“To make a difference, what is one simple thing we can do every day?” It’s a question Brainspace staff considered for this issue.
As we research stories, we discover news that makes us pay attention. Recently, a research project by scientists in Austria has revealed some pretty shocking stuff inside the human gut. Though it is too early to tell, scientists are investigating to find out if humans are ingesting plastic. Samples taken from eight people with normal diets uncovered nine different kinds of microplastics in their digestive systems. Our environment has become so saturated with plastic that humans could be starting to absorb it.
Why is there so much?
Plastic is cheap to manufacture and it is lighter than other
packing and container materials. Packaging in glass would make liquids like soda, for instance, much heavier. For companies, the cost of transporting drinks from the factory to stores would be much more.
.
How did the plastic get there?
It is believed that the microplastics found in samples of human feces came from fish that people had eaten. Another theories is that the plastic may have come from the wrapping used on food, such as the
plastic wrap on meats.
.
5 easy things you can do to help:
“No thanks!”
Ask for your drink order to be strawless. Plastic covers on take-away cups are an environmental problem too. So if you’re eating in, skip the cover and the straw.
.
Prevention Is Part of the Cure
When you see garbage, pick it up if it’s safe to do so! You just might be safely containing plastic that could otherwise find its way into a dolphin’s – or human’s – stomach.
.
Recycle Right
Be mindful of putting waste into the proper containers. Cross contamination of garbage with recyclable plastics hinders the recycling process.
.
No Bag
Reusable cloth bags for groceries are wisely chosen by most people. But putting fruit and veggies in plastic produce bags is still a common practice. Don’t bag them. Mesh or net bags for oranges, lemons, limes, avocadoes and onions can choke animals. Instead, suggest that your family buys loose produce.
.
Spread the word
Your voice is powerful. Speak up about what is important to you. Adults can need reminding too!