Do we need to inform anyone that the way plastic is used in our society is impacting the planet? Beaches are full, animals are dying from plastic in their stomachs and coral reefs are also full of debris. But we recycle? Aren’t we doing a good job?
In the 21st century, we are only just learning the impact of our plastic consumption on the environment over the past decades.
Plastic pollution is everywhere, even in our drinking water or in the most remote areas of Antarctica. In addition to the visible pollution, microplastics also pose a whole new challenge due to their small size.
These microscopic plastic particles come from different sources.
Some are released from marine debris and landfill waste as it slowly decomposes. A variety of cosmetics and beauty products contain them, including toothpaste, shampoos or body scrubs.
Many microplastics also hide in our wardrobes – they are released from synthetic clothing when it is washed.
Whether they are released from a discarded bottle or a washed shirt, they become part of our water cycle because our current technologies are unable to filter them out.
Because they cannot be removed, microplastics pose several dangers, especially to marine ecosystems. Small animals can ingest them and because the microplastic blocks their digestive tract, they can die. However, they can also be eaten by larger fish, which are eaten by larger fish... which then end up on many people's plates. As if that wasn't bad enough, microplastics can bind toxins that are then consumed along with the microplastic.
So it is essential that we all help to stop the release of microplastics into the ocean. Reduce the amount of plastic you rely on. Every little effort makes a difference.