeads are tiny plastic beads that are often found in facial scrubs and other personal care products. These beads can easily be mistaken for food by animals and birds.
“By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the amount of microplastic pollution and protect the animals and birds that we share our planet with,” Brock posted.
