It started like a good story. Since its invention, plastics have been thought to be helpful to humans. The first plastic was produced by John Wesley Hyatt in 1869. He wanted to create a synthetic material that could replace ivory, which was becoming increasingly scarce and expensive due to the demand for products such as billiard balls and piano keys. Hyatt's invention, which he called celluloid, became the first commercially successful synthetic plastic. Little did he know that his invention would become the main pollutant and main instrument in the death of the Earth a few hundred years later.
Plastic production skyrocketed since 1970. Over 50 different types of plastics are produced each year, with the most common types being polyethene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.
People love plastic because the material is cheap, durable and can be formulated to assume different properties. It can be flexible or sturdy, can be used to add durability to many natural materials, and is adaptable overall. It is also light, so it does not add unnecessary weight to objects. All in all, it seemed like a miracle substance, or so we thought.
Dr Richard Thompson, a marine biologist from the University of Plymouth, is one of the prominent scientists to study microplastics' presence and environmental impact in the oceans. His pioneering research has helped to raise awareness about the global issue of microplastic pollution and its potential effects on ecosystems.
His research uncovered that a single wash of clothing could release more than 700,000 plastic microfibres into the environment, that each tub of facial scrub could contain up to 2.8 million microbeads, that carrier bags labelled as biodegradable are still usable after three years of being submerged in soil and seawater, and that marine species known to come across plastic litter in the ocean ingest a vast amount of plastic.
“We don’t yet know how long it takes plastic to degrade in the natural environment. We’ve only been mass-producing plastic for around 60 years, and the likelihood is that all of the conventional plastics we’ve ever made are still with us on the planet unless they’ve been incinerated.” — Dr Richard Thompson
Since the 1970s, plastics have been produced at an unprecedented rate, and once each new piece of plastic has done its job, it is discarded into the environment. Most end up in landfills. Yet many make it into the waterways and oceans.
Microplastics, fragments of plastic less than five millimetres in length, have become a pervasive polluting element in our ecosystems. These tiny particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, synthetic fibres shed from clothing, and microbeads from cosmetics and personal care products. Their small size allows them to evade filtration systems and accumulate in the environment, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health.
Microplastics have infiltrated diverse habitats—from the deepest ocean trenches to the most remote mountain peaks. Their reach is unstoppable. Marine animals often mistake these particles for food, eating them and accumulating microplastics within food chains. Studies show that ingesting plastic particles affects the health and survival of these creatures and raises concerns about the potential transfer of toxic substances to humans through seafood consumption.
The dangers of microplastiIcs are not limited to physical ingestion. They can also act as carriers for harmful pollutants, including heavy metals and water-resistant organic compounds, which can leach into the environment and cause further damage. The long-term ecological impacts are still being studied, but the evidence points to a need for immediate action to mitigate this growing problem.
Addressing the issue is challenging. Reducing the use of disposable plastics and improving waste management practices seem like the critical steps. However, the challenge lies in the implementation of these solutions. The convenience and low cost of plastic materials have made them integral to modern manufacturing and consumer habits, creating resistance to change.
Despite the difficulties, the shift away from plastic dependency is essential for the survival of our planet. Some innovative solutions that promise to reduce microplastic pollution include using biodegradable materials in plastic manufacturing and adopting circular economy models prioritising recycling plastics over creating new ones. Public awareness and policy changes are also vital in driving the transition.
The invasion of microplastics into our ecosystems is a danger that requires immediate attention. While the path to reducing plastic use and its environmental impact is complicated, it is necessary to work hard to protect the health of our planet. The time to act is now before the invisible becomes the invincible.
Practical Steps to Reduce Microplastic Pollution
Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern. Fortunately, individuals can take several practical steps to reduce their microplastic footprint and help protect the environment. Let's hope you join us in this effort.
Minimise single-use plastics. One effective method to fight microplastic pollution is by decreasing single-use plastics like plastic shopping bags, straws, bottles, and packaging. Choose reusable options whenever possible. Buy your veggies at farmers markets where they are not wrapped in plastic.
Choose sustainable clothing. Synthetic fibres from clothing contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. Consider purchasing clothing made from natural fibres or recycled materials and try to buy fewer articles of clothing and wear each item for a longer time.
Follow proper laundry guidelines. Tiny fibres are released into the water when washing synthetic garments. To reduce shedding, use a washing machine with a filter, opt for lower washing temperatures, and select shorter wash cycles.
Avoid buying personal care products that contain microbeads. Microbeads in products like exfoliants and toothpaste can easily enter water systems. Look for natural alternatives such as products with oatmeal or salt as exfoliants. You can have the benefits without polluting.
Support environmental policies. Advocate for and support policies aimed at reducing plastic production and improving waste management. Start advocating for a ban on single-use plastics and implementing stronger regulations on industrial plastic waste. Join local environmental groups and support their causes.
Educate and spread awareness. Share information about the impact of microplastics and encourage others to adopt sustainable habits. Community involvement can lead to larger-scale changes in behaviour and policy.
By taking these steps, each one of us can make a significant impact on reducing microplastic pollution. It's about making conscious choices and advocating for a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Remember, every action counts in the fight against microplastics.
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