Due to the poor disposal we have in the world we are generating large amounts of waste. More than 800 million tons of plastics enter the marine environment every year.
Plastic particles have different levels of toxicity, these are present in many of the elements that we use every day, icopor, clothes made of polyester, detergents, makeup, water containers, beer, sugar, air, tap water, seafood, salt, honey, straws, cutlery, glasses, plates, mixers, bags, balloons, cups, teapots, pacifiers, contact lenses, creams, cell phone cases, among others. “These particles enter our skin and generate a progressive intoxication that become vectors; for example, SARS-CoV-2, binds to the surface of polypropylene microplastics and survives for more than 72 hours,” said Maria Andrea Reyes Reyes, Microbiologist and Bioanalyst, UIS. She is a student in her last semester of the Master’s program in Microbiology at this university.
Among the main problems generated by these wastes in the environment, the marine environment is identified, with habitat degradation, intoxication, death and injuries due to entanglement of species. The air currents that exist worldwide have formed plastic islands in the marine ecosystem. There is also an impact on human health that, although not widely documented, is identified in organ intoxication or deterioration of health. It is estimated that the particles consumed annually per person is between 78,000 and 211,000 (Source Human Consumption of Microplastics).
Here are some recommendations to avoid microplastics:
- Ordering glass cups
- Have glass thermoses
- Use metal cutlery to avoid disposable ones.
- Avoid buying plastic toys with a short shelf life.
- Use biodegradable disposables
- Recycle electronic devices and avoid the habit of buying new if you don’t need them.
- Keep cloth bags in your car or backpack to avoid using plastic bags.
- Avoid take-out food
- Choose clothes made of non-synthetic materials
- Avoid reheating food or beverages in plastics
- Opt for BPA-free products
- Eat more fresh food
- Buy products packaged in glass
