Microplastics are pieces of plastic weighing 5 mm or less and have been found in 90 percent of sea salt and 93 percent of bottled water. The worst hit by the spread of the microplastic pandemic is the 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 microplastics.
Spread of microplastics creates environmental hazards.
Microplastics are polymers that degrade the surrounding environment, create health hazards, and affect people’s well-being. They are found in lakes, rivers, oceans, waterfalls, plains, and seas. Microplastics accumulate in the bodies of anyone who drinks from the water supply where the bottles end up.
How do you stop the spread of microplastics?
- 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, bring a reusable travel mug. Single-use bottle pollution is a big enough problem because 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. As a result, the average person consumes an estimated 100,000 microplastic particles each year. Of course, not all microplastics come from water bottles, but 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. They can pick up a piece of litter for every Instagrammed beach photo, ocean excursion, or ray of mood-improving sunlight. If removing a single piece of plastic can reduce the spread of microplastics, 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 work with. The 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, meaning the bottles and packaged lunches you bring to work can wind up on the pokers of ICC volunteers. Prioritizing homemade lunches and reusable mugs in your everyday life will significantly reduce plastic use in the office. - Stop Using Products That Contain Microbeads.
Ensure they are microbead-free when shopping for home care, healthcare, and beauty care products. Microbeads are mostly useless microplastics in specific toothpaste, face wash, and related products. Worst of all, these beads are tiny enough to pass through water treatment plants and pollute the ocean. If you’re unsure whether your medicine cabinet is microbead-free, some companies have emblazoned a large “Zero Plastic Inside” logo on applicable products.
Conclusion
The environmental effects of microplastics can be devastating, and it is essential to end the problem. Marine tourists can help slow the spread of microplastics by taking a few small steps. This includes packing a reusable travel mug, picking up trash when possible, and avoiding products that contain microbeads.