As technology becomes more streamlined and efficient, human’s dependence on plastic has increased. While this material has a myriad of uses, it has given birth to a new problem – plastic pollution in the form of microplastics. These are “small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inches) in length, that occur in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution.” (Kara Rogers) 

There are two types of microplastics, primary and secondary. The former are those made for commercial use, while the latter is formed when more oversized plastic items break down. And while they derive from differing sources, they are extremely harmful to the environment as they do not decompose but instead break down into smaller pieces (Janice Brahney et al). It may be surprising to know how many primary microplastics we handle in our everyday lives as they are present in cosmetics like toothpaste and skincare products (in the form of microbeads), groceries like beer, and chewing gum; and household goods like baking paper and sanitary napkins. (itsinourhands.com)

Not only are these plastics dangerous to marine animals that ingest them, but they also present an issue for human beings. According to Andrea Thompson, microplastics can harbor hazardous chemicals and pesticides, which can damage organs, compromise the function of the immune system, and adversely affect growth and reproduction. The damage doesn’t stop there. According to a report from the World Health Organisation, microplastics are found almost everywhere in the environment, including oceans, waste and freshwater, food, air, and in both bottled and tap water.

It is also important to note the disproportionate impact of microplastics on countries in the developing world. After China banned imported waste in January 2018, countries such as China, the US, UK, and Australia began diverting their waste to other countries in Southeast Asia. This decision left the people of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam with massive influxes of plastics, threatening their environments and surroundings. Ultimately, a select group of countries bear the brunt of the consequences for others’ wasteful habits. 

While the outlook is grim, there are several ways that we can help to reduce the occurrence of microplastics, including reducing our use of single-use plastics (e.g., water bottles, grocery bags, straws), recycling, and reducing our own consumption. Systemically, commitments from corporations are urgently needed to ensure that they start cleaning up their fair share of the mess. Finally, we can urge local representatives to follow the lead of the European Union and ban harmful plastics. For example, laws that limit the use of microplastics, such as banning single-use straws, bags, and specific types of takeout containers, can shift behaviors to more sustainable habits. If we put our best foot forward, we can take the best steps to change.

Recap:

• Microplastics are small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 cm) that occur in the environment as a result of plastic pollution.
• Microplastics are hazardous to the environment, nature and human beings.
• In order to curb the occurrence of microplastics, we can reduce our use of single use plastics, recycle and spread the word.

To access and sign the petition to ban microplastics, click the “Go to Petition” button.

Rogers, K. (2019), Microplastics. Retrieved 19.04.2021 from

Thompson, A. (2018), From Fish to Humans, A Microplastic Invasion May Be Taking a Toll. Retrieved 19.04.2021 from

Constraining the atmospheric limb of the plastic cycle

Janice Brahney, Natalie Mahowald, Marje Prank, Gavin Cornwell, Zbigniew Klimont, Hitoshi Matsui, Kimberly Ann Prather Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Apr 2021, 118 (16) e2020719118; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020719118

Retrieved 19.04.2021 from https://www.pnas.org/content/118/16/e2020719118

Hidden Plastic in Everyday Life (n.d.). Retrieved 20.04.2021 from https://itsinourhands.com/en/challenge/hidden-plastic-in-everyday-life#:~:text=Tooth%20paste%3A%20mi…

Microplastics (n.d.) Retrieved 19.04.2021 from

Microplastics in drinking-water. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. Retrieved 19.04.2021 from