Drowning in rubbish: Easter Island leads the fight against plastic pollution
Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, more than 3,600 kilometres off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is best known for its Moai statues. These ancient megalithic figures bear witness to the transformation of the island, which is becoming increasingly polluted by plastic waste. According to researchers, around 4.5 million items of rubbish wash up on the island’s shores every year – carried by maritime currents or dumped by industrial fishing boats. To solve the problem and clean up its coastline, the island is seeking to lead the fight against plastic pollution in the region while raising awareness among its inhabitants.
Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, more than 3,600 kilometres off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is best known for its Moai statues. These ancient megalithic figures bear witness to the transformation of the island, which is becoming increasingly polluted by plastic waste. According to researchers, around 4.5 million items of rubbish wash up on the island’s shores every year – carried by maritime currents or dumped by industrial fishing boats. To solve the problem and clean up its coastline, the island is seeking to lead the fight against plastic pollution in the region while raising awareness among its inhabitants.
