What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm (0.2 inches) in size, found in consumer products, manufactured products and even in water. Microplastics come in two forms: primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are small plastics deliberately manufactured to be small, such as in exfoliation scrubs or facial cleansers. Secondary microplastics are usually the result of the breakdown over time of bigger and larger plastics like plastic bags or beverage bottles.

The Danger of Microplastics

Despite their tiny size, the danger of microplastics is alarmingly high. Microplastics can easily pass through water filtration systems and find their way into many aquatic and terrestrial sources of food. As plastic is not biodegradable, this means that the ingested microplastics stay in the environment for years. Additionally, certain chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics also present a health hazard if ingested.

How Can We Reduce Microplastic Pollution?

One way we can reduce the amount of microplastics in our environment is by reducing our dependence on single-use plastics that contain microplastics such as facial exfoliators or single-use plastic straws. Avoiding exfoliating products and opting for biodegradable alternatives is an effective way to reduce our plastic footprint. Additionally, investing in and using high-quality, reusable items is also an effective way to reduce microplastic pollution. Finally, recycling as much plastic as possible also helps reduce the amount of microplastic entering our environment.