Lecture on Microbeads and Their Impact

Introduction to Microbeads

• Definition: Tiny plastic particles smaller than a grain of sand.
• Common Uses: Found in personal care products such as face soap, body wash, toothpaste, and some makeup products.
• Purpose in Products: Used as exfoliants and for texture.

Issues with Microbeads

• Environmental Problem: Designed to be washed down the drain; too small for water treatment plants to filter.
• Ecological Impact:
  • Enter waterways and act as sponges, absorbing toxins.
  • Can be up to a million times more toxic than surrounding water.
  • Ingested by marine life, potentially re-entering the human food chain (e.g., sushi).

Reasons for Use by Companies

• Cost: Plastic is cheaper than natural exfoliants.
• Sales Strategy:
  • Natural exfoliants could be used less frequently, decreasing product turnover.
  • Microbeads allow daily use, leading to increased sales as consumers need to replenish more often.

Consumer Awareness

• Identification: Consumers may be unaware of microbeads in their products unless specifically informed.
• Avoidance: Encouragement to avoid products containing microbeads.

Potential Solutions

• Product Changes: Some companies are beginning to remove microbeads from their products.
• Legislation: Consideration of bans on microbeads in various regions.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Encouragement to remove microbeads from products, waterways, and our bodies.

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• Action Step: Support initiatives and actions aimed at eliminating microbeads.
• Final Thought: "We don't need the beads!"