You may have heard of microplastics—and you may assume that they are everywhere. Therefore, reducing your exposure to these harmful microplastics may seem impossible. However, you can take some simple actions to decrease this exposure and minimize the microplastic pollution you inflict on our planet. Read on for more information!
How To Reduce Your Microplastic Exposure
You may have heard of microplastics—and you may assume that they are everywhere. Therefore, reducing your exposure to these harmful microplastics may seem impossible. However, you can take some simple actions to decrease this exposure and minimize the microplastic pollution you inflict on our planet. Read on for more information!
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles around the width of a pencil eraser. They come about from both the breakdown of bigger plastics, such as plastic water bottles and pill bottles, as well as commercial product development. For example, some tiny microplastics come from plastic microbeads utilized for exfoliation in the cosmetic industry.
As one of our planet’s pollutants, these microplastics have the ability to be devastating to animal health and the environment in general. We can see some microplastics, while others are minuscule enough to breathe. So, how can we decrease our exposure to something that appears to be everywhere? Follow the tips below!
Modify Your Laundry Routine
Microfibers are created from all different materials, and when put through a washer and dryer, those materials are exposed to wear and tear. However, the microplastics generated from synthetic materials such as polyester are the most worrying.
So, to decrease the number of microplastics created by your washer and dryer, you can take on a few approaches. For example, you could ensure you install quality filters that catch microplastics, utilize less water in each wash load, and decide to air-dry your clothing instead of putting everything in the dryer.
Modify Your Garment Purchases
It’s time to avoid synthetic materials since they are a colossal microplastic contributor. When you can, swap out these harmful materials for garments constructed from organic materials. These include hemp, silk, wool, and cotton.
All materials are going to generate some level of microfibers, but those produced from natural materials tend to stay bigger than those made from synthetic materials. This is because cotton fibers often become entangled, generating larger pieces of lint that are not readily released into the surroundings.
Boycott Single-Use Plastics
When you can, avoid purchasing single-use plastic products. All plastic breaks down eventually, creating secondary microplastics that weave their way into our environment. You’ll discover so much plastic utilized in the retail industry, especially when you look at the number of plastic bags on offer. You can start avoiding single-use plastics by bringing your own fabric bag to the shops or requesting a paper bag instead of a plastic bag. You could also swap out other plastic items for reusable alternatives, including drink straws, water bottles, and coffee cups. Additionally, try shopping at eco-conscious retailers who also boycott single-use plastic items.
Environmental Sustainability Policies
As well as taking your personal action, you can support other groups that are taking their own stand of action. For example, you could vote for politicians who address the microplastic pollution crisis. You could also volunteer at organizations fighting the microplastic problem. Finally, you could support measures that operate to decrease the number of microplastics worldwide.
Utilize Public Transportation
Everyone knows that cars pollute our planet, but perhaps you didn’t know that they are a significant source of microplastics. Car tires wear down when driven, sending microplastic particles into our environment. So, if you start using public transportation or walking, fewer cars will be on the road, resulting in fewer tires releasing microplastics.
Key Takeaways
- Microplastics appear to reside everywhere—just because you can’t always see them doesn’t mean they are not harmful to our planet.
- Secondly, businesses may be able to benefit from boycotting the use of single-use plastics. As consumers become more eco-conscious, they are constantly looking for brands that offer paper instead of plastic bags, reusable household items, and recyclable packaging.
- Finally, it’s evident that any individual can make a difference in reducing the microplastics in our world. By following the above points, you could help our planet propel its way towards true sustainability today!
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What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles around the width of a pencil eraser. They come about from both the breakdown of bigger plastics, such as plastic water bottles and pill bottles, as well as commercial product development. For example, some tiny microplastics come from plastic microbeads utilized for exfoliation in the cosmetic industry.
As one of our planet’s pollutants, these microplastics have the ability to be devastating to animal health and the environment in general. We can see some microplastics, while others are minuscule enough to breathe. So, how can we decrease our exposure to something that appears to be everywhere? Follow the tips below!
Modify Your Laundry Routine
Microfibers are created from all different materials, and when put through a washer and dryer, those materials are exposed to wear and tear. However, the microplastics generated from synthetic materials such as polyester are the most worrying.
So, to decrease the number of microplastics created by your washer and dryer, you can take on a few approaches. For example, you could ensure you install quality filters that catch microplastics, utilize less water in each wash load, and decide to air-dry your clothing instead of putting everything in the dryer.
Modify Your Garment Purchases
It’s time to avoid synthetic materials since they are a colossal microplastic contributor. When you can, swap out these harmful materials for garments constructed from organic materials. These include hemp, silk, wool, and cotton.
All materials are going to generate some level of microfibers, but those produced from natural materials tend to stay bigger than those made from synthetic materials. This is because cotton fibers often become entangled, generating larger pieces of lint that are not readily released into the surroundings.
Boycott Single-Use Plastics
When you can, avoid purchasing single-use plastic products. All plastic breaks down eventually, creating secondary microplastics that weave their way into our environment. You’ll discover so much plastic utilized in the retail industry, especially when you look at the number of plastic bags on offer. You can start avoiding single-use plastics by bringing your own fabric bag to the shops or requesting a paper bag instead of a plastic bag. You could also swap out other plastic items for reusable alternatives, including drink straws, water bottles, and coffee cups. Additionally, try shopping at eco-conscious retailers who also boycott single-use plastic items.
Environmental Sustainability Policies
As well as taking your personal action, you can support other groups that are taking their own stand of action. For example, you could vote for politicians who address the microplastic pollution crisis. You could also volunteer at organizations fighting the microplastic problem. Finally, you could support measures that operate to decrease the number of microplastics worldwide.
Utilize Public Transportation
Everyone knows that cars pollute our planet, but perhaps you didn’t know that they are a significant source of microplastics. Car tires wear down when driven, sending microplastic particles into our environment. So, if you start using public transportation or walking, fewer cars will be on the road, resulting in fewer tires releasing microplastics.
Key Takeaways
- Microplastics appear to reside everywhere—just because you can’t always see them doesn’t mean they are not harmful to our planet.
- Secondly, businesses may be able to benefit from boycotting the use of single-use plastics. As consumers become more eco-conscious, they are constantly looking for brands that offer paper instead of plastic bags, reusable household items, and recyclable packaging.
- Finally, it’s evident that any individual can make a difference in reducing the microplastics in our world. By following the above points, you could help our planet propel its way towards true sustainability today!
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