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Micro
plastics are some of the worst water pollutants; they not only harm the local
wildlife, but also accumulate into fish that humans consume and cause major
health problems. These micro plastics are accumulating not only in oceans, but
also freshwater areas, like the Great Lakes. In fact, a 2012
study conducted by the Burning River Foundation found approximately 80,000
particles of micro plastic per km2 in Lake Erie. This high
concentration of micro plastic particles is highly concerning for human health and
the health of local ecosystems.
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Johnson
Johnson denies that their exfoliating personal care products are
contributing to this pollution. In a statement
regarding the phase out of micro plastics in their products, J J believes
that the micro beads are removed from water during wastewater treatment and the
micro plastics found in water are from plastic bags breaking down. However, the
2012 study conducted by the Burning River Foundation found that the majority of
the micro plastics were spherical and the same color, which suggest they were
released as micro beads from personal care products.
Unlike
J J, Unilever has recently
announced that they would stop using micro plastics by 2015 due to concerns
about micro plastics in water sources. While Unilever does not accept full
responsibility for the presence of micro plastics in water, they do accept
responsibility for their part of the problem, which is refreshing. Many
companies do not accept responsibility for the environmental damages they cause,
which results in continued water pollution.
While
it is wonderful that a company as large as Unilever is making this pledge to
stop using plastics in their products, it is disconcerting that most people do
not know that there are plastics in some of the soaps that they use. There is
very little consumer awareness of the various environmental impacts of the
soaps on water quality, and even less awareness of which products contain these
contaminants.
Consumer
awareness is the first step to combatting similar water pollution problems;
unless people know that there is a problem, they will not have the motivation
to ask the company to disregard the most economical option to instead pursue
the more environmentally friendly option. Unilever has made this pledge to stop
utilizing micro plastics in their soaps and body washes due to consumer
concern, and it is only through additional consumer concern that companies will
stop using other hidden water pollutants.
This story is part of the Collegiate
Corner, a section of ENN dedicated to student work. All work in this column is
the product of the student in its entirely. If you have questions about the
Collegiate Corner or would like to submit please contact: rblackstone@enn.com.
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