Microplastics
A microplastic is any plastic ranging from 1 to 5 mm in size
Plastics
do not
decompose
in the marine environment rather they break down
into smaller pieces
In 2014 researchers estimated that 5.25 trillion microplastics can be found in the world's oceans
Xanthos D, Walker T R. International policies to reduce plastic marine pollution from single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads): A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2017; 118( 1–2) :17-26. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.048
Larger plastic debris is weathered into microplastics however microplastics can also directly enter the marine environment.
Direct Sources of Microplastics
Many soaps and cosmetic products contain microbeads as exfoliants.
Natural alternatives exists.
Microfibers and microbeads are generally not addressed in the treatment of wastewater and are released into waterways
The two main direct sources of microplastics are
personal care products
and
laundry.
Synthetic materials shed plastic containing microfibers when washed.
Choose cotton instead.