Microplastics: where they're hiding and the positive switches you can make
We live in an era where being ethically conscious is not just a choice but a responsibility. As we navigate our way through sustainable living, one environmental villain often escapes the spotlight is microplastics. These tiny particles, invisible to the naked eye, pose a colossal threat to our planet and our health. Let's dive into some revealing stats and data that might just change the way you view your daily choices.
Tea Time Troubles: Microplastics in Tea Bags
Picture this: a cozy evening, a cup of your favorite tea in hand, and microplastics are lurking in the brew. Surprisingly, a study conducted by McGill University found that some tea bags release billions of microplastics when steeped in hot water. It's time to rethink our tea choices, opting for loose leaves or biodegradable alternatives.
Source: Plastic Tea Bag Study, McGill University
Wardrobe Woes: Microplastics in Our Clothes
Sadly, our love for fashion may be contributing to the microplastic problem. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed microfibers during each wash, releasing thousands of tiny plastic particles into our water systems. An astonishing fact: a single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microfibers! Consider choosing natural fibers or investing in a microfiber filter for your washing machine. We're big fans of our friends over at Gulp. They have created a filter that literally swallows up the tiny microfibres and stops them entering our waterways.
Source: Microfiber Pollution, Rozalia Project
Cosmetic Culprits: Microplastics in Beauty Products
Our beauty routines might be unintentionally harming the environment. Microbeads, tiny plastic particles found in exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste, often end up in oceans and waterways, harming marine life. Opt for products with natural exfoliants like sugar or apricot seeds, contributing to your glow without harming the planet.
Source: Beat The Microbead, Plastic Soup Foundation
Seafood Surprise: Microplastics on Our Plates
If you're a seafood enthusiast, brace yourself. A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology estimates that an average person who eats seafood ingests approximately 11,000 microplastic particles every year. The impact of these microplastics on human health is still under research, but it's a stark reminder to be mindful of our seafood sources.
Source: Microplastics In Seafood, Environmental Science & Technology
Airborne Adversaries: Microplastics in the Air We Breathe
Microplastics aren't limited to the oceans; they're also floating in the air. A recent study by King's College London discovered microplastics in the air we breathe, especially in urban areas. These particles may have adverse effects on respiratory health, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to reduce plastic pollution.
Source: Airborne Microplastics, King's College London
Period Problems: Microplastics in Period Products
Conventional period pads and tampons often contain plastic components like polyethylene and polypropylene. A study by Women's Voices for the Earth found that a standard pad can contain the equivalent of four plastic bags! This is why we created Fluus - the world's first truly microplastic free period pad.
When you consider that on average we will use around 11,000 tampons or pads in our lifetime, the environmental footprint of period products is staggering. Even biodegradable pads that often claim to be plastic free use tiny amounts of acrylic glue that contribute to landfill waste and take centuries to decompose.
Source: Unseen Cost Of Periods, Women's Voices for the Earth | Environmental Impact Of Period Products, National Geographic
Conclusion:
Microplastics are a silent threat, infiltrating our lives in ways we may not have imagined. By making conscious decisions, we can choose alternative products and foods that align with our commitment to a healthier planet. Together, we can make a difference—one mindful choice at a time.
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