Where Have Microplastics Been Found?
Freakin’ everywhere.
Seriously, we could end this post there. But since you’re here we may as well elaborate:
Microplastics (and nanoplastics) have been found in our bodies.
Where in our bodies have they been found?
Basically everywhere in our bodies. Not to mention in the products we use: our toothpaste, soaps, makeup - you name it.
Microplastics have also been found at the bottom of the ocean, and the top of the Himalayas.
Microplastics have been found in dolphin’s breath.
Microplastic have been found in clouds.
Microplastics have been found in rain.
Microplastics have been found in our oceans, lakes, rivers, seas…
Microplastics are in the air we breath, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the water we drink.
Pretty grim, huh?
And we have these folks to blame (among others).
Microplastics everywhere: Why does it matter?
Big Lead knew about the harmful effects of lead in the 1800s (citation). It was only in 1986 that, in the United States, the federal government banned the use of lead pipes and solder in new plumbing systems. The city of Flint, Michigan is still fighting for clean water. Lobbyists prevented action from being taken sooner, and - more brazenly - sometimes mandated its use.
Big Oil knew about the dangers of fossil fuels in the 1950s (citation). Scientists have been firmly warning us about climate change since the 1960s. Al Gore implored us to take action in 2006. Lobbyists prevented action from being taken sooner.
Big Pharma knew about the dangers of opioids in the 1990s (citation). Over 2,000 U.S. cities filed a lawsuit in response to the actions of six distribution companies, which were responsible for distributing 75% of the 76 billion opioid pills produced by three manufacturers nationwide. Again, lobbyists prevented action from being taken sooner.
So, when leading scientists are warning us about the dangers of Microplastics, Phthalates, BPA, and PFAS; and when, again, lobbyists are preventing action from being taken, the question we face isn’t if we should act, but how much damage we will allow before we do.
“The question we face isn’t if we should act, but how much damage we will allow before we do”
Microplastics (and phthalates, BPA and PFAS and so on) are harming humans, changing our DNA and causing cancer. They are harming wildlife, changing body conditions and altering immune system functions. They are harming our environment, impacting soil fauna, marine life and the precipitation cycle. And yet, our knowledge of the potential harms being caused by microplastics only really started being studied 20 years ago, in 2004. We have a long ways to go. While the long-term health impacts are still uncertain, emerging studies suggest that exposure to microplastics could raise risks of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
“Environmental contamination could double by 2040 and widescale harm has been predicted”
Why are microplastics everywhere?
Google Trends: Showcasing an increase in search interest in “microplastic” worldwide since 2004.
Microplastics are found everywhere because they’re created from synthetic materials that break down into tiny particles and shed across multiple sources:
Degraded plastic: Everyday items like bottles and packaging slowly fragment into smaller pieces over time.
Synthetic fibers: Clothing and textiles release microfibers with each wash and wear.
Tires: Car tires shed tiny plastic particles as they wear down on the road.
Microbeads: These small, manufactured particles are used in cosmetics and toothpaste for exfoliation.
Production spills: Small plastic particles are often released during the production of other plastic products.
As a result, microplastics accumulate in all sorts of places: dust, fabrics, cleaning products, rain, table salt, seafood, produce, and, as we know, even inside the human body.
Microplastics circulate freely through the environment, slipping through water filtration systems (click here to find some good ones) and spreading via wind and water, where they can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed.
What can we do about it?
Well, I’m sure big plastic would be thrilled if we took it upon ourselves to accept sole responsibility for this crisis.
And, certainly, there are many steps we can take:
Steps You Can Take:
Avoid single-use plastics: Bring your own reusable bags, water bottles, and containers to reduce your reliance on disposables.
Reduce plastic in your diet: Choose whole foods over highly-processed options. Swap plastic cutting boards for glass or wood, which are safer for both you and the environment.
Minimize plastic at home: Keep indoor dust (which often contains microplastics) at bay by vacuuming more often, especially if you have carpets. A robot vacuum or wet mop can help with hard floors. You should probably wear a mask just to be safe.
Cut down on plastic in laundry: Wash clothes less often, in full loads, and opt for line-drying when possible to reduce microfiber shedding. Here are some of our favorite laundry products (blog coming soon!).
Limit plastic in cooking: Preparing meals at home helps avoid takeout packaging. When ordering out, request no plastic cutlery or bags, or bring your own containers for leftovers. [But also, it’s 8pm and I haven’t started cooking yet. Takeout sure is looking appealing after a 10 hour workday.]
Choose plastic-free cleaning products: Stick to natural alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, and water for safer, less toxic cleaning. If you must be a good consumer, then here are some good options (blog coming soon!).
Recycle plastics responsibly: When recycling is necessary, rinse items thoroughly to prevent contamination.
Volunteer or organize a cleanup: Get involved in local cleanups to reduce microplastics in your community and raise awareness.
Systemic Solutions for Broader Change:
Advocate for accountability: We need more than individual action; manufacturers who profit from harmful plastic use must bear responsibility. Call for corporate accountability and policies that reduce plastic production at its source.
Demand policy reform: Governments must implement stricter regulations on plastic production and enforce penalties for pollution. Lobbying for these changes is essential to shift the burden off individual consumers (Two can play at that game, lobbyists!). Governments play a key role in reducing plastic pollution through strict regulations on production and pollution. Demand policies that prioritize the health of people and the planet over corporate profits.
Support industry-wide sustainability initiatives: Industries beyond individuals can reduce plastic use, from hospitality and food service to technology and manufacturing, which can set new standards for sustainability.
Encourage innovation in plastic waste solutions: Support research on innovative solutions, such as bacteria that can break down microplastics, which could offer a promising method for reducing plastic pollution at a large scale.
Ultimately, while personal choices matter, real change requires that we hold both manufacturers and governments accountable for our plastic-laden world. It’s time to demand bold, system-wide changes to safeguard our health and our planet.
