Microplastics Solution (Opinion)by Katherine Bell | 02-11-2021 13:25 |
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 Many cosmetic, skincare, and cleaning products contain scrubbing particles called microbeads, which are small plastic fragments ranging in size from roughly five micrometers to one millimeter. Think of the size of a sesame seed, now multiply that by millions: this is the current situation in our oceans. Microbeads accumulate in the oceans, endangering both marine life and humans as it enters their respective diets. Though incredibly small and inconsequential on their own, their sheer number pose an enormous threat to sea life. The smaller the size of the plastic, the more likely they are to diffuse across biological barriers (such as cell membranes) to cause tissue damage. It is widely believed that Microplastics absorb toxic chemicals and when ingested, release them in a animal's digestive system. As those same animals are found on our plates, we are effectively incorporating plastic particles as a norm in our diets. There is also evidence that these plastic particles may be able to migrate through the intestinal wall during digestion. Despite being processed through another animal's digestive system, their durability permits them to pass onto us. Their minuscule structure renders clean up efforts incredibly difficult. Rather than direct resources towards their clean up, it would benefit the general populace to seek out alternatives, created of biodegradable materials. Skin care and cosmetic companies simply won't change their practices, as the feeling of microplastics attributes to the value of their product. Offering them an alternative that promotes them as a green business and reduces the amount of microplastics used is the most direct solution, in my opinion, to mitigating the adverse effects of microplastics on biotic health.
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