Microplastics in Paradise

Microplastics are everywhere. You could be swimming in them, ingesting them, or even breathing them without knowing it.

Microplastics, tiny particles mostly formed as plastic breaks up, are now found throughout our oceans worldwide. Scientists estimate that 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean each year, the equivalent of dumping two garbage trucks of plastic into the ocean every minute.

Paradise can’t escape microplastics, either. It was recently reported that Florida Gulf Coast University tested water samples collected from Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Englewood Beach, and Marco Island and found microplastics in every sample tested. Sanibel showed the highest concentrations, with elevated levels also found at Fort Myers Beach.

Approximately 16,000 chemicals are used to make plastic, and about one-quarter are known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, placentas, and breast milk. We are exposed to microplastics through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

The plastics industry must reduce plastic production, and companies must decrease their use of unnecessary single-use plastics and shift to non-toxic reuse and refill systems. Government policies are critical to ensure they do. One important step is the REUSE Act, a bipartisan bill to study the feasibility of expanding reuse and refill systems nationwide. The bill has already passed the Senate. Now the House must act. Contact your representative today.