By Christine Campanella, Blue Ocean Society Volunteer
Plastic Free July may have passed, but the danger that plastics have on our oceans and marine life is not over. In my final blog post, I’d like to share areas where we can decrease plastic use in less obvious places that we may not normally think about.
I love running. It’s my go-to exercise to help clear my mind and feel good. I have my fair share of moisture-wicking, breathable, quick-drying, fashionable running clothing! What I did not know until 2 years ago is that all these polyester, acrylic, and nylon favorites of mine are actually just plastic, made into clothing. These synthetic fibers shed during washing, drying, and wear. Microfibers are every bit as concerning as the microplastics we have talked about, found on our beaches and in our oceans. The concern is that we are breathing in these microfibers, which can be inhaled deep into our lungs. Microfibers are found in our water supply, soil, and oceans as well.
What can we do about microfibers? There are filters to attach to washing machines to collect/trap microfibers. Fine mesh bags to place your synthetic clothing in will filter microfibers, trapping them in the bag. You can hang synthetic clothing to dry. In the future try to buy clothing made from natural fibers versus synthetic fibers such as cotton, wool, and hemp. And there are always thrift stores to buy second-hand clothing rather than buying new ones.
Another area of opportunity to make a difference are cell phone cases. There are multiple companies that make cases that are made from recycled plastic, plant-based & biodegradable materials, or even bamboo.
Lighters are a plastic hazard to our seabirds. Scientists are finding lighters in the stomachs of seabirds. The birds mistake them for food as they float on top of the ocean. There are other options rather than plastic lighters, such as refillable stainless lighters or wooden matches.
The plastic products that we can replace with non-plastic products seem to be infinite: Plastic tape, glitter, cosmetics, tea bags, coffee pods, synthetic cotton balls, hair ties, and even smartwatch bands.
In the end, the decision to change even one or two items in your daily lives can make a difference. My hope in writing these blog posts was to create awareness, thereby helping you become a more conscious consumer when it comes to plastic. I’m interested in hearing what you have learned, or the changes you have made in your journey towards using less plastic in your lives. Feel free to share in the comments below. I’d love to read them and continue to be inspired by others.
Simple Solutions for Plastic Pollution doesn’t end here… Read More!
- Simple Solutions for Plastic Pollution – Getting Started
- Simple Solutions for Plastic Pollution – Kitchen and Bathroom Essentials
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019337444
