To pump billions of liters of effulent laden fresh water into the sea from the dryest inhabited continent is indicative of the low value we have put on the natural services (fresh water, nutrients) and the core reason as to why these naturals services are under stress and in decline. Waste, while at the end of the product cycle is a failure of both its design and the ethics of the company responsible for its creation. Reduced consumption, environmentally conscious consumption to reduce packaging and more intensive reuse and  recycling are all required to shift us toward a sustainable consumption cycle.

Toxic beaches and rivers, Litter, smog, etc are all examples of waste impacting on our wellbeing. Being aware of and actively trying to reduce the amount of waste you produce is part of the personal journey we need to make in order to live sustainable lives and pass the planet to our children in reasonable shape.