Microplastics are a global problem. They are found throughout the world’s offshore and inland waters, from lakes and rivers to beaches and the middle of the ocean. While microplastics are harmful for marine wildlife and humans on their own, they also trap pollutants that exacerbate the risks of consumption. When plastic products shed microplastics into the environment, these microplastics are eventually consumed by marine microbes. These microbes are then consumed by marine wildlife (i.e., crustaceans and fish), which are in turn consumed by humans.
What is Plastic?
While “plastic” is often referred to as a particular type of material, there are actually numerous different types of plastics—and this is part of the problem. Not only are plastics ubiquitous, but most people don’t realize that many of the products they use on a daily basis contain plastics that can shed microplastics into the environment.
So, what is plastic? Some of the most common plastic materials used in consumer, commercial, and industrial products include:
Acrylic
Acrylic is a clear type of thermoplastic that is highly durable and UV-resistant. This makes it useful for a wide range of products. It is commonly used for signs, windows, tanks, furniture, and medical devices, and is also a commonly used material in paints and fabrics.
Epoxy
Epoxy is a type of thermosetting polymer (which is different from a thermoplastic) that is known for its extreme durability. Various types of epoxies are used as coatings, adhesives, fillers, and other products used in land-based and marine applications.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is made from petrochemicals (like many of the other plastics on this list). While acrylic and epoxy are known for their durability (which also means that they do not break down in the environment), nylon is known for its elasticity—although it is very durable as well. Nylon is used in everything from ropes to raincoats, and it is often treated with an additional plastic coating to make it water-repellant.
Polyester
Polyester, also known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is another durable and elastic plastic material that is widely used in clothing and other textiles. Since it is wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and hydrophobic, it is particularly common in athletic apparel and shoes. However, polyester is commonly found in bedding, carpets, and numerous other consumer and commercial products as well.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic on earth. There are several types, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HPDE), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Polyethene is used in everything from milk jugs and plastic bottles to shampoos and cleaning products, and it is one of the worst contributors to the world’s marine microplastics problem.
Other Plastics Used in Everyday Materials
Along with these plastics, many other types of plastics are used in all types of products. Some additional types of plastics include:
- Fiberglass
- Polycarbonate
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Polyvinyl chloride
Packaging materials, wrappers, children’s toys, recreational equipment, consumer electronics, vehicle components, and many other things most people use every single day contain one type of plastic or another. Whether from use or disposal, these plastics all can—and do—shed microplastics into the environment.
10 Surprising Products That Contain Plastics
It is obvious that many products are made of plastic. In fact, many products—like plastic bottles and epoxy adhesives—have plastic in their name.
But, there are also many products that contain plastic that people don’t necessarily think of as plastic products. There are also some products that appear to be plastic-free based on their labeling, but which actually contain polyester, polyethylene, and other plastics that can shed microplastics into the environment.
For example, here are 10 surprising products that contain plastics:
1. “Paper” Products
Many “paper” products have plastic coatings. Unfortunately, greenwashing is a very real issue; and, with consumers becoming increasingly eco-conscious, many companies market their products as being made out of paper when they contain substantial amounts of plastic as well.
2. “Eco-Friendly” Products
There are similar issues with many products that are advertised as being “eco-friendly.” Eco-friendly does not mean plastic-free. Oftentimes, this simply means that a company’s product has less plastic content than it did previously, or that its products use less plastic than its competitors’ products.
3. “Biodegradable” Products
“Biodegradable” products often have a significant amount of plastic content as well. Greenwashing is an issue here, too; and, while a product that contains plastic may technically be biodegradable over a long enough time scale, it can still leach harmful microplastics into the environment.
4. Clothing Items
Clothing is among the largest contributors to the global microplastics problem. Clothing can contain nylon, polyester, polyethylene, and other types of plastic—including clothing items that are marketed as being eco-friendly. While fast fashion is a major global environmental issue, this is by no means the only concern.
5. Baby Products
Disposable diapers, baby wipes, baby bottles, toys, and other baby products are commonly made with various plastics; and, by their nature, these products often end up in landfills shortly after purchase. When these (and other) plastic products end up in landfills, degradation and processing can result in the shedding of microplastics, and microplastics from landfills can leach into waterways (and ultimately into the oceans) after rainfall and other weather events.
6. Cleaning Sponges
While intended for cleaning, sponges are commonly made of plastic, and the nature of their use means that they frequently shed microplastics into the environment as well. If you think about all of the sponges in the world—and all of the sponges that have ever existed in the world—this can start to give you a picture of the size of the problem.
7. Cosmetics
Many types of cosmetics contain nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and other plastics. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other body care products often contain plastics as well. Whether these plastics go down the drain or into the landfill, they can end up in inland water systems and ultimately make their way into the ocean.
8. Sunscreen
Many types of sunscreen are made with synthetic polymers which leach microplastics into the environment. This is why certain types of sunscreens are prohibited in sensitive habitats and environments. Similar to the number of sponges in the world, if you think about the number of people who wear sunscreen on a daily basis, you can start to imagine the scope of the issue.
9. Paints
Paints used on everything from homes to cars to boats can contain polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and other plastics. This includes latex, epoxy, and acrylic paints, among others. While spilled or dripped paint can end up in the environment, “wear and tear” on dried paint is also a major source of marine microplastics.
10. Aluminum Cans and Foil
Along with paper products, aluminum products often have plastic coatings as well. This includes aluminum cans and aluminum foil, which are often marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bottles and plastic wrap. While coated aluminum cans and foil might be less harmful than their plastic counterparts, they are still a significant part of the problem.
How Microplastics Get Into Our Waterways and Oceans
As we discussed above, microplastics can get into our inland waterways and oceans in various ways. This is a big reason for the scope of the global microplastics problem.
But, while we touched on some of the issues above, we haven’t covered all of them. There are five broad categories of issues that are the main contributors to the enormous volume of microplastics in our waters:
- Degradation of Plastic Products – All types of plastic products (not just those listed above) can degrade from use, wear and tear, and exposure to the elements. This degradation creates microplastics which inevitably find their way into the marine environment.
- Wastewater Runoff – Wastewater that contains soaps, shampoos, cleaners, and other products made with plastics is a major source of marine microplastics as well. Every day, countless gallons of wastewater enter rivers and streams all over the world before eventually making their way to the ocean.
- Industrial Pollution – Industrial pollution is a third major source of marine microplastics. Industrial facilities can create and disseminate microplastics during the manufacturing process and while using plastic-based products.
- Illegal Dumping – Illegal dumping—both on land and in the water—is another major issue. While laws and regulations exist in countries around the world that are designed to protect waterways and other marine environments, illegal dumping remains a major issue.
- Wind and Other Natural Forces – Wind can carry microplastics from landfills and other sources enormous distances. Likewise, rain can carry microplastics from the land to the sea. As a result, even when disposed of properly, plastic products often still pose risks for polluting our waters with harmful microplastics.
While these are among the leading sources of marine microplastics, this list is not exhaustive. Microplastics are a huge issue that impacts marine environments and humans around the globe. For more information about the risks for humans, you can read this article from Stanford Medicine.
How Can You Avoid Contributing to the Global Microplastics Problem?
Now that you know a bit more about the problem, how can you be part of the solution? As an individual consumer, one of the best things you can do is reduce your use of plastics. From clothing, cosmetics, and shampoos to food containers, paints, and cleaning products, there are plastic-free alternatives to most of the mass-produced plastic-based products that have become ubiquitous.
As we said above, many “biodegradable” and “eco-friendly” products are still manufactured with plastic content. As a result, it is important to read the labels. But, by making conscious decisions about the products you buy, you can minimize how much you contribute to the global marine microplastics problem.
About Following Seas Marine Impact Research
At Following Seas Marine Impact Research, we are studying the global microplastics problem through on-the-water sampling and data analysis. Our goal is to provide other organizations with the data and science they need to advocate for change and implement clean-up solutions. We are also developing standards for citizen-scientists who are interested in gathering data where they live. Join our mailing list to follow along.