Microplastics

How much plastic do we use?

In one hour - Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles.

In one week - 10 billion plastic bags are used.

In one lifetime - an average American will throw away 600 times their body weight.

Why is too much plastic a problem?

• Scientists estimate that roughly eight million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010.
• Many plastics are not recycled or disposed of properly.
• The most discarded plastics in 2017 were food wrappers, beverage bottles, and straws.
• Plastics do not degrade naturally but will break down into smaller particles called microplastics.
• Plastic pollution shows up almost everywhere, including:
    -  On the ground and in soils
    -  In rivers and oceans
    -  In the air
    -  In our bodies

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a popcorn kernel).
They fall into two categories:

• Primary—tiny particles designed for commercial use (such as microbeads used as exfoliants in beauty products and toothpastes, and microfibers that shed from plastic-based textiles like polyester, rayon, nylon, and acrylic with each wash) that can easily pass through water filtration systems and enter our waterways
• Secondary—particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics like bottles

What can we do about this problem?

1. Plan ahead

• Bring refillable water bottles and refill them at a fountain.
• Bring snacks in reusable containers.
• Keep your own bags handy for when you go shopping.

2. Make smart choices

• Choose reusable bottles made of stainless steel, not plastic.
• Buy used when possible.
• Choose reusable over disposable.
• Choose natural-fiber clothing or a microfiber filter for your laundry.
• Use natural mulches instead of plastic sheeting in your landscaping.

3. Avoid single-use items

• Make use of reusable things as much as possible.
• If a single-use item is used, make sure to recycle it properly when possible.
• When recycling is not an option, always carefully dispose of plastic waste. Carry it with you until you find an appropriate waste can that isn't already overflowing.

4. Spread the word

• Educate others about the importance of reducing and reusing.
• Share practices that work for you!

What other actions can you take?

• Organize and schedule community cleanups.
• Urge your favorite restaurants to use reusable or compostable ware and packaging.
• Work with your municipality to offer recycling events.
• Let local businesses know that you don't want single-use plastics.
• Work with your local watershed groups to conduct citizen science research on local streams.
• Educate others about plastic pollution and solutions—inspire by example!

Sources

Brande-Lavridsen, Nanna. "Microplastics in the Freshwater Environment". (PDF) University of Tennessee.

Dris, R., J. Gasperi, C. Mirande, et al. "A First Overview of Textile Fibers, Including Microplastics, in Indoor and
Outdoor Environments." Environmental Pollution 221 (2017): 453–58.

"Fun Facts about Recycling". (PDF) Indiana State University.

"A Guide to Plastic in the Ocean". National Ocean Service.

"What Are Microplastics?" National Ocean Service.

This project was supported by the U.S. Geological Survey via the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center, under award #G21AP10576-PA and project #E01.

Prepared by Justin Mansberger, extension educator.