What are microplastics?

In this short blog, we discuss what microplastics are, how they spread and their consequences are. We also discuss how we as outdoor enthusiasts can do our bit to minimise their impact.

Table of contents

• What are microplastics?
• How do microplastics enter the environment?
• What are the consequences of all these microplastics?
• What can we do against the spread of microplastics?

What are microplastics?

Over time, plastic in the environment disintegrates into smaller and smaller pieces. At a certain size of these pieces (a diameter of 5 mm and smaller), we speak of microplastics. They are often so small that they are no longer visible to the naked eye. Some pieces of plastic are so small that they are no longer visible even with an average microscope. These pieces are also called nanoplastics. Micro- and nanoplastics move through the environment very easily. Through rivers and oceans, but they can also move through the air. Not surprisingly, microplastics have already been found all over the world. Not only in those rivers, oceans or in the air. But also in organisms such as chickens, fish, seafood. And yes, even in humans.

How do microplastics enter the environment?

So micro and nanoplastics are everywhere, but where do they come from? What is their source? In this blog, we limit ourselves to the biggest culprits. Number one is existing litter, which is constantly breaking down further into microplastics and nanoplastics. This happens on land and in the oceans. A second major source of microplastics is wear and tear from car tyres and wear and tear from clothes made of synthetic materials. The latter group of microplastics are also called microfibres and spread by wearing synthetic clothing, for example, but even more so by washing it. Finally, there are also all kinds of microplastics in cosmetics. Think of mascara, eyeliners or exfoliating gel. Many cosmetics companies are already busy replacing microplastics with more environmentally friendly alternatives, but this transition is certainly not yet complete across the cosmetics industry.

After nano- and microplastics enter the environment, the step to our bodies is not very big. We get them into our gastrointestinal system through the food we consume. This is not just the actual food such as chicken or fish, but also through dust (some of which consists of micro- and nanoplastics) that ends up on our food. In addition, plastic cups, straws and other types of packaging material also release microplastics. Finally, we also get the smallest nanoplastics floating in the air simply by breathing.

What are the consequences of all these microplastics?

The implications of this are huge. This is because it is incredibly difficult to remove micro- and nanoplastics from the environment. As annual global plastic production continues to grow, the amount of microplastics in the environment will also increase. So they will only become more and more. How these tiny pieces of plastic affect the health of nature and ours is not yet entirely clear. There is still plenty of research on that. Nevertheless, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is already stressing that we need to become more aware that these plastics do not belong in nature. Measures will therefore have to be taken to minimise exposure to microplastics. The Netherlands therefore applies the so-called "precautionary principle". In practice, this means that the use, formation and spread of microplastics must be kept to a minimum.

What can you do against the spread of microplastics?

Much of the solution to the problem caused by microplastics therefore lies with national governments. They will have to come up with legislation and, incidentally, are already doing so. The recently introduced ban on the use of disposable plastic cups and containers in the catering industry in the Netherlands is one example. But how can you as an individual contribute to the solution. Enough! For instance, make sure you use your car less often and/or less intensively. Or buy fewer products with plastic packaging. And return your returnable bottles. In the case of synthetic clothing, consider a little more often whether you can also hang out your jumper or trousers instead of washing them. Fortunately, there are also innovations that can help you. For instance, special laundry bags can be bought nowadays, which intercept a large part of the microfibres released during a wash. For instance, the company Guppyfriend claims that their laundry bags capture around 99% of these microfibres during a wash!

So, as you can see, a lot is possible. On the website of the Plastic Soup Foundation you will find many more useful tips. Do you still have some questions after reading this blog? Or are some things still unclear? Then please contact our customer service. At Twinseasons we are happy to help you with your questions.