From beaches to jungles to mountains, Panama is a beautiful country filled with rich plant and animal life. However, just like every other country, there are things it could improve. For years, Panama has had problems with garbage and recycling. Landfills are overflowing and trash is being spilled into the ocean. Here’s what you need to know to brainstorm some solutions!
One of the most pressing issues in Panama today is waste disposal. Walking down the street (especially in the city), one will often come upon piles of trash. Sometimes, they get collected in small areas outside of apartment buildings and business. However, there is usually too much waste to fit, and the trash can pour out into the street. The trash becomes an even bigger problem during the rainy season (which has just started) because trash can flow into storm drains and sometimes into the ocean. About 30% (700 tons) of Panama’s garbage gets dumped into the oceans. Most of this is plastic.
Combinations of trash and standing water are also perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos. In Panama, there is a disease that is spread by mosquitos called Dengue. This disease is nicknamed “break-bone fever” because of its intense symptoms. These are the same mosquitos that spread Zika virus. In rural areas, piles of trash can attract rodents that carry hantavirus.
