MicroPlastics

why are they such a big problem?

Microplastics are any plastic smaller than 5mm in length, sometimes so small that you can't see them. Many are in cosmetic products usually called microbeads. These types of plastics are even worse than bigger plastics for marine life as they are more easily swallowed.

Microplastics are made from a variety of things

Larger plastics that break down, Synthetic clothes release microfibers while being washed, Resin pellets that are used for plastic manufacturing and Polyethylene beads found in soaps and toothpastes.

National Geographic thinks that there could be up to 50 million pieces of microplastic in the ocean. These can be so tiny you can't see them and in many places are in our drinking water!!

Next time you go shopping please have a look at what's in what you are buying, and decide if you really need it. Please try not to buy synthetic materials as when you wash it, it realeases microfibres which can end up floating into the ocean.