The issue with these Microbeads is that they are entering into the food chain. Tiny marine life are eating these microscopic piece of plastic thinking they are a tasty treat unable to tell the difference between them and other natural marine food. These tiny marine animals are then been eaten by bigger and bigger fish until inevitably they end up on our own plates. I believe scientists are currently trying to work out if there will be long term damage and whether the plastics are toxic in the long run, but personally I'd rather do my bit to stop the ever growing problem now.
To see if a product you are using or intend on buying doesn't contain these harmful plastics you can use this dedicated website: www.beatthemicrobead.org
Types of plastic in products
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Nylon
Today in England single use plastic bags will now be chargeable at the price of 5p per bag to try and stop the over use of plastic (already happening in Scotland and wales). I won't feel the effect of this too badly as I shop in Aldi where they already charged for bags. The change only applies to chains which employ over 250 full time employees but it's a step in the right direction. So if you're off shopping make sure you take your own bags if you don't want to incur extra charges. All the money made from the sales of the plastic bags will be going to charity so it's kind of a win win situation.
Will you make the switch to plastic free products?
Sam
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