Microplastics

Nearly every piece of plastic ever generated still exists today

Plastic was invented in 1907, but it wasn’t until after WWII that the plastic market began to grow significantly. Back in the 1950s, the world produced about 1.5 million tons of plastic annually. In 2024 that figure has exploded to 480 million tons.

Plastics, particularly microplastics, are a significant environmental hazard due to their persistence and widespread distribution. Plastics degrade slowly, breaking into ever-smaller particles called microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems, contaminating soil, water, and air. These particles are ingested by wildlife, entering food chains and potentially harming animals through physical blockages, chemical exposure, or bioaccumulation of toxins. In aquatic environments, microplastics absorb pollutants, becoming toxic carriers that further threaten marine life and biodiversity. For humans, microplastics have been detected in drinking water, food, and even the atmosphere, raising concerns about long-term health impacts, including inflammation and chemical exposure. Their ubiquity underscores the urgent need for improved waste management, reduced plastic use, and greater investment in alternatives.

On Land, in the Seas and in the Air

These particles often end up in waterways and oceans. Depending on their composition, some microplastics float on the water’s surface, while others sink and accumulate in deeper ocean zones, such as the hadal zone—the deepest part of the ocean, which has become one of the largest microplastic sinks on Earth. Microplastics account for approximately 99% of all plastics in aquatic environments. Floating particles spread widely, while denser materials, such as acrylic fibers from synthetic fabrics, settle in deeper waters.

The problem is compounded when marine life mistakes these particles for food. Microplastics absorb harmful toxins, which are ingested by sea creatures and travel up the food chain, ultimately reaching humans. This passive contamination highlights the urgent need to address the pervasive spread of plastics in our environment.

Click image to enlarge

How do microplastics get into the human body?
Microplastics enter the body through the food and drink you consume and the air you breathe. They are even present in rain. Plastic microfibers originating from, for example, synthetic clothing, furniture and carpets end up in the air. It has been estimated that for every 44 pounds of household dust produced on average annually, about 13 are microplastics. Also, outdoor air consists of microplastics due to car tires’ wear and tear and the fragmenting of large pieces into ever-increasing smaller ones..

Once in the body, how do microplastics affect it?
Microplastics can carry a range of contaminants (e.g., potentially harmful organic chemicals) that can leach from the plastic surface once in the body, increasing the potential for toxic effects. They accumulate in organs such as the kidneys and even the brain.

The long-term health consequences of microplastic pollution remain largely unknown; however, in terms of human health, research has suggested microplastics may provoke immune and stress responses and induce reproductive and developmental toxicity once they enter and persist in the body. (learn more)

In the U.S. and most areas of the globe, plastic use has skyrocketed to the point that it’s impossible to avoid.
Just think about the number of times in a day you purchase something made of plastic or protected by plastic.
Plastic is convenient, but we’re trading our health and the health of our children/grandchildren for that convenience.
Plastic overconsumption is overwhelming our oceans and freshwater, damaging our environment, harming wildlife, and infiltrating our air.
Studies demonstrate the presence of microplastics in human blood and organs (lungs) that are particularly concerning.
It’s time to drastically reduce use of plastic.

How can we reduce the number of microplastics that can get into the body?

Bring an eco-friendly water bottle, food container and bag with you whenever possible.
Consume less prepackaged, convenience foods.
Avoid synthetic fabrics (including fabric made from recycled materials, as well as polyester, nylon, etc.). Choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool instead.
Challenge yourself to consume less plastic daily. Use glass or steel containers for storage vs. plastic, reuse packaging, etc.
Recycle everything you can. Follow the recycling rules based on where you live, which can be confusing.
Reduce the use of products that contain microbeads such as some facial cleansers and toothpaste.
Overall, reduce the use of plastic and either reuse or recycle what you choose to consume.

Become part of the solution / Reduce the use of plastic in daily life

Using the list below, take note of 1-3 plastic sources you’d like to work toward reducing or eliminating in a week or month, and then take steps to curb your use.

__ Produce: plastic bags, bagged vegetables and lettuces, vegetables in “clamshell” containers, etc.
__ Fresh seafood and meat
__ Dairy: milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, eggs, etc.
__ Snack packs and protein bars and other snack items
__ Cereal, crackers, cookies, chips, candy and gum
__ Jams, jellies, nut butters
__ Bread and bakery items
__ Water, soda, specialty beverages
__ Deli items and hot/cold food bar items
__ Condiments and spices
__ Pasta, packaged dinners, soups
__ Baking items
__ Frozen foods: entrees, meat and seafood, pizza, ice cream, vegetables, breakfast items, etc.
__ Disposable cups, dinnerware, flatware
__ Paper products: toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, etc.
__ Household cleaners, laundry detergents, dishwasher soap, air fresheners
__ Personal care items: shampoos, conditioners, mouthwash, skin care, oral care, first aid, feminine care, shaving, vitamins, etc.
__ Diapers, wipes, baby food
__ Pet food and treats; cat litter

Disposing of Plastic Isn’t as Simple as You May Think

Each type of plastic is different: some are reusable, others can become more toxic with reuse, some are easily recycled, and others cannot be recycled because there is no buyer for them (in this case, the recycling center has to pay a hauler to take what isn’t recyclable to the landfill).

To find out what’s recyclable, pick up any plastic container (water bottle, frozen food tray, instant noodle cup, deli or takeout container, etc.) in your kitchen to locate a number on its back or bottom. This number indicates the type of plastic used to make the product you hold. Then, check on the recycling rules for your community.

Two Important Things to Remember!

Memorizing the different types of plastic can be overwhelming, so here are 2 key points to remember:

Every category of plastic leaches hazardous materials if put in an extreme situation like heat.
Three types of plastic that are considered safer options are 1-PETE, 2-HDPE and 5-PP. These are also the types of plastic bottles and containers that can be recycled at Sedona Recycles.

Check with your local recycling center to understand their guidelines and consider not purchasing products housed in plastic that cannot be recycled.

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