What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are now recognized as one of the most concerning pollutants impacting the world today.

These tiny plastic fragments, measuring less than 5 millimeters, are not only present in our oceans but are also found in our soil, air, and even in the food we consume. As they continue to spread, microplastics are having a devastating impact on various ecosystems, threatening the health of marine life and posing significant risks to human health.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than five millimeters in size, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items. These smaller pieces are produced through the natural fragmentation of materials like single-use plastics and are present in everyday items such as carpets, clothing, and packaging. Even activities as simple as washing clothes or using household products can release microplastics into the environment.

Due to their small size, microplastics easily enter water sources, leading to microplastic pollution in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once in these environments, they are consumed by marine life such as fish, sea turtles, and whales, leading to severe health effects. Microplastics also have the ability to break down further into particles that are almost dust-like, making it difficult to assess their true impact.

The Dangers of Microplastics

Recent studies show that both humans and animals are now ingesting microplastics through drinking water and food consumption. These pieces of plastic can carry toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which may pose serious health risks. Ingesting microplastics can lead to inflammation, cellular damage, and disruption of the endocrine system.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other global organizations are calling for more research into the health effects of microplastics. The lack of comprehensive data makes it challenging to understand the full extent of their impact, but it’s clear that reducing plastic pollution and the use of single-use plastics is crucial for the environment and public health.

What Can We Do to Reduce Microplastic Pollution?

The good news is that there are steps we can all take to help combat microplastic pollution. Here are some effective ways to reduce microplastics in our environment:

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics Avoid using plastic bottles, bags, and disposable utensils. Opt for alternatives like reusable drink bottles, stainless steel water bottles, and BPA-free containers. Installing a water filter will eliminate the need to buy bottled water, reducing your plastic consumption. Check out our best water filters for an eco-friendly solution.
2. Recycle Properly Recycling helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Make a conscious effort to recycle as much as possible, and educate yourself on proper recycling practices to ensure that items are disposed of correctly.
3. Participate in Beach Cleanups Beach cleanups are a fantastic way to reduce plastic pollution and protect marine environments. These community efforts help remove plastic waste and prevent it from breaking down into microplastics.
4. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads Microbeads are a common type of microplastic found in many personal care products like facial scrubs, toothpastes, and body washes. Look out for ingredients such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and nylon (PA) to identify products that contain microbeads. If you spot these ingredients, consider avoiding the product to reduce your contribution to microplastic pollution.
5. Install a Water Filter Tap water may contain microplastics that can pose a health risk when consumed. Installing a water filter can help remove these contaminants, ensuring that your drinking water is clean and safe.

Why Choose Great Water Filters Australia?

Our water filters remove contaminants, replace healthy minerals, and create a perfectly balanced pH9 for high-quality drinking water. Our products are designed for easy cartridge replacement and can be installed in homes, offices, and workplaces across Australia. By installing one of our filters, you can enjoy clean, safe water without the need for plastic water bottles, helping you reduce plastic consumption and protect the environment.

• 30 Years of Experience: We have been serving our clients for the past 30 years, providing reliable and eco-friendly water solutions.
• Comprehensive Support: Our filters come with a 100% no-risk guarantee and a 10-year support package, giving you peace of mind.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: Our water filters are designed to reduce plastic pollution by eliminating the need for bottled water.