Seldom does it occur to us that disposed rubber tires believed now piling high in most parts of the world have many uses to protect the environment.
One of these is putting them altogether in five or six used tires with nylon ropes or galvanized wires to hold them. And then dump these tires into the ocean where marine species have been observed to deteriorate due to damaged coral reefs brought about by destructive fishing methods used by unconscientious big fishing boats owned by influential people.
In many developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia, this method is already being used effectively. And the positive result is now helping much of the marginal fishermen increase their livelihood because all types of fish have returned and made the submerged tires as their nesting sites.
While we observe that many of these used tires are just thrown away or sometimes litter the side streets, it is but fitting that tire shops should have the leeway to donate them to environmental groups that are willing to take them and put them to good use rather than serve as a breeding grounds for pests and rodents thus adding risks to human health and the environment as well.
Of course, it is a known fact that some enterprising people use them for personal gains. What these people normally do is to rebuild each tire popularly known as "recapped" tires. This method is common among poor countries where recapping of tires is becoming a big business. This is now where concern for the environment takes place. But if we want to maintain an ocean that is abundant for marine life, the best way to contribute is through the donation of used tires. What more can we ask than to have a place where the poor fishermen enjoy their time surviving and making an honest livelihood at the same time.
Leave Your Comments