In 2012, researchers from the
University of Wisconsin and the State University of New York-Fredonia conducted
a number of studies in local reservoirs. Initially, the project was implemented
as a means to compose a current recording of water pollution in lakes Haron,
Superior and Erie. Prior to investigation, scientists estimated that much of
the pollution in these waterways could be caused from micro-plastics, degraded
from larger pieces of materials. However, they were not prepared to find
thousands of perfectly spherical plastic beads. In fact, the presence of these
beads was overwhelming, averaging 450,000 per square kilometer. Perplexed by
this extreme accumulation of small, round multicolored plastics, researchers
took initiative to discover the source. After further investigations, the
mystery was solved—hygiene products. The tiny plastic balls were microbeads,
commonly found in mainstream cleansing solutions and exfoliating scrubs.
Polyethylene, (the most common plastic) is formulated
into small microbeads as a common ingredient and/or filler in hygiene
merchandise. For over five decades, trusted companies such as Johnson &
Johnson and Proctor & Gamble have been implementing these tiny beads into
their shampoos, soaps, tooth pastes, deodorants and facial cleansers. The beads
are used as substitutes for more expensive natural solutions such as salts,
walnut husks and apricot pits. It is estimated that American’s buy cosmetics
containing over 537,000 pounds of microbeads each year. Formulated and designed
to pass through our drains, by using said products, consumers are directly
damaging their food sources. Sherri Mason, an environmental chemist at the
State University of New York-Fredonia is ashamed of this manmade problem. The balls
look exactly like fish eggs, and thus hundreds of marine organisms swallow the
microbeads no longer hungry for healthier options such as plankton and algae.
Not only do microbeads contribute to
climate change and the growing issue of pollution, they also administer to
planned obsolescence. By creating materials that are known to be less efficient
than natural ingredients, corporations are guaranteeing consumers will need to
purchase more products and at a higher frequency. Not only do they need a
facial wash, they also have to purchase a zit cream, exfoliating scrub, toner
and a moisturizing cleanser. Moreover, for greatest results, larger portions
are necessary, requiring monthly or even biweekly replacements of products.
Essentially, microbeads are one of the many procedures corporations use to cut
corners and maximize profits. Do you want to be a victim of this vicious cycle,
which does nothing but drain your own pockets? I don’t think so. Join the
campaign to ban microbeads and fight against planned obsolescence: http://www.beatthemicrobead.org/en/.
The
following video is also worth of attention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAiIGd_JqZc.
References:
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