The PLASTIC EPIDEMIC

It’s everywhere. From the bottles we drink to the apparel we wear, the evidence is unmistakable. We are living in a plastic era and while plastic improves life in uncountable ways, it has unfortunately imprisoned us in waste and microscopic pollution that can no longer be ignored.

It is almost inevitable that plastic pollution has become a massive global concern. Improper disposal of plastics and the creation of plastic waste during manufacturing has led to plastics of all shapes and sizes clogging our waterways, polluting the earth and invading our bodies.

Unfortunately it gets worse. Because plastic is virtually indestructible, it does not naturally decompose or biodegrade. Rather plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces of itself resulting in microscopic fiber and fragments referred to as microplastics, or the smaller version nanoplastics, which are contaminating local water sources as well as treatment and distribution systems.

PLASTIC INFESTS DRINKING WATER

Further expanding the problem of plastic pollution is the discovery of these nanoplastics in waterways and food sources around the globe, including tap water and the water in the plastic bottles that we drink every day. Nanoplastics pose serious concerns for public health.

Its microscopic size enables these particles to easily migrate through waste filtration systems and eventually through the intestinal wall where it travels to the lymph nodes and other bodily organs. These microscopic particles have also been shown to absorb toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other illnesses.

Studies here in the United States have revealed that 94 percent of tap water samples tested positive for microscopic plastic particles, and while consumers may be tempted to turn to bottled water, recent studies also revealed that nanoplastics were present in 93 percent of bottled water too. Water sample test on top brands such as Aquafina, Dasani and Evian revealed nylon, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate among others.

The presence of plastic fibers and fragments in tap and bottled water implies that they’re likely in a wide variety of processed foods, baby formulas and beverages that use water in their manufacturing processes. The concentration of tiny plastic fragments consumed in water or food can vary depending on the micron size and scientists believe that the smaller the size, the higher the concentration and it could lead to an accumulation of microscopic plastic in the body, causing adverse health effects.

Since the problem of plastic was created exclusively by human beings, it can be solved by human beings. Consumers should be conscious of ways to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is entering our ecosystem and waterways. Filtering and purifying water, avoiding single-use plastic products and choosing to recycle are great ways to keep microplastics out of our drinking water. Consider replacing single-use plastics with sustainable products that perform like their conventional counterparts but are much healthier for the planet. We encourage you to visit our new Eco-site to learn about the difference Eco-friendly products can make and how you convert to products that are better for life, earth and community.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• +shop eco-MDSassociates.com here