How We Can Help End Microbeads

As we know the effects of Microbeads are very harmful to our aquatic ecosystem but by utilizing simple techniques we can put a stop to the production and purchase of the harmful micro-plastics. By sharing information about Microbeads and their harmful effects via word of mouth, signing petitions/creating petitions or social media we are able to take small steps to make a larger impact against the production and purchase of Microbeads. Let's help protect our oceanic wildlife by signing a few petitions, it takes less than a minute, its free, and in return we are rewarded with cleaner oceans, happier marine life and we have taken one more step to creating a healthier environment altogether.

1. Let's help ban the bead in Minnesota!

2. Let's boycott Microbead products everywhere!

3. Let's pledge to not buy products containing Microbeads and support legislation to end it's use!

4. Let's start a petition of our own on Change.org to end Microbeads!
5. Let's support the Stop Microbeads community on Facebook!
6. Let's let our friends on Facebook, Twitter & other social media platforms, know about the harmful effects of Microbeads!

The Surprising, Affordable Solution for Lead Contaminated Soil

             Lead is one of the top three most common soil contaminants, along with cadmium and arsenic. Because there is such a high amount of lead contamination in America’s cities, and the cost to clean it all up would be exorbitant, scientists have been trying out new techniques to reduce the risk of lead poisoning altogether.

            According to the New York Times, the surprising solution is fish bones. More specifically, it is the calcium phosphate contained in the fish bones that does the trick.  Scientists have been adding fish bone meal to lead contaminated soil. The calcium phosphate in the ground up fish bones then combines with the lead in the contaminated soil and forms pyromorphite, which is a harmless, consumable crystalline material. This, in turn, neutralizes the lead’s poising effects on humans, thus reducing the risk of lead poisoning.

            This solution, which has been pushed forward by the Environmental Protection Agency, has actually been in use for at least the past twenty years.  This option is also much more affordable than alternative forms of lead cleanup, and if it catches on, has the potential to replace the old method of digging up and disposing of contaminated soil.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/science/earth/21fishbones.html?ref=science&_r=0

Photo Credit: Jim Wilson, The New York Times