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According to a new study by this environmental organization, microplastics from covers as well as those that come off from clothing made with synthetic materials constitute a greater source of marine pollution in some regions than the large pieces of plastic that end up in the sea. . Of the nearly 9.5 million tons of plastics thrown into the sea each year, the study says, between 15% and 31% are primary microplastics (the tiny, invisible particles generated by certain consumer products, unlike of particles that arise when larger pieces of plastic degrade in the sea). Other products that contribute to this soup of microplastics are cosmetics, which contribute 2% of the particles that end up in the ocean, ship paint, which is used for road signs, and even road dust. cities. Inger Andersen, director general of IUCN, said the result of the study was revealing. "Our daily activities, such as doing laundry or driving, contribute significantly to the pollution that is strangling our oceans, with potential disastrous effects for rich marine diversity and human health.
From the ocean to the plate The researchers analyzed data from seven global regions and found that in many developed countries in North America and Europe, where effective recycling and waste treatment systems exist, primary microplastics are the main source of pollution. In Asia, the largest source of microplastics is synthetic fiber textiles, while rubber is the main problem in America, Europe and central Asia. The big problem is that these wastes do not stay in the ocean but are incorporated into the food chain and can have harmful consequences for health. The Europe Cell Phone Number List situation, explains Karl Gustaf Lundin, director of the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme, is particularly worrying in the Arctic. There, "microplastics appear to freeze inside the sea ice, and because the ice melts at a lower temperature when it contains small particles inside, a more rapid disappearance of the ice occurs." When the ice melts, he adds, it releases plankton, and this attracts fish that end up ingesting the plastic. Solutions In light of this latest report, IUCN urged tire manufacturers to use more natural rubber in their products (currently, 60% of a tire is made of synthetic rubber), and the textile industry to use fewer plastic fibers. On the other hand, clothing can be designed that sheds fewer fibers, says the organization, and consumers have the option to change their habits and choose clothing made from natural fibers.
Another suggestion from Lundin is to include filters in washing machines that can trap micro or even nanoparticles of plastic. These measures, says IUCN, are vital to limit damage to the ocean and ecosystems like the Arctic, which are already fragile.This initiative minimizes the generation of waste, reduces the energy consumption that would be used in the production of paper, contributes to the conservation of trees and saves costs on stationery. 6. Use alternative energy and transportation If you change the energy source of your offices and use LED bulbs, solar energy or other types of alternative energy, you will help reduce carbon emissions and, therefore, reduce pollution levels. That's not all, did you know that the use of renewable energy is tax deductible? We recommend that you review the Income Tax Law (article 34, section XIII) so that you know more details. Another good idea is to implement a carpooling program or encourage the use of other alternative transportation, such as bicycles, so that you and your collaborators can travel to the office, as long as this does not affect their arrival and departure times.
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发表于 2024-3-7 14:36:42