We are potentially consuming at least 1,769 plastic particles a week, according to WWF¹
Microplastics are all around us and have emerged as a pervasive environmental concern in recent years. This insidious pollutant is in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the water we drink, without us realizing it. The threat of microplastics is so concerning that the European Commission recently adopted a series of broad measures[2] to fight microplastic pollution. The new ban will impact a vast array of products including cosmetics, detergents, glitter, toys, medicine, and more.
But what exactly are microplastics? They are commonly defined as plastic particles that are smaller than 5mm in diameter[3]. These particles originate from a variety of sources, including those released by industrial processes and the degradation of plastic objects.
Impacts to the environment
Microplastics are so small they are nearly invisible, but they are a threat to our health and impact the environment in a number of ways. With people discarding tons of tiny bits of plastic every year, microplastics have been found in terrestrial and aquatics ecosystems and animals big and small.
1. Environmental Disruption: WWF stated a third of plastic waste ends up in nature due to mismanagement, accounting for 100 million metric tons of plastic in 2016, causing plastic pollution in the oceans[4], affecting aquatic organisms and consequently, the entire food chain. In 2021, Japanese scientists from Kyushu University estimated there are 24.4 trillion microplastics in the world’s upper oceans alone, equating to 30 billion of half-liter water bottles[5]. Moreover, a review of research published from 2019-2020 revealed 60% of fish studied globally contained microplastics[6]. This is a concerning reality and a sign that plastic and microplastics are encroaching on marine animal’s habitat, harming our oceans.
2. Health Hazards: Research has, however, also shown that microplastics are more harmful to humans than animals, potentially causing inflammation, cellular damage, and other health issues when they enter our bodies. A study by WWF revealed humans possibly consume at least 1,769 plastic particles every week from drinking water alone. This alarming number doesn’t take into account the microplastics we consume when eating seafood, salt, or vegetables. Seafood lovers can consume and ingest 182 plastic particles every week according to WWF[7] and possibly intake 1,000 microplastics a year on the basis of eating half a pound of fish twice per week[8].
Sustainable alternatives
In order to combat the growing threat of microplastics, it is imperative for us to transition towards sustainable alternatives which minimize plastic pollution and limit repercussions for current and future generations.
1. Microplastics exist everywhere: personal hygiene products, cosmetics, food packaging, clothes and more. Researchers in Ireland discovered that 91% of microplastics found in the water around an island approximately 1km off the coast originated from wet wipes and sanitary towels[9], and considering that nearly 90% of wet wipes contain plastic[10], they are one of the main culprits of microplastic pollution in oceans. As consumers, we can embody a cradle-to-grave approach to evaluate a product’s impact at each stage of its life cycle by supporting responsible manufacturers like Lenzing and its brand VEOCEL™. By making conscious choices, supporting innovative and sustainable solutions, we can play a crucial role in mitigating plastic pollution caused by waste mismanagement and its detrimental effects on the environment.
2. Moreover, we can reduce individual plastic pollution by replacing single-use plastics with other sustainable alternatives by adopting reusable cotton shopping bags, stainless steel bottles, or bamboo utensils. This simple act will go a long way.
3. Apart from choosing sustainable products, we can participate in different kinds of volunteering initiatives such as beach cleanups, riverbank restoration projects, or educational workshops that shed light on microplastic pollution. Our hands-on contribution can make a significant impact in preserving our oceans and environment from plastic pollution.
We can collectively combat the adverse effects of microplastics, embracing sustainable alternatives to foster a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
[1] http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/plastic_ingestion_press_singles.pdf
[2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/montenegro/reducing-microplastic-pollution-plastic-pellets_en
[3] https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/362049/9789240054608-eng.pdf?sequence=1
[4] http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/plastic_ingestion_press_singles.pdf
[6] https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Microplastics-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-2.3.23.pdf
[7] http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/plastic_ingestion_press_singles.pdf
[8] https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2021/10/18/eating-microplastics/
[9] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200623104234.htm
[10] https://www.mcsuk.org/news/our-seas-are-swimming-in-wet-wipes-its-time-to-take-action/