Did you know that some of the most harmful pollutants to the planet can be found in your shampoo bottle? Many shampoos, along with cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, and makeup contain ‘microbeads,’ tiny particles of hard plastic that do not degrade or decompose. Using these products in the shower means they end up in sewage treatment plants where they pass unfiltered into our oceans and water supply. Some of these plastics are ingested by marine life and birds and some eventually end up in our food. Over 100 aquatic animals have been found to contain microplastics, including shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish. Scientists believe there may be as many as 5 trillion particles of plastic in the world’s oceans already and some studies indicate that the average person consumes about a credit card’s worth of plastic per week!
Fortunately, microplastics can be avoided if you know what to look for. Next time you’re shopping for bath and beauty supplies, read labels and avoid anything containing the following ingredients:
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Nylon (PA)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
Do your part to keep the planet healthy by cutting down on plastics that pollute our oceans!
