Microplastics Are a Macro Problem
Microplastics are everywhere, including inside of us. Here are 10 things you can do to mitigate them.
Microplastics are a Macro Problem
What are Microplastics?
The term “microplastic” was coined in 2004 by a marine biologist and leader of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth named Richard Thompson. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic no larger than 5mm long (0.19685 inches). They are everywhere and are harmful to living things and the environment. They infiltrate ecosystems in a variety of ways, from garbage and industrial waste to clothing and cosmetics. It was previously believed the majority of this waste accumulates in the oceans; however recent studies have surfaced that show this is not the case.
There are 2 types of microplastics, primary and secondary.
Primary microplastics are the tiny plastic fragments that enter the environment 5mm or less in size. The origin sources for these range from plastic pellets (or nurdles) which are made intentionally this size in order to create larger size plastic items. These pellets waste is discharged into the environment, contributing to the plastic problem.
Another primary source are the microbeads used in cosmetics, toothpaste and products like body scrubs. These tiny particles can be rinsed off and find their way into both ocean and fresh water sources, posing a threat to the life inhabiting those ecosystems. In 2015, the US Congress passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act to address concerns about microbeads in the water supply and set deadlines to phase out the production & use of microbeads in products. Other countries have taken similar approaches.
Synthetic textile microfibers are another source. As the material is washed, tiny bits of material are released and may enter water systems and contribute to the overall plastic pollution problem.
Secondary microplastics originate from the breaking down of larger plastic products. Examples of origin sources of these are plastic beverage bottles and bags, packaging, containers, and seemingly harmless things like tea bags
How much Microplastics are there?
According to the World Economic Forum, a lot more than we thought. Including both microplastics and even smaller mini-microplastics, it is estimated to be 8.3 million pieces per square meter vs the prior estimate of 10 microplastic bits per square meter. Per the UN, about 13 million tons of plastic infiltrate the oceans annually and cause about $13 billion of economic damage.
These tiny bits of plastic are literally found everywhere. They have been found in Antarctic ice cores. They are found in our food, not only fish. Water contaminated by microplastics can be drawn into the root systems of food crops and has shown up in produce like carrots and lettuce. They have been found in our air, wastewater and drinking water, and ourselves.
In fact, studies have shown that about 83% of tap water collected from 5 continents across 12 countries contained microplastic. And, by going about our day to lives eating and drinking, we consume the equivalent of a credit cards’ worth of plastic per week.
An article from Science Magazine describes how microplastic can transmit from water to soli to air and estimates that the yearly deposit of microplastics on protected land in the western U.S. alone is over 122 tons.
And, by 2025, it is estimated that over 11 billion metric tons of plastic will have been deposited in the environment. Given their small size, it is easy for them to infiltrate the food chain at many points.
What can we do about it?
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) has several ideas:
Don’t buy products with obvious microplastics like micro beads in face scrubs.
Cut out single use plastic. Make it easy to accomplish by keeping reusable organic cotton totes and bags in your car or by the door. Buy and keep reusable straws in your car or bag.
Eliminate plastic in your life wherever you have the opportunity-if we all do something it will add up to a lot!
If you have a business, use sustainable packaging and consider options like bulk dust bags.
Write to companies you engage with asking them to switch to sustainable packaging. You can also write to your town or city to advocate for no plastic bags.
Do your laundry thoughtfully. If you own synthetic items, try to wash them only when necessary and air them out in the sun between cleaning to help cut back on environmental microfiber contamination
Vote. Vote for policies that ban plastic or taxes them for example.
Petition and protest against industrial plastic pollution.
Recycle whenever and where ever you can. Support local recycling efforts. Know what your recycling center will and will not accept.
Broadcast your efforts to friends, family, the community. Remember, if everyone does something, a lot can be accomplished!
As consumers, we have purchasing power. Shop brands that are committed to doing their part to solving this worldwide problem-here a few examples:
Norton Point is an eyewear brand founded in 2016. Norton Point makes sunglasses sustainably from ocean plastic. They reinvest 5% of their net profits into development and clean-up efforts, education, and research. They pledge to remove one pound of plastic for every pair of sunglasses they sell.
Adidas has set a goal of 0 virgin polyester and producing all of its products from recycled ocean plastics by 2024. In the meanwhile, the brand is in the process of eliminating plastic bags in all 2,900 of its’ retail stores. They have also partnered with Parley for the Oceans, to develop shoes and apparel made from upcycled ocean plastic.
Patagonia has long been leading by example in the sustainability arena, making recycled polyester from soda bottles since about 1993. With an ultimate goal of using 100% recycled materials, the company is on a path to completely eliminate all virgin materials from its’ manufacturing chain. A great example of this is their Black Hole bags, whose body and trims are made with 100% recycled materials, mostly from plastic bottles.
ADAY is a direct-to-consumer company founded in 2015 with a mission to change how people shop by offering seasonless, versatile sustainably made clothing out of things like recycled post-consumer water bottles.
Girlfriend Collective is an activewear brand that is committed to making eco-friendly products with transparency. In addition to using materials made from post-consumer plastic and nylon from things like plastic bottles and fishing nets, they also sell a microfiber filter that attaches to your washing machine, preventing those tiny particles from entering the water stream.
At Gallant International, we are committed to creating ethically and sustainably made products with respect to the planet and its people while serving our customers need. And it is our pleasure to help other companies and brands on their ethical and sustainable journeys.
Our products include custom bulk drawstring muslin bags, which are a great alternative to plastic when it comes to product packaging, backpacks for school, custom cosmetic bags and much more.
Learn more about our values and commitments HERE.
