The Macro Problem with Microplastics
Our Plastic Problem & How It Affects Our Oceans
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Throughout the month of June (World Oceans Month), we have been tackling how to protect our oceans in relation to climate change from personal actions you can take to demanding systemic action. This week we are tackling plastic pollution, and its effects on our waterways, as well as measures you can take to help mitigate plastics.
Unenthusiastic About Plastic
Our Plastic Problem & How It Affects Our Oceans
Plastic by many means is fantastic. It has allowed us to revolutionize healthcare, travel to space, and many safety measures like helmets. But the downside to plastic, is that it has facilitated a consumer throwaway culture. We use a piece of plastic for a few seconds to a few minutes just to throw it away. It then carries on and far outlives us on this planet. These single-use plastics are everywhere, integrated into everything, and are causing big problems for our waterways, climate change, and our own health.
I challenge you to count how many times you touch plastic throughout one day. Let us know your count in the comments.
I am willing to bet that most of the plastic you touch is single-use and highly unnecessary. For some, a low-plastic planet might seem unrecognizable. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that plastic production truly ramped up, and for 9% of the world’s population, a world without plastics was at one point a reality.
But “what about all of that recycling I’ve been doing my entire life?” you ask. That has to count for something, right? Unfortunately, due to a lack of recycling infrastructure, overwhelmed recycling facilities, and the fact that some plastics are just outright not recyclable - only around 10-15% of single-use plastic gets recycled, meaning that as much as 90% of plastic goes straight into landfills, streams, rivers, and oceans. It then degrades into microplastics ending up in our food, water, and bodies.
The Toxic Relationship Between Oil & Gas and Plastics
As it turns out, only 20 firms are producing 55% of the world’s plastic waste. The largest offender is ExxonMobil which accounts for more plastic waste pollution than any other company on the planet.
Oil and gas companies are so interested in creating plastic because plastics are made from fossil fuels. As we transition to more sustainable energy sources, like wind and solar, oil and gas companies are frantically creating more plastic to make up for the loss. The creation of plastic is a growing greenhouse gas emitter, making the production of plastic inextricably linked to climate change.
The Macro Problem with Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics.
It is estimated that 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics, equivalent to 30 billion plastic water bottles, are floating around in our oceans. The largest known effect of microplastics is that if ingested they can block the gastrointestinal tracts tricking the organism into thinking they don't need to eat. Additionally, toxic chemicals adhere to plastics exposing organisms to high concentrations of toxins. Organisms as small as zooplankton can consume microplastics. Seeing that a significant amount of marine life ingests or processes water through their bodies in some capacity to survive, the presence of microplastics is detrimental.
Microplastics exist for two reasons. One, they are purposefully created to go into products like cosmetics and microfibers in clothing and fishing nets. Two, microplastics are created through the breakdown of larger plastic items. Sun exposure and ocean waves can cause larger plastics to break down. But do not confuse this with decomposition. Microplastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose wreaking major havoc in the meantime.
How do we stop the plastic problem?
First and foremost, we can cut plastic production off at the source by restricting oil and gas from running rampant with its production. Take our three actions below to let your representatives know that you support restrictions on plastic. Let’s take the onus off of ourselves and put it back on those responsible.
Next, we can use our consumer power to support brands using sustainable materials and practices, while sending a message to brands not taking these initiatives. This means saying NO to plastic wherever you can and purchasing plastic-free products.
Lastly, eliminating new plastic waste is a must, but we also need to do something with the plastic that already exists. Many brands are incorporating recycled plastics into their products. But from the standpoint of processing plastic into organic materials, scientists have identified 50 known species of ‘plastivores,’ or plastic-eating organisms. This solution is currently not scalable, but we’re definitely keeping an eye on this one for the future.
Take Action to Protect the Oceans from Plastic
Keep Microplastics Out of Our Ocean
What? Use your voice to push for policies to help keep microplastics out of our ocean by sending a letter to your representatives.
Why? Microplastics are tiny particles that present a dangerous threat to our ocean. They pervade not only the ocean but are found on land and in the air. No place on Earth is immune to microplastic pollution. We must take action now.
How? Click link to send letter (est. 1 min).
Tell Congress: Support the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act
What? Ask your Congressperson to co-sponsor the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and help recycle the materials we create today.
Why? This act will increase recycling and reuse rates in the US and mitigate the environmental impacts of plastic production and disposals by promoting a truly circular economy and protecting vulnerable communities from further harm.
How? Click link to send letter (est. 1 min).
Tell Congress to Support the REDUCE Act
What? Send a letter to your representatives asking them to support the Reduce Act.
Why? The Reduce Act makes it less desirable to create new plastics by putting a fee on new single-use plastics which will encourage companies to use more recycled content and reduce the number of new plastics created.
How? Click link to send letter (est. 1 min).
Some Rays of Sunshine
The Headlines We’re Happy to See
US National Parks are phasing out plastic bottle sales. - Read More
A new ‘super worm‘ eats styrofoam. - Read More
PepsiCo Europe to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastics in crisp packets. - Read More
Kroger, a grocery chain, expands its partnership with Loop, an online platform for refillable packaging. - Read More
Scientists Found a Caterpillar That Eats Plastic. - Read More
A startup is turning non-recyclable plastic into building blocks for construction. - Read More
India to ban single-use plastics. - Read More
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Just discovered this newsletter and definitely loved it!
Thank you for including the Take Action links!