Join us in celebrating Microplastics Month this November!
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters long. Found in virtually every ecosystem in the world, including Antarctica, they have a variety of sources. Some are primary microplastics, which are designed to be very small to carry out a specific function. Glitter and microbeads in soaps are common examples. Secondary microplastics come from larger plastic materials that break down over time.
Microplastics research is in its infancy, but we’re starting to learn more about how it affects wildlife and human health. In small fish and birds, microplastics, which often look like food, can cause intestinal blockages, laceration, and other GI issues. Moreover, microplastics both leech and absorb toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can then be passed on to wildlife through direct consumption or dermal contact. They also bioaccumulate in humans and animals and have been found in human brains and the stomachs of deep-sea wildlife. In humans, a growing number of studies have linked microplastics to cardiovascular health issues.
We’re not telling you about the ubiquity of microplastics to make you panic – we’re hoping you’ll make a change. For the month of November, we’re challenging you to stop buying plastic, single-use water bottles, and use a reusable one instead. Why?
- Less demand for bottled water means less plastic pollution.
- Using a reusable water bottle might decrease your exposure to microplastics. One study demonstrated that bottled water consumers ingest up to 90,000 more particles than tap water consumers.
- Tap water is regulated by the EPA and is subject to much stricter health regulations than bottled water. That makes tap water a safer – and healthier choice! The exception, of course, is private home wells, which aren’t regulated and need to be tested regularly.
- Reusable water bottles save you money.
What are you waiting for? Improve your health, reduce plastic pollution, and save money by taking our pledge below.
Bonus: If you take our pledge, you have the chance to win a free three-stage water filter that filters out microplastics and other toxins, courtesy of HEC Green Business reTHink, a Terre-Haute based zero-waste store and community hub!
Our Partners Against Microplastics
