Environmental Action (Green Team)

What are Microplastics and How Do They Affect Us?

When plastic items are disposed of, they do not biodegrade but simply break into tiny particles that are found everywhere in our environment.NOAA describes microplastics as small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long which can be found in many items that we are exposed to every day. They can be as small as 1 nanometer (1/80,000 the width of a strand of hair), and they are found everywhere that plastic is discarded into our environment, and that is just about anywhere. It is the smallest particles that are the most dangerous because they can pass through tiny pores and membranes.

• Use a stainless-steel water bottle and avoid plastic water bottles.
• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Use only use glass, wood, or metal kitchen items, for mixing bowls, spoons, cutting boards, and food storage containers. Black utensils and pans are especially bad.
• Try to buy clothing made from natural materials such as cotton or bamboo.
• Avoid using single-use plastic articles such as drinking cups, eating utensils, and plastic bags.
• Avoid buying articles wrapped in plastic packaging.
• Use reusable shopping bags for your shopping.
• Try to reuse things and check what you have on hand before purchasing new articles.
• Of course, it is important to recycle. But remember, the best thing we can is to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.