Ethan Clarke
Microscopic pieces of plastic, or microplastics, are a pressing issue for the environment, wildlife, and human health. They are found everywhere, from the Mariana Trench to the Pyrenees mountains, and even in human blood, placenta, lungs, and breast milk. Microplastics can be primary, which are small pieces of plastic that are purposefully manufactured, or secondary, which are derived from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. They can take up to 14 days to pass through an animal, and can even be transferred into the bodies of higher trophic-level feeders when microplastic-laden animals are consumed. While there are ways to reduce microplastic pollution, such as beach cleanups and supporting policies aimed at reducing microfiber pollution, it is important to note that microplastics, once in the environment, are nearly impossible to clean up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How microplastics are formed | Large plastic items break down into smaller pieces over time due to factors such as sunlight, oxidation, friction, and animals nibbling on them. |
| Size | Microplastics range in size from 1 μm to 5 mm. Nanoplastics are smaller than 1 μm and cannot be seen by the human eye. |
| Sources | Microplastics can come from larger plastic debris, microbeads in health and beauty products, resin pellets used for manufacturing, microfibers in clothing, and food packaging. |
| Environmental impact | Microplastics are found in water, soil, air, and even remote regions like the Pyrenees mountains and the Mariana Trench. They can be ingested by wildlife and work their way up the food chain, potentially affecting human health. |
| Solutions | Reduce the use of single-use plastics, support policies and campaigns aimed at reducing microfiber pollution, join beach cleanups, and advocate for the phase-out of toxic plastic products. |
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What You'll Learn
Reducing single-use plastics
Reducing the use of single-use plastics is the most effective way to avoid plastic waste. While recycling is an option, the OECD found that 91% of plastic is not recycled, with only 19% being incinerated. The majority of plastic ends up in landfills or the environment, where it breaks down into microplastics.
Microplastics are small fragments of plastic, ranging in size from 1 μm to 5 mm, that are either primary or secondary in origin. Primary microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are manufactured for specific purposes, such as microbeads in health and beauty products, or microplastic scrubbers used in cleaning products and air-blasting technology. Secondary microplastics are derived from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, through physical, biological, and photochemical degradation. Both types of microplastics can further degrade into nanoplastics, which are smaller than 1 μm and cannot be seen by the human eye.
To reduce the number of single-use plastics, individuals can make simple changes such as avoiding bottled water, using reusable bags when shopping, and cooking and storing leftovers instead of using takeout containers. Buying in bulk and avoiding individually packaged goods can also help reduce plastic waste. At a corporate level, some companies are experimenting with designs that reduce waste and utilize reusable or compostable components. For example, in response to Coca-Cola's contribution of three million metric tons of plastic packaging per year, there have been calls for change and shifting consumer habits.
On a global scale, 175 nations gathered at the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2022 to address the plastic pollution crisis. The nations agreed to draft a legally binding treaty to reduce plastic production, particularly its most toxic forms, by the end of 2024. This provides an opportunity to block the flow of unnecessary single-use plastics, prevent microplastics from entering water and food supplies, and reduce environmental destruction. While microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment, it is still important to reduce their prevalence to minimize their impact on human and environmental health.
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Banning microbeads in health and beauty products
Microplastics are small plastic particles that are either manufactured or derived from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. They are commonly found in the environment, including in water, soil, and air, and can be harmful to both human health and the environment due to the presence of toxic chemicals.
Microbeads, a type of microplastic, are tiny pieces of manufactured polyethylene plastic added as exfoliants to health and beauty products such as cleansers, scrubs, and toothpastes. These microbeads easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans and lakes, posing a threat to aquatic life. In 2015, the United States banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics through the Microbead-Free Waters Act, addressing concerns about their presence in the water supply.
The Microbead-Free Waters Act prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. This law also applies to products that are both cosmetics and non-prescription drugs, providing deadlines for companies to stop manufacturing and introducing these products into interstate commerce. The act was passed in response to the various state laws banning microbeads and to ensure a single federal law applied nationally.
The international campaign "Beat the Microbead" has also played a significant role in raising awareness and advocating for the restriction of microplastics in cosmetics. Since its inception in 2012, 19 countries have taken steps to ban microbeads, and they continue to inform people about the pollution caused by microplastics in cosmetics.
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Beach cleanups
The Cocos research and a 2017 study of Henderson Island in the South Pacific revealed that the majority of beach plastics were microplastics embedded in the sand. This finding underscores the need for cleanup methods that extend beyond the removal of visible plastic waste. Microplastics can alter the temperature, chemistry, and water absorption and evaporation rates of beach sediments, thereby affecting the animals that inhabit these environments.
To effectively address the issue of microscopic plastic pollution on beaches, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes intercepting plastic pollution in rivers, as demonstrated by organizations like The Ocean Cleanup, and implementing systemic changes to reduce plastic waste and improve waste management practices. Additionally, further research is needed to fully understand the ecological impacts of microplastics and develop strategies to mitigate their harm.
While beach cleanups are an essential component of the solution, they must be complemented by upstream interventions and policy changes to address the root causes of plastic pollution and protect our marine environments from the insidious threat of microscopic plastic particles.
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Reducing microfiber pollution
Microplastics are small plastic particles that are either manufactured or derived from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. They are commonly found in health and beauty products, as well as in the environment due to plastic pollution. These microplastics can further break down into nanoplastics, which are nearly invisible even under advanced microscopes. Unfortunately, microplastics and nanoplastics are now present everywhere, including in water, soil, air, and even in remote regions of the world.
Microfiber pollution is a significant contributor to the presence of microplastics in the environment. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed tiny microfibers during washing, which then flow down the drain and enter our waterways. These microfibers are too small to be effectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants. To reduce microfiber pollution, individuals can take the following actions:
- Reduce the amount of polyester and synthetic clothing in your wardrobe. Opt for natural fibres like cotton or wool instead.
- Wash synthetic clothing less frequently and for shorter durations.
- Only wash a full load of laundry to reduce friction between clothes, which helps decrease fibre release.
- Switch to using liquid laundry soap instead of laundry powder, as powders can scrub and loosen more microfibers.
- Use colder water settings for washing and drying synthetic clothes, as higher temperatures can damage the fabrics and release more fibres.
- Place lint from the dryer in the trash instead of washing it down the drain.
- Consider using products like the Cora Ball, which claims to reduce the amount of fibre breaking off clothes during washing.
While individual actions are important, it is also crucial that companies and industries take responsibility and find solutions to tackle microfiber pollution. This includes clothing companies, washing machine manufacturers, and wastewater treatment plants. By working together, we can help reduce the impact of microfiber pollution on our environment.
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Reducing plastic pollution from large corporations
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious danger to marine life, terrestrial animals, and human health. While individual actions can contribute to reducing plastic waste, large corporations have a much bigger environmental footprint and play a crucial role in combating this global problem. Here are some ways to reduce plastic pollution from large corporations:
Reduce Plastic Packaging
Corporations can reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging. This can be achieved by using alternative materials, minimizing packaging, or adopting more sustainable packaging designs. For example, some companies have started using paper or cardboard packaging instead of plastic for certain products.
Eliminate Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, disposable cutlery, straws, and plastic wrap, contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Large corporations can help address this issue by eliminating or reducing the use of single-use plastics in their operations and supply chains. They can promote reusable or biodegradable alternatives instead.
Increase Recycling and Reusable Options
Many corporations have focused on increasing recycling efforts and using more recycled materials in their products. While recycling is an important part of the solution, it is not enough on its own. Corporations should also prioritize the use of reusable or refillable products and packaging over single-use options. This shift can significantly reduce the demand for new plastic production.
Phase Out Virgin Plastic
Virgin plastic, or plastic made from fossil fuels, is the primary source of plastic pollution. Corporations should prioritize reducing their use of virgin plastic and instead opt for recycled or biodegradable plastics. By phasing out virgin plastic, companies can help decrease the environmental impact of plastic production and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Encourage Sustainable Alternatives
Large corporations can leverage their influence to promote and invest in sustainable alternatives to plastic. This includes supporting research and development of biodegradable materials, compostable packaging, and innovative recycling technologies. By encouraging and adopting these alternatives, corporations can drive market demand and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy.
Transparent and Measurable Commitments
Many large corporations have made voluntary commitments to reduce plastic pollution, but these pledges often lack specificity and measurable targets. Corporations should set clear and time-bound goals for reducing plastic waste, with transparent reporting on their progress. This transparency ensures accountability and allows consumers and stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts.
In conclusion, while individual actions are important, addressing plastic pollution requires systemic change led by large corporations. By implementing the strategies outlined above, corporations can significantly reduce their plastic footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for all.
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Frequently asked questions
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5mm in diameter. They can come from a variety of sources, including larger plastic pieces that have broken apart, resin pellets used for plastic manufacturing, or in the form of microbeads, which are small manufactured plastic beads used in health, beauty, and cleaning products.
Microplastics are dangerous to human and wildlife health, as well as the environment. They contain harmful chemicals which leak into the air, water, and food. They are ingested by wildlife, potentially working their way up the food chain and ending up in our bodies. They have been detected in human blood, placenta, lungs, breastmilk, and commercial seafood.
There are several ways to reduce microplastic pollution. We can join beach cleanups to pick up larger pieces of plastic before they turn into microplastics, support policies aimed at reducing microfiber pollution, and push for policy changes at the local and international levels. We can also reduce our reliance on single-use plastic products and support companies that are taking the initiative to reduce waste and utilize reusable or compostable components.
