Micro-plastics are often a result of larger pieces of plastic being broken down over time at least that is the case for much of the plastic debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Due to the larger ratio of shoreline to open water which creates an abrasive action to break down plastics, small particles were expected, but, the micro-plastics found in the Great Lakes are suspiciously perfectly round beads of plastic.
We have become a throwaway society. Plastics are designed to last a long time, more than 500 years in some cases, yet many plastic products are often used one time then tossed. We’re using and throwing away billions of plastic bottles and bags yearly. However, personal care products may be adding to the plastic pollution.
The cosmetic industry uses plastic micro-beads in soaps, toothpaste and other products. This is a relatively new source of plastic pollution and many consumers aren’t aware of the potential consequences the daily use of these products have on the environment. These beads go directly down the drain and since the products aren’t meant to be ingested the use is completely unregulated.
It is unclear whether micro-beads contained in cosmetics can be filtered out by state of the art water purification processes, but many believe that they can escape sewage filtering systems. Few water treatment plants are well equipped and this is usually the case in emerging countries such as China, Indonesia and Brazil where cosmetics companies are making a growing part of their revenue.
The environmental dangers of this pollution have yet to be realized. Scientists have pointed out that due to the size of the micro-plastic, assessing their exact impact on the environment is quite difficult. Fish and birds eat the small particles floating on the surface. The chemicals leach into the fat of the fish; lining the intestines and interfering with their ability to absorb nutrients from food. This fish may not immediately die, but they move into the food chain by being eaten by other fish, wildlife and humans. The photo degradation of plastics in the water can lead to chemicals leaching into the water and working its way into the food chain as well.
Plastic pollution is not only a problem in the water, but along beaches and shorelines as well. Beaches in Hawaii were found to contain 50% sand and micro-plastics. Plastic pollution is a human created dilemma and simple changes can make a huge difference to decrease the amount of plastic in the oceans, Great Lakes and other lakes, and streams.
Micro-beads were found in at least 23 Unilever products. “The issue of plastics particles in the ocean is an important issue and we have reviewed the use of micro beads in our portfolio (both current products and those in the pipeline),” explained Unilever in a statement. It will eliminate all micro beads in its personal care products sold in the Netherlands by mid 2013 and will do the same for the rest of the world by 2015. Will the other personal care product giants like Johnson and Johnson and Proctor and Gamble do the same?
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