Curb Microplastic Pollution

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, generally defined as less than 5 millimeters in size. They come in various forms, including fragments, fibers, pellets (nurdles), and foams. These minuscule pieces of plastic pose a significant threat to our environment and aquatic ecosystem. The toxic chemicals in microplastics can affect the growth and health of a range of animals and plants in Lake Leelanau, including us.

The Invisible Invaders: How Microplastics End Up in Our Lake

Microplastics can start out small, or break down over time from larger pieces of plastic, like clothing, water bottles, plastic bags, cigarette butts, and construction foam. Certainly, one path of microplastics to Lake Leelanau is improper disposal, such as littering or when trash accidentally blows into the water from your boat or shoreside picnic. However, unintentional pollution from rainwater runoff is a significant contributor as is the effluent from our septic systems. While septic systems are designed to filter out solids and some pollutants, they are not very effective at removing microplastics. The small size of microplastics allows them to pass through the system and into the surrounding soil eventually reaching groundwater and lakes.

Tire wear and road dust are major sources of microplastic pollution [1].

A study of three Lake Michigan tributaries discovered that 85% of the fish sampled had microplastics in their digestive tracts [2].

The Dangers of Microplastic Pollution

Microplastics can alter the physical and chemical properties of the lake ecosystem, impacting water quality and biodiversity. When microplastics are ingested by aquatic organisms, such as fish, birds, and invertebrates, they can cause internal injuries, reduced feeding because their stomach is full, and even death. As microplastics move up the food chain, they can accumulate in the tissues of larger organisms, ultimately impacting human health through the consumption of contaminated fish.

What We Can Do to Reduce Microplastic Pollution

We all play a crucial role in combating microplastic pollution in Lake Leelanau. Of course, one should never litter, especially near waterways. But there are more subtle changes we can make. One of the most significant avenues through which individuals add microplastics to the lake is through clothing, laundry, and personal care products.

In 2015, the FDA passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act which prohibits plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics. However, loopholes mean that microbeads are still found in personal care products, cleaning products, and make-up. Solution: Look for products that use natural abrasive agents such as shells, nuts, seeds, and sand instead of microbeads.
Most laundry detergents use polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics as abrasives and fillers. One study in Europe tested 300 detergents and found microplastics in 119 of them, even those that did not mention either ingredient on the product labels. Solution: Choose eco-friendly detergents explicitly labeled as "microplastic-free" or "plastic-free."
Synthetic clothing made from polyester, polyamide, and nylon such as polar fleece, microfiber, spandex, velvet, faux fur, and activewear can shed, leaving microplastic traces in the water. A single load of laundry can release up to 1.5 million synthetic microfibers into septic systems, most of which will enter and pollute the environment [3]. Solution: Purchase a microfiber filter for your washing machine, choose natural fiber clothes, avoid fast fashion, and reduce clothes washing frequency.

Laundry filters like the Cora Ball pictured here can be used to trap microfibers preventing them from entering septic systems and the water cycle.

Reducing the amount of plastic that is produced is the most effective way to keep it out of the environment. Monitoring your use of single-use plastics, supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, and advocating for policies that promote plastic reduction and recycling are important steps we can take to curb microplastic pollution.

Almost 33% of dust found within a typical home consists of microplastics derived from textiles [4].

Fast fashion brands (cheaply produced and priced garments following current trends) often use synthetic fibers which take hundreds of years to biodegrade. The average American generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year. [5]

Working Together for a Cleaner Lake

Addressing microplastic pollution requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and policymakers. Currently, the State of Michigan has a package of five bills in the draft phase that would require testing and regulation at state agencies and target common sources of microplastic pollution [6].

Remember that every small action counts. By making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can significantly reduce microplastic pollution and safeguard the health of Lake Leelanau.

Sources

[1] Toxic microplastics found where the rubber meets the road

[2] Microplastics in the Great Lakes: Environmental, Health, and Socioeconomic Implications and Future Directions

[3] The contribution of washing processes of synthetic clothes to microplastic pollution

[4] How to avoid microplastics

[5] Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact

[6] Michigan doesn’t have a set plan for preventing microplastic pollution. Could that change?