plastic pollution
A single-use plastic is a piece of plastic that is designed to only be used one time. This includes straws, plastic bags, plastic cups, disposable plates and utensils.
A newly constructed waste plant in San Pedro La Laguna, made to control their pollution problem, was designed to fill up in two decades. Instead, it rapidly filled up in six months. The town did not have the financial resources to build an additional waste plant. Mayor Mauricio Mendez also knew another one would not be a permanent solution and harm the town more than help it. The pollution was also affecting the natural beauty of the lake. Here, the main source of the local economy is tourism.
A newly constructed waste plant in San Pedro La Laguna, made to control their pollution problem, was designed to fill up in two decades. Instead, it rapidly filled up in six months. The town did not have the financial resources to build an additional waste plant. Mayor Mauricio Mendez also knew another one would not be a permanent solution and harm the town more than help it. The pollution was also affecting the natural beauty of the lake. Here, the main source of the local economy is tourism.
In less than one year,
the town has reduced their plastic use by 80%
Understanding that drastic measures needed to be taken, in 2016, Mendez established a zero-tolerance policy for all since-use plastics. The local government started with children, educating them in classrooms. They taught about ways to sort trash and what it means for the environment. Local officials went door to door educating adults about the new ban, emphasizing the difference one person can make. In addition to educating the public, a severe fine was placed on any use of single-use plastics.
By 2018, tourism increased by 40%
plastic pollution +
However, this pollution problem is not just limited to single-use plastics. There is also chemical pollution that is entering the lake. This is done through a variety of ways, including traditional methods. Women have traditionally washed clothes and textiles in the lake without problem. Now using soap, they are harming the lake and what can grow in it.
One of the new problems is the growth of cyanobacteria. Experts confirmed the presence of toxic cyanobacteria in the lake in in 2009. Although this bacteria occurs naturally, toxic strains of this bacteria can affect the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and skin of both humans and animals, and it has been linked to degenerative brain diseases.
One of the new problems is the growth of cyanobacteria. Experts confirmed the presence of toxic cyanobacteria in the lake in in 2009. Although this bacteria occurs naturally, toxic strains of this bacteria can affect the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and skin of both humans and animals, and it has been linked to degenerative brain diseases.
In the case of Lake Atitlan, the bacteria contains phosphorous, the presence of which is evidence that the lake is contaminated with the sewage and fertilizers used in agriculture in the different surrounding communities. Panajachel, a local town, already has a wastewater treatment plant, but it only serves 45% of the municipality’s population of over 19,000. It costs about 100,000 quetzales ($13,028) per month to maintain the plant, but local people pay between five quetzales (65 cents) or 10 quetzales ($1.30) a month for the sewage system. Locals, of course, do not wish to pay more.
Cyanobacteria and algae multiplies quickly. The algae gets caught in boat engines, which can be costly to fix. Swimmers must be careful as well, as they have become entangled in the seaweed and some have even died. In any area where the cyanobacteria is present, locals cannot eat the fish in that area. This is made worse by the use of soap to wash clothes in the lake. Fishermen have been volunteering to remove the seaweed from the lake since it has become so crucial.
Cyanobacteria and algae multiplies quickly. The algae gets caught in boat engines, which can be costly to fix. Swimmers must be careful as well, as they have become entangled in the seaweed and some have even died. In any area where the cyanobacteria is present, locals cannot eat the fish in that area. This is made worse by the use of soap to wash clothes in the lake. Fishermen have been volunteering to remove the seaweed from the lake since it has become so crucial.