- Good Intention
- Posts
- Space Is Cool, But a Plastic-Free Planet Is Cooler 🌍
Space Is Cool, But a Plastic-Free Planet Is Cooler 🌍
Microplastics are everywhere—but new breakthroughs could help. Plus, easy swaps for a healthier home.
Valeria Ramos
May 19, 2024
Welcome to Good Intention—the monthly newsletter designed to help you live your most intentional life. 🌟 From good news and founder spotlights to book and podcast recs, we're all about sharing stories that inspire and motivate you to be your best.
-Valeria
P.S. You can subscribe here if you haven’t already.
Good to Know:
What young voters actually care about (it’s not what you think) 🗳️
Developers offered a Texas family millions for their land. They chose to make it a park instead. 🌳
A Good Read:
Space exploration and advances in technology are cool, but you know what would be even cooler? Reducing plastic waste on our planet.
While AI is getting smarter every day and billionaires are busy trying to reach space, the critical issue of microplastics affecting our planet remains urgent.
The Issue: Microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter—are constantly shed by plastic products, either in daily use or while breaking down in landfills.
Microplastics can take between 100–1,000 years to break down fully and have been found in food, animals, humans, and our environment. Experts state that microplastics in the body can lead to cancer.
The Bright Side: Researchers from the University of California San Diego and materials science company Algenesis have developed a new algae-based plastic that fully biodegrades in less than seven months, even at the microplastic level. Their research is published here.
The search for a paper bottle that won't disintegrate is also under development by companies like Procter & Gamble, Diageo, and Pepsi.
The Takeaway: Research on the health effects and cleanup of microplastics is ongoing, but there's still a lot to learn about their impact on the environment and food chain.
“We're just starting to understand the implications of microplastics. We've only scratched the surface of knowing the environmental and health impacts.”
Founders Doing Good:
Dutch inventor Boyan Slat founded The Ocean Cleanup at the age of 18 in his hometown of Delft, the Netherlands. The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit that works daily to rid the world's oceans of plastic. You may have seen some of their viral clips on social media.
Their cleaning technologies are deployed around the world while their team researches, extracts, and monitors plastic pollution in oceans and rivers.
Back in 2012, Boyan Slat held a TEDx talk about how to rid oceans of plastic using technology. The video went viral, and the momentum that followed allowed him to drop out of school and create The Ocean Cleanup.
🧠 Intentional Habit:
Consuming microplastics can often be out of our control, but you can take steps to minimize their presence in your home.
What: Use aluminum or stainless steel bottles instead of plastic ones. Replace plastic Tupperware with glass containers. Opt for wood cutting boards over plastic ones.
Why: Plastic items can break down over time, especially when exposed to heat, releasing microplastics into your food and drinks. These tiny particles can be harmful to your health. Glass, metal, and wood alternatives are not only more durable but also safer for you and the environment. 🙌🏼 🌱
Plus, you might find that these alternatives work better and look nicer in your kitchen!
If we save our wild places, we will ultimately save ourselves.
Take a moment to share Good Intention with someone you know! Just share this link to spread the word: https://goodintention.beehiiv.com/subscribe