You may have heard the word “microplastic”, this term is usually used for small plastic particles less than 5 mm that release to the environment, especially to the oceans.

On average, globally we threw 1.5 million tons per year which will be about one regular plastic grocery bag is thrown into the ocean per person each week.


Where are these microplastics coming from?


They could come from many places, some of the most important ones are laundering of synthetic textiles and from your car’s tires while driving.

On average, a person eats and drinks over 100 particles of microplastics each day
according to a study we are consuming and even breathing in plastics every day!


What can we do about it?


Get a reusable bottle, and when you buy your clothes try to buy natural materials like cotton or at least cotton blend plastics. Do not over speed and avoid harsh braking and accelerating and don’t wash your synthetic clothes if they are clean enough!

Please share with us what are you doing to save our environment.


Source:

Boucher, J. and Friot D. (2017). Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: A Global Evaluation of Sources. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 43pp

Van Cauwenberghe, L. and Janssen, C.R., 2014. Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption. Environmental pollution, 193, pp.65-70.