Today the planet is witnessing a more severe plastic pollution than ever. On the summit of Mount Everest, 3,900 meters below South China Sea, between the Arctic ice caps and even at the bottom of the Mariana Trench plastic pollution is everywhere.
In the era of fast-consuming, we eat plastic-sealed snacks, receive parcels in plastic mailing bags. Even fast food is wrapped up in plastic containers. According to Global News and a survey conducted by Victoria University, scientists have detected 9 microplastics in the human body and an American adult can swallow up from 126 to 142 microplasitc particles and inhale from 132 to 170 plastic particles per day.
What are microplastics?
Defined by British scholar Thompson, microplastic refers to plastic scraps and particles whose diameter is less than 5 micrometers. 5 micrometers are many times thinner than a single hair and it is barely noticeable by human eyes.
Where do microplastics come from?
①Aquatic products
Since the plastic was invented in the 19th century, more than 8,3 billion tons of plastic have been produced, among which, over 8 million tons ended up in the oceans every year without processing. Consequences : microplastics have been discovered in more than 114 aquatic organisms.
②In the food processing
Scientists have recently conducted a broad survey on more than 250 bottled water brands across 9 countries and discovered that a lot of bottled water have them. Even the tap water has microplastics in it. According to an American research institute, among 14 countries whose tap water has been under the survey, 83% of them were found to have microplastics in it. Not to mention the delivery and bubble tea in plastic containers and disposable cups with which we almost keep in daily contact. There is often a coating of Polyethylene which will break into tiny particles.
③ Salt
That’s quite unexpectable ! But it’s not difficult to understand. Salt comes from oceans and when the water is polluted, how can salt be clean? Researchers have found over 550 pieces of microplastics in 1 kg marine salt.
④ Household Daily Necessities
One fact that you might have not realized is that microplastics can be generated by your daily life. For example, washing polyester clothes by washing machine can extract a lot of superfine fiber from the laundry. When those fibers are emitted with the waste water, they become microplastics. Researchers speculate that in a city of one million population, one ton of superfine fiber can be produced, which is equal to the amount of 150 000 non-degradable plastic bags.
Harms of plastics
Superfine fibers can end up in our cells and organs, which can cause serious diseases like chronic deposition poisoning and cancer.
How do we fight back?
Naturepoly strives to produce biodegradable replacement for plastics. We have invested in the research and development of eco-friendly plant-based materials such as PLA, sugarcane material. We utilize them in the manufacturing of household necessities like garbage bag, shopping bag, poop bag, cling wrap, disposable cutlery, cups, straws and many other goods to come.
Post time: Mar-08-2021