A Planet with a Plastic Cloak

Tiny plastic particles – microplastics enter the human body through water, food, and air, and due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, they negatively affect human health. So far, these particles have been found in the lungs, heart, brain, blood vessels, and even in breast milk and the placentas of babies.

Microplastics are created by the breakdown of large pieces of plastic under the influence of wind, waves, and solar radiation, through mechanical processes such as crushing, or by direct release from industrial facilities. Furthermore, microplastics are also released from synthetic materials we use daily – clothing, footwear, and even cosmetic products containing plastic particles (exfoliants) used for skin cleansing, toys, cutting boards, bottles, bags, and many other plastic items.

The fact that plastic is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity is evidenced by the many countries around the world that are once again coming together this year to adopt sustainable practices that will lead to change at all levels of society.

Tackling the complex issue of plastic pollution is not easy and requires systemic change, but we as individuals can make choices in our everyday lives that push markets toward transformation, require industries to adapt, all with the goal of reducing single-use plastic consumption and developing products and packaging that are not harmful to humans or the environment.