7 Changes You Can Make Today To Reduce Microplastic Pollution
What exactly are microplastics?
Defined as pieces of plastic under 5mm in length, microplastics have been found in everything from shellfish to bottled water to tea bags. And we are only just beginning to discover the danger they pose to human and animal life. So ubiquitous are these tiny pieces of plastic that they have been found on the peaks of the French Pyrenees and at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest oceanic trench on the planet. Microplastics are divided into two categories depending on their origin.
- Primary microplastics start out small, and include microbeads, miniscule plastic beads which are found in personal and household cleaning products. These enter our waterways when we rinse them down the drain. Artificial fabrics including acrylic, nylon and polyester shed microfibres both in the wash and while being worn, meaning microplastics are being found in atmospheric as well as aquatic environments.
- Secondary microplastics are derived from larger plastic pieces which over time are broken down by sunlight, wind, waves and heat. These enter the sea in the form of plastic litter, such as bottles, wrappers and toys. It is estimated that each year between 5 and 13 billion kilograms of plastic waste ends up in the ocean — that’s one full rubbish collection lorry every minute.
How do they pollute the environment?
Marine animals like plankton, fish and whales can mistake these tiny pieces of plastic for food and ingest them. According to the Marine Conservation Society, microplastics have been found in the stomachs of almost all marine species, from whales and dolphins to fish and shellfish bound for human consumption. Once ingested, microplastics can make their way up the food chain and accumulate in the bodies of other species. They pose a danger because they block digestive tracts, suppress appetite and alter feeding habits, all of which reduce growth and reproductive output. Some animals swallow so much plastic they starve and die.
Marine life can also be harmed through trace chemicals which adhere to the surface of plastic pieces. These toxins are washed into the sea as land runoff, and when ingested can cause liver damage and fertility problems. One study found that oysters exposed to tiny bits of polystyrene produced fewer eggs and less motile sperm.
Should we be worried about the effects of microplastics on our health?
Scientists have confirmed that most microplastics consumed by seafood remain the stomach of the animal and do not pass through to the muscle tissue, the part we eat. However, traces of microplastics are being found in many different foods and drinks, and are even making their way into our tapwater. Tea bags have come under fire recently, with studies showing they often contain polypropylene, a plastic compound that stops them from falling apart, or a plastic glue. Some brands use tea bags that are made entirely of nylon, which have been found to release thousands of microplastics into every cup of tea.
The impact on our health of these tiny particles has yet to be conclusively studied. Some early research indicates that microplastic can contain many different chemicals which leach into their surroundings, according to an article published by National Geographic. Some of these are endocrine disruptors, which interfere with normal hormone function and can contribute to weight gain. Other studies suggest microplastics can interfere with brain development in children and foetuses, while others have been linked to cancers or birth defects. More research is necessary to ascertain safe levels of microplastics, and to discover the full range of effects they can have on our health.
What is currently being done to address microplastic pollution?
In January 2018, a law came into effect banning the use of microbeads in cosmetics or personal care products in the UK. Environmentalist organisations such as Greenpeace welcome the ban, but are campaigning to have it extended to cover household and industrial cleaning products as well.
And last year, an 18 year old scientist from Ireland, Fionn Ferreira, came up with an innovative way to remove microplastics from water before they even reach the ocean. After conducting over 1000 tests, he came up with a way to remove about 87% of microplastics form polluted water using a magnetic liquid, or ferrofluid. The fluid consists of oil which attracts the pieces of microplastic, and magnetic powder, which enables you to extract the oil and microplastic from the water after it’s done its job. What a genius idea! The challenge now is scaling up this process to remove existing microplastics from our waterways and oceans.
While this innovation could be very effective at removing microplastic that is already in the ocean, the old adage remains true: Prevention is better than cure. It would be expensive and logistically inconceivable to distribute the technology across the vast expanse of the ocean, not to mention sourcing the raw materials required to create it and building disposal facilities for the collected plastic. Removing microbeads from cosmetics is a step in the right direction- but only a drop in the ocean compared to the massive systematic change required to reduce all forms of pollution, plastic or otherwise, that we are currently releasing into the environment.
What can I do to reduce my microplastic impact on the environment (and my body)?
1. Buy fewer clothes.
Artificial fabrics such as acrylic, nylon and polyester and other man-made fibres shed microplastics both in the wash and while being worn. These synthetic fabrics are popular in the fashion industry because they are widely available, durable, wear-resistant, lightweight and cheap. The most common culprits in our wardrobe include stretchy, moisture-wicking sportswear, water-resistant raincoats and fleeces. Even some jeans and t-shirts contain a cotton-synthetic blend. According to one study, between 700 and 4000 microfibres per gram of polyester fabric were shed per 40 degree wash cycle. These pieces are so tiny that they pass straight through washing machine filters and sewage treatment plants into the sea. And wearing the same polyester items released 400 microfibres per gram every 20 minutes!
Don’t worry, we’re not going to suggest you throw out all your synthetic clothes and replace them with organic cotton- that would be a huge waste, both of the clothes that you already have and the resources that go into producing new fabric- not to mention the price!
The biggest move you can make is to buy fewer clothes. Lowering demand for new items means less microplastic-shedding fabric is produced, fewer resources are wasted and less fossil fuels are emitted in catering to our hunger for new fashion. Show the clothing companies we are willing to change our habits, and they will have to respond.
2. Wash your clothes only as often as necessary.
If you already own a lot of clothes which shed microplastic, ask yourself if you really need to wash them as often as you do. Workout clothes are often made from synthetic fibres- airing out your leggings or fleece between uses instead of washing them could extend their life as well as prevent some microplastics from reaching the ocean. Could you spot-clean a stain or use washable under-arm pads to reduce the need to wash your tops as frequently? Again, this will make your garment last longer, and reduce your water, power and detergent consumption to boot!
3. Buy a microplastic catcher for your washing machine.
You may also want to consider buying a reusable microplastic-catching laundry bag to catch some of the synthetic fibres as you wash them. There are a few options for microplastic filters online, so if you decide to buy one, make sure the product is scientifically approved- even better if they can give you an idea of what percentage of microplastics the device catches compared to normal wash. Guppyfriend’s wash bag is an affordable, long-lasting option.
4. Switch to microbead-free household cleaning products.
Although microbeads have been banned from cosmetic and personal care products in the UK, they are still used in household and industrial cleaning products. Check out The Wildlife Trust for a list of ingredients to watch out for- names like polyethylene or polypropylene indicate that your product contains microbeads. The Ethical Superstore has lots of environmentally friendly household care products to choose from. A campaign is currently underway to remove microbeads from household products too — look out for petitions you can sign to help the cause.
5. Ditch single use plastics as much as you can.
Buying food, cosmetics and cleaning products from sustainable, packaging-free sources is a good place to start. If you live in a city, this should be relatively easy- bulk supermarkets where you purchase the quantity you need, using your own containers, are becoming more and more popular. Check out The Zero Waster’s list of eco-friendly shopping options in the UK to find your nearest store. When you can’t avoid single use plastic, make sure you recycle it properly- check what you local authority can and cannot recycle, and wash containers out thoroughly. Reducing plastic packaging also helps to minimise the amount of microplastic entering our bodies. Placing loose items in paper or canvas bags is a good place to start.
6. Buy loose leaf tea.
If you are concerned about microplastics in your tea, the best thing to do is to buy the loose leaf variety- you can get a cup-size filter if you want to make individual cups. And loose leaf tea is totally biodegradable, meaning the nutrients can be recycled back into the earth.
7. Write to supermarkets.
If you are concerned about plastic waste from your local grocer, you could write to the CEO of the supermarket in question, asking them if they are planning to reduce plastic packaging use in the near future. Make it clear you are on their side by highlighting how important their services are to you. Even better if you have a membership with them. Emphasise the fact that you would be happy to bring your own containers, choose from loose items and weigh them yourself. It is really important to be constructive here; opening up a dialogue requires patience, open-mindedness and compassion. Provide examples of similar companies who have achieved a reduction in plastic waste, and suggest solutions that you would be on board with.
Key Takeaways:
While we aren’t yet sure of the severity and side effects of microplastic pollution, we do know that microplastics are just one symptom of the much larger issues of overconsumption, poor systemic design and inadequate plastic waste management. The biggest changes you can make are to buy fewer throwaway items, choose long-lasting, quality goods, buy essentials in plastic free or no packaging wherever possible, and put pressure on the industry to change their ways. Each movement starts as a little ripple, which gains power as more and more people add their energy to it. Be part of the wave that turns the tide!
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/02/how-worried-should-we-be-about-microplastics
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/09/plastic-microbeads-ban-enters-force-in-uk
https://www.mcsuk.org/clean-seas/microplastics
https://thezerowaster.com/zero-waste-near-you/
https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/sources-of-exposure/microplastics
https://earther.gizmodo.com/just-walking-around-in-polyester-clothes-sheds-tons-of-1842268029
https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/19/17800654/clothes-plastic-pollution-polyester-washing-machine
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/watch-what-you-wash-away
