Reducing Microplastic Pollution: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

Microplastics are small plastic pieces measuring less than 5mm. They are everywhere, from the oceans to the air we breathe, and are ingested by humans and animals alike. With plastic production increasing, this problem is only expected to worsen. To reduce microplastic pollution, individuals can take several steps, including reducing the use of single-use plastics, buying organic clothes, changing laundry habits, using public transportation, and supporting policies and organisations that aim to curb plastic production and improve waste management.

Reduce use of single-use plastics

Reducing the use of single-use plastics is a critical step in tackling the microplastic pollution crisis. Single-use plastic products (SUPPs) are a major threat to environmental and human health due to their production, distribution, and littering. Here are some ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics:

Opt for Reusable Alternatives

Choose reusable products whenever possible. Bring your own bags, cups, or containers when shopping or getting takeout. Reusable bags, such as cotton or non-woven polypropylene shopping bags, are becoming more common. You can also opt for portable and reusable plastic or stainless steel bottles, cups, and tableware. Reusable silicone menstrual cups and cloth nappies are other examples of reusable personal hygiene products.

Turn 'Single-Use' into 'Multi-Use'

When the use of SUPPs is unavoidable, try to reuse them instead of immediately disposing of them. For example, durable single-use plastic bags, bottles, cups, and take-away food packaging can often be reused or repurposed. Even single-use alternatives made of other materials, such as paper bags, should be reused multiple times to have a lower environmental impact than a single-use plastic bag.

Choose Reusable Shopping Bags

Remember to bring your own reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping. Cloth, string, or wicker bags are great options. By doing this, you can save costs for both businesses and yourself, as businesses can save on SUPP-associated supply and storage expenditure, and you can avoid paying extra for shopping bags.

Buy Bulk Food and Reduce Packaged Products

Disposable containers, such as polystyrene trays, plastic bottles, and plastic containers, are inundating supermarkets. Look for stores that offer the option to buy food products in bulk. This way, you can reduce the amount of single-use plastic packaging you consume.

Replace Plastic with Glass or Steel Containers

If you usually eat meals from plastic containers, consider switching to glass or stainless steel containers. In addition to being better for the environment, these alternatives may also be better for your health, as some plastic containers can release harmful substances.

Avoid Single-Use Plastic Cutlery and Straws

Single-use plastic plates and cutlery, and straws may be convenient, but they cause serious harm to the planet. Fortunately, there are viable alternatives available, such as metal, glass, or bamboo straws, and reusable cutlery.

Change your laundry routine

Laundry is a major source of microplastic pollution, with synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylics shedding tiny plastic fibres every time they are washed. A single wash load can release several million microfibres, which end up in our oceans, rivers, and lakes.

• Opt for natural fabrics that biodegrade, such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, and rayon. These natural fibres will still contribute microfibres to your wash water, but they will biodegrade in the environment.
• Avoid synthetic materials like nylon, polyester, acrylic, and spandex/lycra. These materials are commonly used for fitness clothing, and the worst offender for shedding is fuzzy polyester fleece.
• Wash sparingly. Consider wearing your clothes more than once before washing them, and try to spot-clean spills instead of washing the entire garment. This will reduce the overall amount of shed fibres and help your clothes last longer.
• Invest in a microfiber filter for your washing machine, such as the PlanetCare or Filtrol, to prevent plastics from entering your wastewater. These devices are highly effective in reducing your household's input of microplastics into waterways.
• Use cold water for your washes. Warm water will break down fabrics faster, so using cold water can help reduce the release of microfibres.
• Avoid the gentle cycle and other settings that increase the washing time of laundry loads. The longer fabrics are tossed around in the washing machine, the more they will break down.
• Choose a front-loading washing machine over a top-loading one, as they are gentler and cause less shedding.
• Hang your laundry to dry instead of using a dryer. The heat and friction of the dryer can break down fabrics prematurely and release additional microfibres into the air.
• Use mesh laundry bags for your synthetic clothing, such as the Guppyfriend bag, to capture microplastics. When cleaning the bag, be sure to throw the fibres away with your garbage and not down the drain.
• Try the Cora Ball, an engineered ball that helps reduce the amount of fibres that break off clothes during the wash cycle. It also collects any fibres that do come loose into fuzz that clings to the ball.
• Choose your detergent carefully. Powdered detergents generate more friction during the wash, which may cause more fibres to break off. Detergent pods and sheets contain dissolvable plastic, while liquid detergents often come in plastic jugs that can contribute to the plastic problem.

Avoid products with microbeads

Microplastics are small plastic particles, typically less than 5mm wide, that are found everywhere, including in our oceans, rivers, air, food, bottled water, and tap water. They are generated from a variety of sources, including larger plastic debris that degrades over time, synthetic clothing, and car tires, among others.

Microbeads are a specific type of microplastic, typically smaller than 1mm, that are intentionally added to cosmetic and personal care products for scrubbing or exfoliating purposes. They are often used as cheap fillers or emulsifying agents and are commonly found in products like face wash, toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, makeup, and deodorant.

To reduce microplastic pollution, it is crucial to avoid products that contain microbeads. Here are some detailed instructions to help you do that:

• Read labels carefully: When purchasing cosmetic or personal care products, take the time to read the labels carefully. Look for ingredients that indicate the presence of microbeads, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These abbreviations often indicate the use of microplastics in the product.
• Opt for sustainable and natural alternatives: Choose cosmetic and household products that offer alternative ingredients, often listed as "natural alternatives" to microbeads. Look for products that are labelled as microbead-free or microplastic-free. Some brands, such as those with the 'Zero Plastic Inside' logo, are dedicated to producing microplastic-free items.
• Be cautious of marketing claims: Cosmetic companies may try to find loopholes in regulations or use vague terminology. For example, the term "microplastic" is not consistently defined, and companies may exclude certain ingredients from their definition, allowing them to continue using microplastics. Be a conscious consumer and do your research to support brands that are genuinely committed to reducing microplastics.
• Use apps and databases: Take advantage of technology to help you make informed choices. There are apps available, such as Beat the Microbead, that allow you to scan or search for products to identify if they contain microplastics. These tools can provide you with information and alerts about the presence of microplastics in various products.
• Support regulations and organizations: Advocate for stricter regulations on the use of microplastics in cosmetic and personal care products. Write to your local representatives, sign petitions, and support organizations like Beat the Microbead, which is working to raise awareness and drive consumers to make better choices.
• Avoid single-use plastics: Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, and utensils, contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. By avoiding these products and opting for reusable alternatives, you can reduce the overall demand for single-use plastics, which in turn reduces the potential for microplastic generation.

By following these instructions and being mindful of the products you purchase, you can significantly reduce your contribution to microplastic pollution and encourage a shift towards more sustainable practices.

Support legislation to curb plastic production

The production of plastic has increased exponentially since the mid-1900s, and this has resulted in a significant rise in plastic waste, which is expected to triple by 2060. The world is struggling to cope with the volume of plastic waste, and it is essential to address this issue through legislation that curbs plastic production.

One notable example of legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution is the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act, introduced by US lawmakers. This act aims to reduce America's reliance on single-use plastics and establish stricter rules for petrochemical plants to protect human health and the environment. The act also addresses the issue of greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, contributing to climate change.

Legal analysts and experts have also recommended that the United States implement federal policies that restrict plastic use and hold manufacturers accountable for their waste. Banning single-use plastic products such as bags, straws, and polystyrene foam food containers is a crucial step towards reducing plastic pollution. Extended producer responsibility schemes, which mandate plastic manufacturers to manage the waste they create, are another effective strategy.

Furthermore, states and municipalities have taken initiatives to ban plastic straws, plastic foodware, and polystyrene foam containers. These local efforts are significant, but proponents of plastic bans advocate for federal action to ensure consistency and prevent states from obstructing such bans.

To address the plastic pollution crisis effectively, it is essential to support and enact legislation that curbs plastic production, promotes sustainable alternatives, and holds manufacturers accountable for their environmental impact. These legislative efforts are crucial to reducing the devastating effects of plastic waste on our planet.

Reduce shellfish/seafood consumption

Shellfish and seafood are a significant source of microplastics, which can be harmful to human health. Microplastics are ingested by marine life, including fish and shellfish, and then passed on to humans when they are consumed. Shellfish are of particular concern because they are often consumed whole, meaning the microplastics in their digestive tracts are also ingested.

Research has found microplastics in many species of shellfish, including mussels, oysters, clams, winkles, and scallops. A study by Van Cauwenberghe and Janssen found that farmed mussels had a higher concentration of microplastics than wild-caught mussels. Another study by Rochman et al. found microplastics in 28% of commercially sold fish from Indonesia and 25% from California.

The potential health risks of consuming microplastics are still being studied, but initial research suggests that they can cause inflammation, cellular proliferation, necrosis, and a compromised immune system. They can also transfer hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogenic bacteria to humans.

To reduce your microplastic consumption and exposure, it is recommended to reduce or avoid eating shellfish and seafood, especially those that are consumed whole.

Other ways to reduce microplastic pollution

In addition to reducing shellfish and seafood consumption, there are several other ways to reduce your microplastic pollution and exposure:

• Buy organic or eco-friendly clothing made from natural materials like cotton, silk, wool, or hemp. Synthetic clothing, such as polyester, is a significant contributor to microplastics.
• Change your laundry habits by using quality filters that catch microplastics, air-drying your clothes, using less water, avoiding delicate wash settings, and washing your clothes less often.
• Avoid single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, and utensils. Bring your own reusable bags, use a refillable water bottle, and opt for reusable metal, glass, or bamboo straws.
• Buy plastic-free cosmetics and household products that do not contain microbeads. Read labels carefully and avoid products with ingredients like polyethylene and polypropylene.
• Use public or alternative transportation, such as walking, biking, or taking the bus or train. Car tires are a major source of microplastics, contributing to 28% of microplastics in the ocean.
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as this can cause plastics to leach into your food.
• Regularly dust and vacuum your home to reduce microplastics in your indoor air. Use air filters or purifiers that specifically capture microplastics, and consider hard flooring over carpet, as carpeting releases more microplastics.

Frequently asked questions