How microplastics enter our environment and bodies

April 2, 2023

Wie Mikroplastik in unsere Umwelt und Körper gelangt

Microplastics - An Invisible Threat to the Environment and Human Health

Microplastics are an omnipresent problem threatening the environment and our health. They are tiny particles made from plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, usually smaller than 5 mm. These particles enter our environment and our food in various ways.

In this blog post, we explain the process of how microplastics end up in our oceans, the dangers they pose to us and our environment, and what we can do about them.

Definition of Microplastics

Microplastics are small plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that are often invisible to the naked eye. These particles can be intentionally manufactured, for example in cosmetics or cleaning products, or they can be created as waste products from the breakdown of larger plastic items such as bottles or packaging. Microplastics can occur in various forms, such as pellets, fibers, or fragments, and can enter the environment through various routes, including air, water, and soil pollution.

How Do Microplastics End Up in Our Oceans?

The amount of plastic entering our environment is alarmingly high. According to a 2016 study by the World Economic Forum (WEF), around 311 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide each year, of which 8 million tonnes ended up in the oceans¹. This pollution has dramatic effects on the marine ecosystem and can also affect human health, as microplastics enter our food chain.

Plastic enters the sea in various ways. A large portion comes from land and is transported to the sea by rivers or the wind. Lost or deliberately discarded plastic from ships also contributes to pollution. In addition, there is plastic waste that is generated directly in the sea, for example through fishing or litter left behind by tourists.

How Long Does It Take for Microplastics to Break Down?

Most plastic pieces take hundreds of years to break down. However, when they end up in the sea, they are broken down by the sun, saltwater, and waves into tiny particles known as microplastics.

These microplastic particles can be ingested by marine life and eventually end up on our plates when we eat fish.

How Harmful Is It to Eat Microplastics?

The effects of microplastics on our health are not yet fully known, but there are already indications that they can be harmful.

A 2019 study estimated that the average person ingests between 74,000 and 121,000 microplastic particles per year through food². Another study found that microplastics could be detected in the bodies of people who eat seafood³.

Why You Should Avoid Plastic Kitchen Utensils

Another factor that can contribute to microplastic ingestion is plastic kitchen utensils. When heated or cut, small particles can be worn away and enter our food.

When plastic is heated to high temperatures, toxic chemicals can be released that may be harmful to health.

One study found that using plastic cookware releases an increased amount of microplastic particles into food, especially when heated to high temperatures.

For this reason, it makes sense to switch to kitchen utensils made from natural materials such as olive wood.

Why Olive Wood Is a Good Alternative to Plastic

Olive wood has established itself as a promising alternative to plastic in recent years. It offers many advantages over plastic, both from an ecological and health perspective.

Olive wood is a more sustainable alternative to plastic kitchen utensils because it is made from a renewable resource and is biodegradable. Olive trees grow in dry areas and do not require an additional irrigation system. The use of olive wood as a material for kitchen utensils or other items also helps reduce wood waste, as it is normally obtained from trees that have already been cut down for olive oil production. In contrast, plastic is a non-renewable resource and can take centuries to break down.

Olive wood is very durable and robust, meaning it does not wear out as quickly as plastic kitchen utensils. This, in turn, reduces the risk of releasing microplastic particles.

Furthermore, olive wood has natural antibacterial properties that can help inhibit bacterial growth on the surface of the wood. In comparison, plastic can promote the accumulation and growth of bacteria, which may mean that utensils need to be replaced more quickly.

Olive wood has a natural beauty and unique grain that makes it an attractive material for kitchen utensils and other items. It brings a piece of Mediterranean culture into our kitchens and homes.

Overall, olive wood is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to plastic that offers many advantages and is becoming increasingly popular.

Summary

Microplastics pose a significant ecological and health threat.

To minimize environmental impact and reduce personal health risks, you can switch to alternative materials such as olive wood products.

The use of olive wood products not only contributes to a positive environmental impact but also offers exceptional durability and appealing aesthetics.

Given current global challenges, it is of great importance to reduce the use of plastic products in favor of sustainable alternatives, thereby actively contributing to a more sustainable future.