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The term “microplastics” has become a buzzword in the news lately. In the last few weeks, we’ve even heard about how microplastics have been linked to serious health conditions, like heart attacks and stroke.
But what exactly are microplastics? And why are they such a big problem? Let’s review.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are teeny tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 mm in size, so about the size of a sesame seed or smaller. They’re not a specific kind of plastic, but more of a category based on their tiny size. These plastic fragments can come from a whole bunch of different sources and have, unfortunately become pervasive in our environment and food.
Where Do Microplastics Come From?
Some manufacturers make microplastics on purpose to use in various products. These are called primary microplastics. For example, the microbeads in exfoliating body washes and facial scrubs that you find in your local CVS or Walgreens are often microplastics. That’s why we recommend non-toxic body washes and facial cleaners that are natural and free of microbeads.
There are also secondary microplastics, which come from the breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles, cutting boards, synthetic textiles, bags, and fishing nets. Over time, things like UV radiation, wind, and waves break these plastics into smaller and smaller fragments that then pollute our ocean, soil, and waterways.
Millions of tons of microplastics have been identified in our air, water, and soil. And terrifyingly, we each allegedly ingest a credit cards’ worth of microplastics every week simply from eating, drinking, and breathing.
Why Should We Be Concerned About Microplastics?
Microplastics are more than just an environmental issue; they pose huge threats to entire ecosystems and our health.
Both ocean and land animals ingest microplastics, which can cause serious harm and even lead to their death. These particles are so tiny and pervasive that they’re found everywhere — in our oceans, soils, air, and even remote areas like the Arctic. Their small size makes them extremely difficult to clean up, to the point that these tiny plastic particles have become a huge environmental hazard.
The National Institute of Health states that microplastics are also a problem for us humans because they can stimulate the release of endocrine (hormone) disruptors. They also tend to carry toxins (heavy metals and other pollutants) as they’re absorbed, which are dangerous once we ingest them into our bodies.
Recently, it’s been in the news that microplastics may even be linked to heart attacks and stroke. A study of over 200 individuals undergoing surgery revealed that close to 60% had microplastics or smaller nano-plastics detected in a primary artery.
Those individuals were 4.5 times more prone to encountering a heart attack, stroke, or death within 34 months post-surgery compared to those whose arteries did not have plastic contaminants.
How Are We Exposed to Microplastics?
You might be wondering how these tiny particles can affect you and your family. Not only are they floating around in many facial scrubs and moisturizers, but they also end up in our food. Through the food chain, for example, we eat fish that have been consuming microplastics. (It’s enough to make anyone look differently at a plate of haddock piccata, isn’t it?)
They can also end up in our drinking water. Both tap and bottled water can contain microplastics, which is why it’s always a good idea to use an effective water filter to purify your drinking water — even while camping.
Microplastics in Cosmetics
When we think about the microplastics in consumer products, a big problem area is cosmetics and other personal care products. The tiny plastic particles are often hidden in products we use daily without realizing it.
As mentioned above, microbeads are tiny plastic particles that companies have often used for their exfoliating properties in products like face scrubs, body washes, and even in some toothpastes (yuck). They’re designed to wash off, but their small size lets them slip right through water treatment systems and enter bodies of water in our ecosystems (which then are ingested by the fish, which other animals eat, and so on and so forth right up the food chain and onto our plates).
Then there are microfibers, which are found in some makeup removal wipes. These fibers can detach and contribute to microplastic pollution, as well.
Finally, there’s the problem of plastic glitters. Commonly used in makeup, shampoos, and other personal care products, these glitters are also a version of microplastics. So all those ladies on Bachelor in Paradise wearing the super shiny sparkles on rose ceremony nights? They’re unfortunately contributing to the microplastic pollution problem each time they douse themselves in glitter.
Some countries have started to ban microbeads in cosmetics to reduce the environmental threat posed by these tiny particles. This is a good first step, but it’s just that — and we have a ways to go before we can be sure that the make-up and skincare products we’re using are free from microplastics.
How To Avoid Microplastics In Your Daily Life
First of all, always check labels! Look for products labeled with terms like “microplastic-free” or “zero microplastics.” Ingredients to avoid include:
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
You can also choose natural exfoliants instead of ones with microplastics and microfibers. Look for products with natural exfoliating ingredients like oatmeal, salt, or coffee grounds.
You can opt, as well, to choose non-toxic make-up brands that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint and don’t use any microplastics in their products.
What Can We Do To Reduce the Microplastic Problem? 10 Steps You Can Take
While the issue of microplastics might seem overwhelming and impossible to deal with, there are some actions we can all take:
- Reduce plastic use: Limit your use of plastics and opt for sustainable materials instead. Opt for a reusable water bottle or tumbler whenever possible to avoid single-use cups. You can also find reusable straws, which are better for the environment in a number of ways.
- Dispose of plastic properly: Dispose of plastic waste responsibly to prevent it from breaking down into microplastics. Recycle and reuse what you can so you’re cutting down on how much plastic ends up in landfills.
- Choose microplastic-free personal care products and cleaners: Avoid skin-care and make-up products containing microbeads or other microplastics. There are lots of non-toxic, plastic-free solutions out there to look for instead, including dish soap and laundry detergents made without plastic.
- Opt for non-plastic alternatives in the home: Instead of buying a plastic cutting board, consider a wood cutting board instead.
- Use reusable bags: Bring your own reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping to avoid using single-use plastic bags.
- Choose products with minimal packaging: Look for products with minimal or no plastic packaging when shopping, and choose products in glass, paper, or cardboard packaging instead.
- Avoid single-use plastics: Avoid using single-use plastics such as plastic utensils, baggies, plates, cups, and food containers. Opt for reusable alternatives made of materials like beeswax wraps, reusable food storage bags, and stainless steel or glass food storage containers.
- Choose plastic-free personal care products: Look for personal care products like shampoo and conditioner, face washes, and body wash that come in plastic-free packaging or refillable containers.
- Avoid synthetic clothing: Synthetic clothing can release microplastics when washed. Opt for natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, and hemp, which break down more easily and shed fewer microplastics.
- Get involved: Advocate for policies that reduce plastic waste and ban microplastics in products. You can also inform others about the issue and how they can help. You can find community clean-up efforts in your area to help remove plastic waste from beaches, rivers, and other water bodies, preventing them from breaking down into microplastics.
The Microplastics Problem: A Call To Action
Microplastics are a huge environmental challenge that requires collective action and awareness. By making informed choices and pushing for change, we can all contribute to the solution. Every small action counts in the fight against this global issue. So ditch the products with microplastics, opt for all natural cleaning solutions, lotions, and make-up, and start making change today.
