Plastic Planet: What are microplastics and how bad are they really?

We all know about the many dangers of plastic bags and disposable straws - but could there be an even bigger threat to our eco-system passing unseen, right in front of our eyes?

Since plastic has only been around for just over a century, the long-term effects of microplastics (the miniscule particles released when plastic breaks down) have so far not been observed. Scientists know that their overwhelming presence can’t be good, but just how bad they are is still yet to be discovered. What we do know is that they’re everywhere. From being found 400ft underground in the depths of the ocean to being inhaled in the very air we all breathe, you couldn’t avoid contact with microplastics, even if you tried.

Early research shows that these tiny particles play a part in climate change, though admittedly just a small one for now. But given that current projections suggest that plastic waste is set to double over the next few decades, scientists expect the effect of microplastics in our wider ecosystem will be increasingly felt. But in order to fight a threat, we must first understand it. So, what exactly are microplastics, where do they come from, and what are the current solutions against them?

What exactly are microplastics?

As the name suggests, microplastics (or nanoplastics as they are sometimes called) are tiny particles of broken down plastic invisible to the naked eye. They are produced from a variety of plastic sources. But a large amount are shed from clothing made of synthetic fibres, with the biggest culprits being polyester, nylon and acrylic amongst others. Such fabrics are actually 100% plastic to begin with, making them non-biodegradable and dependent on crude oil for production. Thousands upon thousands of particles are released every time we wash our clothes. And as a result, those plastics enter our water systems, seas, marine life, and eventually come full circle and end up back with us. Well, in us, that is.

A 2019 study by the journal for Environmental Science and Technology estimated that humans could be consuming between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles each year. If you add on the amount we could be unwittingly inhaling, that number jumps up to a whopping 74,000. And despite what pop culture may have taught you, life in plastic isn’t fantastic. But although microplastics are literally everywhere, people don’t really seem to know much about them. So what are the key facts we should be aware of, and just how bad are microplastics, for both us and the planet?

How bad are microplastics?

As previously mentioned, the full impact of microplastics is not yet known due to their short history. But already they are running rampant in our oceans. Marine animals, from the tiniest zooplankton to the mightiest whales, are regularly ingesting small pieces of plastic. While it has been suggested that many larger animals are able to pass microplastics without too many issues, in the majority of cases it seems these particles are being absorbed by vital organs, such as the gut, liver, and lungs, causing damage, reducing reproduction and growth, and eventually even resulting in death. In fact, nowadays plastic poses a greater threat to sea life than oil spills. Given that fish remains a huge part of the global diet, it’s no surprise that those very same microplastics are ending up in our stomachs. One study by Ocean Conservancy found that around 74% of fish fillets and 63% of livers contained at least one microplastic. But the results weren’t overly worrying, as it was found that the average fish-eating consumer probably ingests less than 1000 nanoplastics per year based on sea life alone. Though other avenues of intake included water, beer, salt and even honey. But what does this all mean for our health? Well unfortunately, we still don’t know. As is the case with their planetary impact, these pesky particles just haven’t been studied enough yet. We do know, however, that their presence in river systems and seas significantly worsens water quality and seeps potentially dangerous toxins into the water.

What are the solutions?

By now, any moderately eco-friendly consumer is probably thinking, ‘what can I do?’. And while it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the statistics, we’re not entirely powerless. Planc recommend washing your clothes less frequently to reduce your personal contribution to the microplastic makeup of our planet. And when you do wash, it’s a good idea to invest in a washing net, like this one we love by Guppyfriend, that helps to catch and filter out naughty nanoparticles that might be shed from your personal items. But if you want to kick microplastics out at their very source, adjusting your buying habits might be the best way forward. So while the truth may seem a little startling, there are still some things you can do to avoid making a plastic planet a reality.