How can I Avoid Microplastics

We have been fielding a lot of questions around microplastics recently and we thought it might be time for a deep dive.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size that are formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items. They can come from primary sources like microbeads in cosmetics, or secondary sources like the fragmentation of larger plastic products over time due to weathering and exposure to environmental conditions like sunlight, wind, and waves.

As for the scale of the microplastics problem, it's quite significant. Microplastics make up a staggering 75% of marine plastic pollution. 

Any product made of plastic can eventually degrade and form microplastic. Single-use plastics break down more quickly than plastic that is more durable - like a reusable food container or cup, or a toy or dashboard.

The speed of breakdown depends on environmental conditions, but essentially all plastics will eventually fragment into microplastics that persist in the environment. 

If a product is damaged it should be replaced if you want to avoid microplastics. For that reason, among others, we take our products back at the end of life to turn into new products.

Aren’t bioplastics better?

When it comes to bioplastics or biodegradable plastics, the story is a bit different. Some biodegradable microplastics are designed to eventually fully break down into natural compounds like carbon dioxide and water when exposed to the right environmental conditions and microorganisms. This sets them apart from conventional plastic microplastics that persist in the environment indefinitely.

However, some studies have shown that in certain environments lacking the right conditions for full biodegradation, micro particles of bioplastic can still accumulate and have negative impacts, though likely to a lesser degree than conventional microplastics over the long-term. More research is still needed in this area but it would suggest a similar problem. 

Given there are no facilities to recycle bioplastics in most countries, it is generally considered as bad to worse than conventional plastic.

Why did you use recycled plastic in your products?

We understand and share concerns about the vast amount of plastics being manufactured. When developing rePlated products we searched for alternatives - we looked at bioplastics and glass and stainless steel. But plastic has utility and a hardiness and ability to be washed in a dishwasher whilst remaining lightweight which makes it an ideal material for reuse and replacing single-use plastics, coated cardboard or compostable containers (which have their own problems with forever chemicals like PFAS).

Recycled plastic remains the best choice to replace these problematic single-use items.

It is quite difficult to avoid microplastics altogether -but the best place to start is to stop using single-use plastics. 

How can I avoid Microplastics?

They are hard to avoid entirely, but there are several recommended changes that individuals and societies can make to avoid them. Here are some of the most significant;

Banning Microbeads

Banning the use of microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products can significantly reduce a major source of primary microplastics entering marine environments. Australia banned them in 2022! Yay us.

Using Washing Machine Filters

Installing filters in washing machines can capture a large portion of the microfibers shed from synthetic clothing during laundry cycles, preventing them from being released into wastewater. Some manufacturers are now producing washing machines with built-in microfiber filters.

Improving Wastewater Treatment

Upgrading wastewater treatment plants with advanced filtration systems like membrane bioreactors can remove a higher percentage of microplastics before the treated water is discharged into water bodies.

Reducing Plastic Waste

Limiting the use of single-use plastics and improving plastic waste management can reduce the amount of larger plastic debris that eventually breaks down into secondary microplastics in the environment. Reusables are one of the best ways to do this!

🛞 DEVELOPING Eco-Friendly Tires

Tires are a major source of microplastics due to tread abrasion. Developing tires made from materials that shed fewer microparticles during use can help mitigate this pathway of microplastic pollution.

Public Awareness and Behavior Change

Educating the public on the impacts of microplastics and promoting eco-friendly practices like using natural fiber clothing, avoiding products with microbeads, and properly disposing of plastics can collectively reduce microplastic emissions.

By implementing a combination of regulatory measures, technological solutions, and public engagement, it is possible to significantly reduce the influx of microplastics into the world's oceans and marine ecosystems.