Microplastics.... the bottom line.

Microplastics: A Hidden Environmental Menace

Microplastics are the small fragments, less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from plastic breaking down over time via solar UV radiation (1). Although plastic itself is not biodegradable, it shatters into these tiny pieces, found in Arctic and Antarctic snow, in the bellies of marine animals, in our drinking water, and even in the air we breathe. A recent study even discovered PET plastic, the kind commonly used in food packaging, in human blood (2). It's estimated that an average human ingests an amount of plastic comparable to a credit card every year (3).

The Impact on Marine Life and Ecosystems

We’ve all seen the devastating images of marine mammals suffering from plastic pollution. But what about the smallest creatures? Microplastics have infiltrated every level of the marine food chain. Studies show that all examined sea turtles had ingested microplastics (4), and even zooplankton, the unsung heroes of the ocean ecosystem, are affected. Exposure to microplastics reduces the hatch rate of zooplankton eggs and slows their growth (5), potentially disrupting the entire food web and ultimately impacting human food sources.

Human Health and Microplastics: What We Know

While all humans are regularly exposed to microplastics, the full impact on human health is still under investigation. Research on mice has indicated that ingestion of microplastics may lead to gut inflammation, reduced sperm count, and smaller offspring (6, 7, 8). Although it remains uncertain whether current levels of exposure will lead to widespread health issues in humans, the mounting evidence is a clear call to action.

The Urgency to Reduce Plastic Waste

Researchers agree that reducing single-use plastic is essential to limit microplastic pollution. With plastic waste expected to increase dramatically in the coming years (9), taking action now is critical. Instead of merely managing the waste through recycling, the goal should be to reduce the use of plastic altogether.

Green Llama’s Eco-Friendly Solution

At Green Llama, we’re committed to cutting plastic waste at the source. Our plastic-free, zero-waste surface cleaners are designed to eliminate the need for excessive recycling. We carefully select eco-friendly ingredients based on the Environmental Working Group’s database and the EPA's Safer Choice list, ensuring that our products are both safe and sustainable.

References

1. Zhang, Kai, et al. "Understanding plastic degradation and microplastic formation in the environment: A review." Environmental Pollution 274 (2021): 116554.
2. Leslie, Heather A., et al. "Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood." Environment International 163 (2022): 107199.
3. Senathirajah, Kala, et al. "Estimation of the mass of microplastics ingested – A pivotal first step towards human health risk assessment." Journal of Hazardous Materials 404 (2021): 124004.
4. Duncan, Emily M., et al. "Microplastic ingestion ubiquitous in marine turtles." Global Change Biology 25.2 (2019): 744-752.
5. Botterell, Zara LR, et al. "Bioavailability and effects of microplastics on marine zooplankton: A review." Environmental Pollution 245 (2019): 98-110.
6. Li, Boqing, et al. "Polyethylene microplastics affect the distribution of gut microbiota and inflammation development in mice." Chemosphere 244 (2020): 125492.
7. Jin, Haibo, et al. "Polystyrene microplastics induced male reproductive toxicity in mice." Journal of Hazardous Materials 401 (2021): 123430.
8. Park, Eun-Jung, et al. "Repeated-oral dose toxicity of polyethylene microplastics and the possible implications on reproduction and development of the next generation." Toxicology Letters 324 (2020): 75-85.
9. Lau, Winnie WY, et al. "Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution." Science 369.6510 (2020): 1455-1461.