Microplastics are tiny particles or fragments of plastic that cause concern for the environment and people in their everyday lives. There are serious health concerns as micro plastics and nano-plastics are present in the air, soil, food and water because of particle pollution. Whether it’s from reused bags to plastic degrading in water, or plants taking them up from soil, microplastics are everywhere.
As scientists have begun to study microplastics more in-depth, it is important to know how to reduce their prevalence. For example, eating less processed food or avoiding drinking bottled water that has been sitting in the hot sun all day can reduce exposure.
Yoorae Noh is an assistant professor in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She shares her expertise and provides responses to questions about how you can mitigate microplastics in your life and facts you should know.
Why is recycling important for reducing microplastics?
When plastic is not recycled, it is incinerated, landfilled or disposed of in the environment. There is no comprehensive review of these different scenarios from the perspective of microplastic production, but when disposed of in the environment, it will be degraded by more mechanical, chemical and biological factors, leading to more direct microplastic production and exposure.
It is important to know that recycling does not prevent all microplastics and that any daily activities including recycling could generate microplastics. We cannot avoid microplastics with only the simple action of removing plastic from our daily life. That said, recycling is still very important, and so communities must increase recycling rates. We must consider how we can circulate the plastic within our system, not distribute it into the ecosystem or environment.
What are the sources of microplastics in the ocean?
When you track down the source of microplastics in the ocean, it is important to know plastic containers are not the sole source. Synthetic textiles take up 35% of the amount of microplastics in the ocean, and another dominant second source is tires.
Is banning plastics the answer to microplastic pollution?
There is growing debate and confusion about how best to address the issue of microplastic pollution. Some believe the only solution is to completely halt plastic production. However, plastics have become deeply integrated into our lives, as they are used in everything from clothing and shoes to tires, packaging and electronics; making an immediate stop in usage is unrealistic. Changing plastic items to glass or biodegradable material might be an option to reduce the plastic use. However, it is important to understand that this will not mean you have zero microplastics in your daily life. The solution to pollution, especially microplastic contamination, is complex and requires more than just switching materials. It demands a balanced, informed approach that considers both environmental impact and societal needs.
How big of an issue is microplastics in food?
Plants, vegetables and fruits can absorb some of the nanoscale or microscale plastics and can accumulate them within their system. That is one source microplastics can come into our daily lives. So even though you do not use a plastic container, all your food and vegetables can have microplastics within them.
What are some tips to avoid microplastics in your home?
Microplastics can be generated through your daily activities and actions. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some simple changes to reduce their effect.
- Use the microfiber filter on your laundry machine to minimize microplastics exposure and impact. It is important that manufacturers of laundry systems and all polymer and packaging manufacturers do something to mitigate this source of microplastics.
- Increase your recycling habits as well as improve your knowledge of what items are permitted for recycling. When they are not recycled, it will increase exposure to the environment.
- If a plastic container or product is not designed for reuse, do not use it again. Always check whether it is safe for heating or microwave use before doing so. This is an easy way to reduce microplastics in your food consumption.