Microplastics are defined as pieces of plastic that weigh 5 mm or less and have been found in 90 percent of sea salt and 93 percent of bottled water. Besides microplastic, oceans attract tourists who contribute to the pandemic, but this could be avoided. This definition includes lots of popular products, whose packaging is discarded into the environment that are considered to the sources of microplastics. The worst hit by the spread of microplastics pandemic is oceans. Scientists estimate that 51 trillion pieces of microplastic exist in our beautiful blue seas. By following a few steps, marine tourists can do their part against the spread of this microscopic menace.

Travel With A Reusable Bottle

The first step is an obvious one. Rather than lugging around single-use plastic bottles and buying a new one whenever you need a drink, simply bring a reusable travel mug. Single-use bottle pollution is a big enough problem as it contributes to the spread of microplastics. Yet those tiny plastics, which are contained in almost every water bottle, are arguably worse pollutants than the bottles themselves. Microplastics accumulate in the bodies of anyone who drinks from the water supply where the bottles end up, or anyone who eats an animal who used that water supply and ingested microplastics. As a result, an estimated 100,000 microplastic particles are consumed by the average person each year. Of course, not all of these microplastics come from water bottles, but even the act of opening a plastic bottle can release tens of thousands of particles. 

Participate In Beach Cleanups

Garbage should be one of the many things that tourists take from exotic beaches. For every Instagrammed beach photo or ocean excursion or ray of mood-improving sunlight, there’s a piece of litter that they can pick up. If removing a single piece of plastic can reduce the spread of microplastics and tiny particles, imagine what a concerted cleanup effort can do. If you don’t want to organize that yourself, several organizations have you covered. International Coastal Cleanup is one organization that tourists can get involved with. ICC removes beached plastic that has made its way from boats, resorts, and even homes and workplaces. Eighty percent of ocean plastic comes from land, which means that the bottles and packaged lunches that you bring to work and home can wind up on the pokers of ICC volunteers. Prioritizing homemade lunches and reusable mugs in your everyday life will reduce plastic use in the office significantly and make their job a little easier.   

Stop Using Products That Contain Microbeads

This step should be followed on vacation, at home, and anywhere else you find yourself. When shopping for home care, healthcare, and beauty care products, make sure that they are microbead-free. Microbeads are mostly useless microplastics contained in certain toothpaste, facewash, and related products. Worst of all, these beads are small enough to pass through water treatment plants and pollute the ocean. If you’re unsure about whether or not your medicine cabinet is microbead-free, some companies have emblazoned a large “Zero Plastic Inside” logo on applicable products.

Since microplastics comes from various sources, the effects of microplastics can be devastating to the environment and it is essential to put an end to the problem. Marine tourists can help slow the spread of microplastics by taking a few small steps that make little impact on their vacation. These steps are only minor and include packing a reusable travel mug, picking up trash when possible, and avoiding products that contain microbeads.

MICROPLASTICS FAQ

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are polymers weighing 5 mm or less and can cause a degrading effect in the surrounding environment, create health hazards, and affect the well-being of the people.

Where are microplastics found?

Microplastics can be found in lakes, rivers, oceans, waterfalls, plain land, and seas.