What are Microplastics, Anyways?

Let's talk plastics – not just the usual suspects like water bottles and bags, but the sneakier, microscopic troublemakers: microplastics. You might have heard the term tossed around and wondered what it actually was. These tiny, often invisible particles are infiltrating our lives, from our skincare routines to the depths of our oceans, whether we can see them or not!

Microplastics, smaller than a sesame seed, come in two forms. First, we have the primary microplastics, purposefully added to products like toothpaste and cosmetics. Despite bans, they're still finding their way into our environment. The second group, secondary microplastics, emerge from the breakdown of larger plastic items, and stay lingering in our waters for generations.

So, why should we care? Well, one good reason is because in the US, we are unintentionally consuming around 74,000 particles annually. These little invaders don't discriminate; they're in our water, air, and even our food. Plus, the health hazards are no joke, with links to reproductive harm and obesity.

These reasons are also great motivation to slash our microplastic footprints and avoid putting more of these particles into our environments. Opt for natural fibers in your clothes, reduce laundry frequency, and say goodbye to unnecessary single-use plastics. Properly recycling is always a winning strategy as well. When we take care of the planet, we take care of ourselves!