Secondary Microplastics
After taking a look at Primary Microplastics a few weeks ago and learning about the devastating impact plastic pellets have on our planet, this week we're talking about the other kind of Microplastics: Secondary.
So what are Secondary Microplastics?
Secondary Microplastics can be defined as pieces of plastic (again, under 5mm in size) that started out as larger pieces but have somehow found their way into the ocean (and to landfills), to be eroded down over time (a really long time). Some experts consider synthetic clothing materials such as fleece as Secondary Microplastics too, which can find their way into the oceans through grey water by washing clothing.
This is what we as a company are fighting against. Single-use plastic bottles take a long time to degrade. The plastic bottles people drink from today will still be around in 2419 and probably even longer. Over time, a culmination of biological, physical and chemphotodegradation including photodegradation caused by sunlight exposure, breaks down the plastic until it becomes so small that we cannot see it with the naked eye. If these bottles are at sea, they will degrade so small that fish will ingest it which at some point means that we as humans will also ingest it. This is already happening, Bisphenol A (BPA to you and I) has been found in fish samples all across the world.
What should we do about Secondary Microplastics?
Secondary microplastics are certainly avoidable in 2019. We are very lucky to live in a part of the world where drinking from other sources (namely glass bottles or like our customers, filtered DEWA water) is possible. Single-use plastic bottles are a big concern and one of the main contributors to Microplastics. It is a habit which needs to be seen as a problem. The problem is not only environmental, but it is also a problem for human health.
If you think your company would like to avoid contributing to the plastic problem, get in touch to learn more about our drinking water solutions for business! It's the cool thing to do and shows that you care about our planet, after all we only have one and we are all in this together.
