Alexei Volkov
Face wipes are a convenient and popular choice for cleansing and removing makeup. However, they have come under scrutiny for their environmental impact, particularly their contribution to plastic pollution. Most disposable face wipes contain plastic fibers, such as polyester, which do not biodegrade. When discarded, these wipes can break down into microplastics, polluting our oceans and harming marine life. With the rise in demand for wet wipes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the improper handling and disposal of these wipes have further exacerbated the issue. To reduce plastic waste and environmental harm, consumers are encouraged to switch to reusable alternatives or choose makeup removal methods that do not require wipes. Some companies, like NIVEA, have also started offering plastic-free wipes made from biodegradable materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are face wipes made of plastic? | Most disposable face wipes are made from plastic fibers like polyester and cotton. |
| Are face wipes biodegradable? | Most disposable face wipes are not biodegradable. |
| What are the alternatives to plastic face wipes? | Reusable makeup wipes made from organic cotton or bamboo, washable cloth wipes, and makeup products that don't require the use of wipes, like liquid cleansers or solid bars. |
| What are the environmental impacts of plastic face wipes? | Plastic face wipes can take hundreds of years to break down, leading to a significant build-up of waste in landfills and oceans. They can also release harmful chemicals into the environment and cause pollution through the release of microplastics. |
| Are there any plastic-free face wipes available? | Yes, some companies like NIVEA offer plastic-free and biodegradable face wipes made from renewable plant fibers. |
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What You'll Learn
Face wipes are made from plastic and other non-biodegradable materials
Face wipes, including those marketed as "flushable", are a major source of plastic pollution. Most face wipes are made from plastic fibres such as polyester and polypropylene, which are types of plastic. These plastic fibres can be easily broken down into microplastics under the influence of environmental factors such as radiation and heat. Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres in size and do not biodegrade. Instead, they can accumulate in ecosystems and pollute our waterways and oceans, where they can be ingested by marine life. This has led to growing concerns about the environmental impact of disposable face wipes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the demand for wet wipes and masks has increased significantly worldwide.
The plastic content in face wipes has contributed to the formation of "fatbergs", which are large masses of fat, oil, grease, and other materials that block sewers and wastewater treatment systems. In fact, according to Water UK, wet wipes account for 93% of the material blocking sewers. The UK government has recognised the problem and is taking steps to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, including wet wipes. Some companies, such as NIVEA, have also taken initiatives by launching plastic-free wipes made from biodegradable plant fibres.
In addition to plastic fibres, disposable face wipes often contain other non-biodegradable materials and chemicals, such as preservatives, fragrances, and cleansing agents. When these wipes are discarded, these chemicals can leach into the environment and potentially harm wildlife and ecosystems. It can take hundreds of years for these chemicals to fully break down, causing long-lasting pollution. Therefore, it is essential to transition to more sustainable alternatives, such as washable cloth wipes or reusable makeup remover pads made from organic cotton or bamboo.
The proper disposal of face wipes is crucial to mitigating their environmental impact. Despite claims of flushability, face wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. They can cause blockages in sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants, leading to operational problems and adverse effects on the microbial community and biological processes. Instead, used wipes should be disposed of properly in the trash, and individuals should be educated on the correct treatment and handling of these products to prevent further plastic pollution.
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They cause plastic pollution and harm to marine life
Face wipes often contain plastic, and their use has raised concerns about plastic pollution and harm to marine life. When disposed of, these wipes can end up in the ocean, where they release billions of microplastic fibres, contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution. This pollution has far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and human health.
Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in size. They are harmful because they do not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. During this time, they can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to the accumulation of plastic in their bodies and causing unknown ecological damage. The presence of microplastics in the ocean has already been observed, with reports of fish in the English Channel found to have microplastics in their guts.
The issue of face wipes contributing to plastic pollution is exacerbated by their single-use nature. As they are designed for convenience and easy disposal, people often throw them away after one use. This leads to a significant build-up of plastic waste in landfills and the ocean. Additionally, the chemicals and preservatives present in face wipes can leach into the environment, further harming wildlife and ecosystems.
The improper disposal of face wipes, such as flushing them down the toilet, has severe consequences for sewage systems. These wipes can cause blockages in sewer pipes and treatment plants, leading to operational problems and increased costs for the economy. In 2017, a massive "fatberg" composed mainly of face wipes was discovered in London's sewage system, highlighting the impact of improper disposal on infrastructure and the environment.
To address the issue of plastic pollution and harm to marine life caused by face wipes, individuals can switch to sustainable alternatives. Reusable makeup wipes made from organic cotton or bamboo are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and gentle on the skin. Oil cleansing is another option, using natural oils to dissolve makeup without the need for wipes. By adopting these small changes, we can reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.
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Plastic-free alternatives are available
Face wipes are typically made from plastic fibres like polyester and cotton blends. These blends do not biodegrade, instead, they break down into smaller plastic particles that pollute waterways and harm marine life.
There are also reusable options, such as washable cloth wipes, which can be used multiple times and are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. These can be purchased from Amazon and often come with their own laundry pouch. Reusable makeup remover pads made from bamboo or organic cotton are another alternative. These pads are soft, washable, and gentle on the skin.
If you prefer to avoid wipes altogether, oil cleansing is an option. Natural oils can be used to dissolve makeup and can be applied with your hands, a washcloth, or bamboo pads. Jojoba oil, for example, comes in a glass bottle and can also be used as a cuticle oil.
Other alternatives include cleansing face balms, and soap, which can be used in conjunction with organic, unbleached muslin cloths.
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Flushing wipes can cause clogged pipes and sewers
Wet wipes, including face wipes, are a major source of plastic pollution. They are typically made from plastic fibres like polyester and cotton, which do not biodegrade but instead break down into smaller plastic particles that pollute waterways and harm marine life. This has led to an increase in the demand for plastic-free and biodegradable face wipes. NIVEA, for example, offers face wipes made from 100% renewable plant fibres that are free from plastic.
However, regardless of whether wipes contain plastic or not, flushing them down the toilet can cause clogged pipes and sewers. Wipes can twist into ropy wads and congeal with grease and cooking fats in pipes and pumps, forming "'fatbergs'" that block sewage systems. This has led to sewer spills and backups, with sewage backing up into basements and overflowing into streams.
The pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with more people using disinfectant wipes and seeking alternatives during toilet paper shortages, resulting in an increase in wipes being flushed and causing clogs. Cities across the world have reported an increase in wipes showing up in sanitary sewer pipe systems, leading to problems such as sewage backups and overflows.
To prevent clogged pipes and sewers, it is important to never flush wipes, including "flushable" wipes, down the toilet. All wipes belong in the trash, not the toilet. By properly disposing of wipes, we can do our part to protect our water systems and the environment.
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The UK government plans to eliminate single-use plastic waste
The UK government has been taking steps to tackle single-use plastic waste in recent years. In 2021, the government announced plans to ban some of the most polluting single-use plastic items, such as plastic plates, cutlery, expanded and extruded polystyrene cups, and food and beverage containers. This was in response to a petition signed by almost 100,000 people urging the government to take urgent action on plastic pollution. The public was able to comment on the proposal through February 12, 2022.
The UK has already made progress in reducing single-use plastic waste, such as banning plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds, and restricting the supply of single-use plastic bags. The 5p charge on single-use carrier bags in supermarkets led to a 95% reduction in sales since 2015, and the minimum charge was increased to 10p. The government has also introduced a plastic packaging tax on plastic packaging that doesn't meet a minimum threshold of 30% recycled content to encourage greater use of recycled plastic.
The UK Plastics Pact, a collaboration between businesses across the plastics value chain, supported by the government, has identified eight problematic plastic items for elimination and is investigating further items. The government is also addressing other sources of plastic pollution, such as wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and balloon sticks, and considering banning plastic in these items or implementing mandatory labelling to help consumers dispose of them correctly.
The use of disposable makeup and facial wipes, which often contain plastic and contribute to microplastic pollution, is also being addressed. Sustainable alternatives, such as washable cloth wipes made from organic cotton or bamboo, are available and can be reused multiple times.
The UK government's plans to eliminate single-use plastic waste are part of its commitment to prevent all avoidable plastic waste by 2042 and protect the natural environment for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most disposable face wipes contain plastic, such as polyester and cotton.
Plastic face wipes are an issue because they are single-use and do not biodegrade. This means that they end up in landfills and oceans, contributing to plastic pollution and harming wildlife and ecosystems.
Plastic face wipes break down into smaller plastic particles called microplastics. These microplastics enter waterways and oceans, where they can be ingested by marine life, further harming the environment.
Yes, there are several sustainable alternatives to plastic face wipes, including washable cloth wipes, reusable makeup remover pads made from bamboo or organic cotton, and liquid or solid cleanser products.
Switching to plastic-free face wipes helps to reduce environmentally harmful waste. Plastic-free wipes made from biodegradable materials can naturally decompose, preventing excessive plastic waste from harming the environment.
