Many of us think that flushing our old prescription medications or antibiotics down the toilet is as easy and cool as it looks in the movies. In 2018 however, we now know that this is harmful and very destructive to our environment. Believe it or not, even tossing your old medications in the trash can be destructive to the environment, as they end up in landfills and disintegrate and wash away, seeping into the ground and ending up in our waterways. There are many reasons why the improper disposal of old medications is dangerous. For starters, improper disposal of antibiotics causes antibiotic resistance in the environment. Therefore, any fish, animal, plant, or organic substance that comes in contact with it raises its chances of creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the more it shows up in a given environment. Antibiotics are potent and lifesaving, but proper disposal is necessary to keep strong diseases at bay and lower the risk of contamination in the environment. Also, it is important to note that psychiatric medications are frequently showing up in our fish at concentrated levels, not only changing their overall biology but actively seen altering their evolutionary behavior. Fish that have been studied to have higher concentrations of antidepressants in their systems are observed to be less defensive and reactive to predators in the area, which is detrimental to their health, life, and passing on their genetic line.
Environmental toxicity makes it clear why the proper disposal of medications is detrimental to a sustainable future. Please keep aware that the collection of dangerous medicines, psychiatric meds, or antibiotics can be abused or taken if consumed by underage children and adults. Proper and safe storage is advised.
So how do you dispose?
Police stations, churches, & nearby community health offices will either hold prescription disposal periods or consistently take in any unused prescriptions and medicines at the time of disposal. When in doubt, your local police station will always take in a bag of your unused medicines at the time of disposal. Walgreen's pharmacy also has stations near their pharmacy for proper medication and prescription disposal within their store. Utilizing these resources is how the community works in our favor to ensure a sustainable future of clean environmental health.
The next time you think of how to dispose of your pills, medications, antibiotics, or even ointments, remain mindful and collect them to dispose of safely. When it comes to a sustainable future- every small personal effort counts significantly and makes a huge difference. Be the change, and change your way of thinking!