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Microplastics

The Invisible Threat to Our Oceans. From facial scrubs to synthetic fabrics, these tiny particles are polluting our waters and harming marine life

FIVE FACTS

  1. Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that are smaller than 5 mm

  2. Microplastics are present in a variety of products, from cosmetics to synthetic clothing to plastic bags and bottles

  3. They can be unintentionally formed when larger pieces of plastic wear and tear

  4. Microplastics do not readily break down into harmless molecules and can take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose

  5. In the oceans, microplastic pollution is often consumed by marine animals

LEARN MORE

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in size. They can come from different sources, such as cosmetics, clothing, fishing nets, or larger plastic items that break down over time. Microplastics are a problem because they can harm the environment and the health of animals and humans.



Microplastics can be found in many places, such as beaches, oceans, lakes, rivers, soil, and even the air. They can be carried by wind, water, or animals to different locations. Microplastics can also enter the food chain when they are eaten by marine organisms, such as fish, shellfish and mammals like whales. Some of these animals are consumed by humans, which means that we can also ingest microplastics.



Microplastics can have negative effects on the environment and living beings. They can cause physical damage, such as injuries or blockages in the digestive system of animals. They can also carry harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, metals, or additives, that can leach into the body of the animal or human that ingests them. These chemicals can disrupt the hormonal, immune, or reproductive systems of living organisms. Microplastics can also affect the biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems by altering the behavior, growth, or survival of different species.



There are some actions that people can take in their day-to-day lives to reduce the impact of microplastics. Some of these actions are:

  • Avoid using products that contain microbeads, such as some exfoliating scrubs or toothpastes. Check the labels for ingredients like polyethylene or polypropylene.

  • Choose natural or organic cosmetics and personal care products that do not contain synthetic ingredients or fragrances.

  • Wash synthetic clothing less frequently or use a filter or bag to catch the microfibers that are released during washing.

  • Use reusable bags, bottles, cups, straws, and utensils instead of single-use plastic items.

  • Recycle plastic items properly and dispose of them in a secure bin to prevent them from escaping into the environment.

  • Participate in beach cleanups or other initiatives to remove plastic litter fro


Microplastics are a global challenge that requires collective action and awareness. By making informed choices and reducing our plastic consumption and waste, we can help protect the environment and our health from the harmful effects of microplastics.


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