Turning the Tide on Marine Plastic Pollution: Solution 2

SOLUTION SERIES – 2nd Article: Microplastic Avoidance

In 2023 alone, Seabin captured 2.3 million microplastics. Microplastics are small plastic pieces measuring less than 5mm. If these items were not collected, they would continue to remain in the ocean, impacting the health of the plants, animals, and people. 

Though they are small, microplastic pollution is a big problem to tackle. Thankfully, there are some simple decisions that you can make to help turn the tide on marine plastic pollution.  

The second solution in the series is to avoid microplastics!

1. Avoid standard tea bags. Teabags can release billions of microplastics when brewed. Instead, buy loose leaf tea. Not only does it help you to avoid microplastics, but it even tastes better!
2.  Wash less and hang dry where possible. Reducing the frequency of washing and drying your clothes helps to avoid microfibres leaching into wastewater. 
3. Capture microfibres in the laundry. Everytime you wash your clothes, millions of microfibres are released. To prevent these microplastics from entering the environment, purchase a ‘laundry ball’ or filter designed to capture microfibre before they move into the wastewater. 
4. Cotton, linen or wool. Purchase clothes that are primarily made of natural fibres rather than polyester, rayon, acrylic or nylon. 
5. Say no to microbeads. Some cosmetic products, such as toothpaste and face scrubs, contain hidden microbeads or plastic products. Instead choose products that have a natural exfoliator. 
6. Use public transport. When possible, opt for the train or bus. Friction from tires on the road produces microplastics that often end up draining into the gutter and out into the ocean. 
7. Avoid styrofoam at all costs. Styrofoam is hardly recycled and breaks down incredibly easily into microplastics. 
8. Packaging alternatives. Choose cornflour-based packaging or cardboard boxes with foil lining for insulation. 
9. Be conscious when shopping online. Ask for alternative packaging when making an online order. Most of the packaging and tape from these parcels are plastic or Styrofoam based. 

 

 There you go, some simple ways that you can avoid microplastics. Stay tuned for part three of the series, for another solution to help turn the tide on marine plastic pollution.