Beware of environmental pollution during the vacation!

Drawing attention to the increasing environmental pollution in holiday regions, experts emphasize that environmental awareness should be widespread.

Evaluating the short-term and long-term effects of increasing environmental pollution during holiday seasons on the local ecosystem and society, Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş stated that "The destruction of the environment may cause tourism activities to be interrupted in the long run."

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Graduate School of Health Sciences Deputy Director Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş evaluated the increase in environmental pollution and environmental awareness during the holiday seasons.

Beaches and open areas are littered more than usual

Pointing out the main reasons for the increase in environmental pollution during the holiday seasons, Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş stated that "There is more density than normal in certain cities for the holiday. Due to the increasing number of people, the occupancy rate on the beaches is increasing and there is an increase in activities such as outdoor picnics. With the increase in the time spent on the beach and in open areas, and these areas are littered more than usual. As a result of the density, water and soil pollution may also occur in addition to the increase in the amount of solid waste. Due to increasing vehicle traffic, carbon dioxide emissions can also bring air pollution."

Uncontrollable litter and waste lead to an increase in flies

Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş stated that due to the density in Bodrum during the last holiday, the amount of litter and waste in open areas and beaches increased by 33 percent, resulting in visual pollution and the risk of disease in the region, and Karakaş said that "Uncontrollable garbage can bring with it an increase in flies. Uncovered garbage can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and waste water from garbage can also contaminate soil and water sources. Various infectious diseases can be seen from little and waste water leaking from litter, and diseases such as malaria can also occur."

Garbage should not be left next to filled containers

Stating that garbage should be collected in sturdy plastic bags, Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş expressed that "Due to the density, garbage should not be left next to the filled containers, and it should be ensured that garbage is taken to empty containers. Garbage should be collected in sturdy plastic bags, and the bags should be tightly closed. The amount and volume of garbage should be reduced. Nutrients that create less waste should be selected, the amount of organic garbage should be reduced, and it should be compacted and thrown into the bag to reduce the volume of garbage. To take these measures, it should be ensured that environmental awareness is disseminated in people and information should be given about the negativities that may occur as a result of environmental pollution. Especially in holiday resorts, warning signs and signs about the environment should be increased and people's attention should be drawn in this direction."

Waste water disrupts the structure of the soil

Evaluating the short-term and long-term effects of increasing environmental pollution during holiday seasons on the local ecosystem and society, Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş stated that "Natural and artificial environment is one of the complementary factors required for tourism activities to continue in a healthy way. The destruction of the natural and artificial environment may cause tourism activities to be interrupted in the long run. Water pollution occurs due to the waste water caused by the garbage left in the environment reaching the ecosystem. Pollution in the water threatens the life of living things. When waste water reaches the soil, it can cause soil contamination by disrupting the structure of the soil, reducing its fertility and damaging the vegetation. With the increase in tourism activities in certain cities and periods, air quality may decrease and the health of people living in the region may be adversely affected as a result of all this increasing environmental pollution."

Treatment plants are not enough for the increasing amount of wastewater

Noting that although tourism activities are responsible for only a part of the increasing carbon dioxide emissions, they can cause negativities such as ozone depletion, increasing greenhouse gas effect and global warming. Prof. İnci Karakaş said that "With the regional concentration in the summer months, treatment plants may be insufficient with the increasing amount of wastewater. Wastewater needs to be treated to protect the environment and human health. There is also a risk of depletion of wetlands due to the use of groundwater in areas where natural water resources are limited."

What is the goal of sustainable tourism?

Stating that sustainable tourism aims to protect the quality of natural resources by preventing environmental destruction, Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş said that "With sustainable tourism, biodiversity is protected, water consumption and waste production are reduced, and efficient use of energy is ensured by adopting public transportation or nature-friendly transportation methods."

Locals and tourists should be informed about the environment

Emphasizing that it is necessary to ensure that the people of the region and tourists are informed about the environment, Asst. Prof. İnci Karakaş said that "Possible negative effects should be minimized by paying attention to the spread of tourism activities in different regions and times. Moreover, excessive consumption and waste generation should be prevented and the costs that may arise from possible environmental destruction should be prevented. Healthy and durable textile products can also be produced by recycling plastic waste on beaches. Using beach towels made from recycled materials individually for sustainable tourism is one of the measures that can reduce waste production. Sustainability-conscious, environmentally friendly hotels and institutions can be preferred for holidays."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)