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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California, but also Everywhere
Continued below the orange worm tracks
Just over a year ago, on September 6, 2014, I published the following Daily bucket - Action Item combo: The Daily Bucket - Micro Bead Pollution
The subtitle was "Micro Bead Pollution or Why are we flushing plastic down the drain?" and it linked this article: Why are we flushing plastic down the drain? | California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV).
The diary liked to more information at 5Gyres.org and listed some actions one could take to combat the growing problem.
A September 17, 2015 article, Environment: Scientists call for ban on plastic microbeads
Posted on September 17, 2015 by Bob Berwyn tells us, in part, that:
As more and more research shows the impacts of microplastic pollution in a wide range of ecosystems, a team of researchers says the best way to protect water quality and wildlife is an outright ban on the common use of plastic microbeads.
It emphasizes the urgency by noting that:
The new report, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, points out that the collective total of microbeads being produced today is enormous — 8 trillion microbeads per day are being emitted into aquatic habitats in the United States.
The Christian ScienceMonitor weighed in on September 19th with an article of its own.
Is your soap harming sea life? Ban on microbeads gains momentum. - CSMonitor.com
After discussing the problems, risks and science, and noting that some companies such as Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive have stopped using microbeads, they took a look at the political scene. First off, actual recent news:
In the US, California lawmakers voted this month to phase out the use of microbeads sold in personal-care products, beginning in the year 2020, a move which would reverse the state Senate’s previous opposition. The current approval will send the measure back to the state assembly for a final vote, before lawmakers adjourn for the year next week.
{This passed and awaits the Governor's signature}
Further good news is that:
Six states — Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana, and Maryland — have already enacted legislation to restrict the use of microbeads, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, while bills are pending in others, including Michigan, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon, The New York Times reports.
Noting the actions by Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive, I'll call your attention to the action list from my prior diary here for those not living
in states that have banned or at least restricted the use of microbeads.
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
(The referenced web sites would be CLCV and 5Gyres)
Thanks for taking action
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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.