A Call to Action for Environmental and Human Health

Microplastic-Free US Petition

A new national poll reveals something remarkable: nearly 80% of Americans agree that microplastics pose a threat to both environmental and human health, and immediate action is needed.

The problem? These tiny plastic particles, smaller than 5 millimeters and often invisible to the naked eye, are now found everywhere: in our air, water, food, and soil.

What Are Microplastics?

They come from surprisingly common sources:

🧴 Your Personal Care Products: Microbeads are used as exfoliants and scrubbing agents in soap, facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, as well as in cosmetics such as mascara and foundation.

👕 Your Clothing: Microfibers shed from textiles during washing, use, and disposal, with synthetic fibers making up over 65% of worldwide textile production. These lightweight particles travel through air and water, reaching even the most remote locations, such as the Arctic and Mount Everest.

🏭 Industrial Leaks: Plastic pre-production pellets, commonly referred to as "nurdles", leak during transportation. Despite being a significant source of microplastics to the environment, no regulations are in place to prevent pellet leakage or hold polluters accountable.

The Concerning Reality

Once released, microplastics are nearly impossible to clean up once they enter the environment. They're so small they pass through water filtration systems and accumulate in ecosystems.

The health implications are still being studied, but concern was particularly high regarding the presence and impact of microplastics in the human body.

Bipartisan Support for Solutions

The good news? The results show strong bipartisan support for policies aimed at preventing or reducing microplastic pollution.

Recent legislative action includes:

• Representatives Steube (FL-17) and Bynum (OR-5) are introducing bipartisan legislation to investigate health risks of microplastics.

• California moving to ban toxic plastic microbeads in cleaning products and coatings.

• Renewed efforts to curb foam container pollution

🌊 Take action

The 5 Gyres Institute is leading the charge with their #MicroplasticFreeUS campaign. They're rallying signatures, amplifying voices, and urging elected officials to protect our air, water, fisheries, wildlife, and communities from this invisible threat.

Your voice matters. 📝 Join the movement demanding a #MicroplasticFreeUS by signing their petition and contacting your representatives.

Because everyone deserves to breathe clean air, drink safe water, and live on a thriving, healthy planet. 🌍