Micro Bead Pollution or Why are we flushing plastic down the drain?
The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
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Every Damn Where
I think that this is my first Daily Bucket that is an environmental action item, so let's get going --
Continued below the orange toxic flotsam
For further information and more detail, see [why-are-we-flushing-plastic-down-drain
Tiny plastic beads are finding their way into our local streams and rivers from our sinks. From there they wend their way into lakes, the oceans, and the bodies of aquatic & marine wildlife. Since they are not biodegradable, they'll wind up all throughout the food chain.
It is claimed that they absorb various toxins such as DDT, PCBs, and other toxic industrial chemicals. The chemicals are then absorbed by a variety of marine life and other mammals including humans who eat fish.
From whence comes this universal pollution? Personal care products. Possibly your personal care products. Personal care products with micro beads are everywhere. As noted in the link above:
Exfoliating ingredients in many products like facial and body scrubs and toothpaste are actually made out of tiny particles of plastic. They wash down the drain, flowing into the sewage system, into watersheds and, eventually, our oceans. Because of their size it’s nearly impossible for sewage and other water treatment facilities to stop these tiny invaders from getting into local waterways.
There is more information on this issue at
5gyres
What you can do
1) Find out if you use any such products (check the labels)
2) If you do -
a) Find a substitute and stop using them
b) Contact the manufacturer and tell them to use natural alternatives
3) Tell your local retailers to quit carrying that stuff
4) Lobby for legislation outlawing plastic micro beads in personal care products
5) Tell your friends and neighbors, family, coworkers, etc.
6) Check the above websites for other suggestions
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Now It's Your Turn What have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.
Thank you.