Microplastic in Your Bathroom
Each year, an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean. Did you know that personal care products are a major source of microplastics?
They get washed away into the oceans through our bathrooms.
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are less than 5 millimetres in size, and they are present in everyday items, including cigarettes, clothing, cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning agents.
One common source of microplastics in personal care products is microbeads. These are small plastic particles that are often added to products like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes for their exfoliating or abrasive properties. When these products are used and washed off, the microbeads end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Microplastic in Your Bathroom
There are several ways individuals can contribute to preventing the release of microplastics from personal care products into the environment:
🐟 Choose microbead-free products with natural exfoliants like sugar, salt, or jojoba.
🐟 Check ingredients: avoid products that contain these common plastic ingredients:
❌ polyethylene (PE)
❌ polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
❌ nylon
❌polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
❌ polypropylene (PP)
(for a longer list, visit The Beat the Microbead)
🐟 Use alternatives and choose natural and biodegradable options available in the market.
🐟 Support sustainable brands that prioritise environmental sustainability and responsible sourcing and are transparent about their manufacturing processes and the materials they use.
🐟 Minimise use of single-use plastics - beyond personal care products, reduce your overall use of disposable plastics (ex. plastic water bottles and cups, straws, bags, and packaging, which contribute to plastic pollution).
🐟 Proper disposal - avoid flushing products and follow disposal guidelines.
🐟 Educate others - raise awareness about the issue of microplastics and encourage friends and family to make environmentally conscious choices when it comes to personal care products. Sharing information can contribute to a collective effort to reduce plastic pollution.
🐟 Support legislation - advocate for and support policies and regulations aimed at reducing the use of microplastics in personal care products. Stay informed and participate in initiatives that promote environmental protection.
Check out Jungle Culture's zero-waste bathroom accessories - plastic-free products.
Make a change today and help to reduce tonnes of waste created by households every year.
