The Ripple Effect

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” John Muir

The Ripple Effect:

Last week we discussed the great power that each of us has to create change. Today’s post is a reminder of that power and how each and every decision, no matter how small, impacts the world around us. While there are many examples of this ripple effect, there’s nothing quite like the deeply intertwined waterways of the world to remind us that we are all connected. That’s why today’s story highlights the current pollution challenges facing our waters and what can be done to lessen that impact. 

Pollution in the News:

  If you are fortunate enough to live near a body of water, you have also probably experienced the unfortunate effects of pollution. From the discarded cigarettes on the beach to the bits of trash collecting along the shore, the evidence of pollution is floating on the surface of nearly every lake, river and ocean around the world. While this tangible pollution is a serious concern, scientists are now finding that microscopic fibers and plastic particles are among the most persistent pollutants in our waterways today.

Generally, less than 4.5 mm in diameter, these tiny troublemakers can be found in everyday products ranging from toothpaste and body wash to synthetic clothing. Often labeled as polyethylene or polypropylene these seemly small and harmless particles escape down your drain and into the sewer system where they make their way into the aquatic ecosystem. Once there, research shows that these microplastic particles are capable of absorbing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment (Chau, 2014) before eventually being ingested by wildlife. 

 Examples of POPs include:

• polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which is a plastic additive,
•  polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which can be found in plasticizers and hydraulic fluid 
•  and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) an insecticide which has been banned in the United States since 1972 but is still persistent in the environment.

  Micro Pollution, Macro Problem:

As a 2014 study published in EnvironmentalScience and Technology put it, these microplastic particles “pose a risk of contaminating aquatic food chains with the potential for increasing public exposure through dietary sources” (Chau, 2014).

“It’s a challenging thing to get at since these are coming off of a number of products,” said Titus Seilheimer Ph.D., a fisheries specialist at Wisconsin Sea Grant in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. “It comes back to the fact that these are the types of things that are very small and there’s some concern that a lot of these small fish are mistaking these for food and feeding on these microfibers. The question here too is, are these microfibers carrying things like persistent chemicals or contaminants picked up from the environment and concentrating them? As a group from the marine debris side of things, we need to know the answer to this. These are questions that are important to understand.”

The Bad News:

The bad news is that not only are these microplastic particles potentially hazardous, but they also have a way of getting past our best defenses. Given their small diameter, microplastic particles easily escape down our drains and into the sewer system. Though your water may be filtered at a treatment plant, the beads are so small that they often escape the filtration process and are released out into the environment. 

While the amount of pollution stemming from your bathroom sink or laundry room may seem like small sources, Seilheimer says it’s an economy of scale issue. In fact, according to researchers, there is an estimated minimum of  “5.25 trillion plastic particles, weighing 268,940 tons” currently in the ocean (Eriksen et al., 2014). While the researchers in this study looked at plastic debris ranging in size from microplastic (.33mm-4.75mm) to macroplastic (200mm or larger), the researchers found that  particles ranging from .33mm to 4.75mm, or micro size, accounted for “92.4% of the global particle count” (Eriksen et al., 2014).

While microplastic is clearly a huge contributor to pollution, overall, Seilheimer said that microplastic particles are part of a larger group called “chemicals of emerging concern.” These are chemicals such as microplastic pollution, caffeine and prescription drugs that have been shown to have an impact on the environment. In other words, “things that we ingest, pass through us and then go through the wastewater treatment and out into the environment.”

The jury is still out on the overall impact of some of these chemicals, but Wisconsin Sea Grant and other related organizations are continuing to research the impact and then share their knowledge with the public.

The Good News:

In fact, thanks to the work of scientists and advocates, we are already on our way to minimizing microplastic pollution. For example, in 2015 former President Barack Obama signed the “Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015” which “bans rinse-off cosmetics that contain intentionally-added plastic microbeads beginning on January 1, 2018.” The act will also put a ban on the “manufacturing of these cosmetics beginning on July 1, 2017” (H.R.1321, 2015).

             Another piece of good news is that back in 2006, the Marine Debris Act was signed into law. This act works to “identify, determine sources of, assess, prevent, reduce, and remove marine debris and address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the economy of the United States, marine environment, and navigation safety,” which is great news for our environment (OR&R, 2016).

While this is a wonderful start, these acts will not decrease all debris and will not affect the microplastic being released into the environment when larger pieces of plastic begin breaking down. Therefore, we must all take steps to protect and preserve this important ecosystem for future generations.

 For more on that please visit: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/about-our-program/marine-debris-act

What can I do?

 According to Seilheimer, there are a number of simple ways to reduce your plastic pollution impact and create change in your community.

1.       Start to think about the single use items you use including straws, plastic forks, plates, coffee mugs and more. Can you get by without a plastic water bottle? Even if you recycle those, think about whether or not you really need those. Also, consider the cost comparison of the water bottle vs municipal.  Seilheimer says, “You don’t have to live a completely plastic free life, but be more aware of the impact on the environment. Using less is a good thing.”

2.       Look at the ingredient label and be sure that the products you are using do not contain polyethylene or polypropylene (microbeads).

3.      Consider purchasing clothing made from natural fibers. If you need to use synthetic fibers, consider washing those pieces of clothing less frequently to reduce the amount of microfibers making their way into the environment.

4.       Consider getting involved with a program such as The Alliance for the Great Lakes, which organizes beach clean-up efforts. (https://greatlakes.org/get-involved/)

5.       In addition to plastic pollution, water quality on the nutrient side is a big concern in Wisconsin. So, consider creating a rain garden and using a rain barrel that intercepts the water coming off of hardened surfaces. This helps to reduce the fertilizer and pesticide run-off going from your lawn into the lakes.

So, go forth powerful ones and be the change you wish to see! And, be sure to check back Sunday for more on local and international organizations working to reduce our impact on waterways.

               

Want to know more?

Visit: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/news/the-new-plastics-economy-rethinking-the-future-of-plastics-infographics

Learn more from my sources:

Chau, E. M., Shimeta, J., Nugegoda, D., Morrison, P. D., & Clark, B. O. (2014, June 2). Assimilation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers from Microplastics by the Marine Amphipod, Allorchestes Compressa. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/es405717z

Eriksen, M., Lebreton, L. C., Carson, H. S., Thiel, M., Moore, C. R., Borerro, J. C., . . . Reisser, J. (2014, December 10). Plastic Pollution in the World's Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0111913

H.R.1321 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. (2015, December 7). Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1321

OR&R's Marine Debris Program. (n.d.). Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/about-our-program/marine-debris-act

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). (2009, February). Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/polychlorinatedbiphenyls.htm

Titus Seilheimer: http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/home/Default.aspx?tabid=609

               

An Ode to Rachel Carson

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” – Rachel Carson

                                               The Rachel Carson Memorial at WHOI

            Next week we will begin our curious journey into the world of science and I am so excited to share what I’ve learned with you. Before we begin, however, I want to take a moment to discuss the power of this wonderful community we are developing.

            You know, there’s an old saying that knowledge is power and sharing in a community like this is certainly empowering. In fact by asking questions about our world and seeking out the answers we can become informed citizens who can make informed decisions, and there are few things more powerful than that!  

            In speaking about the power of an informed community, there is one woman who comes to mind. Her story is an enchanting example of the beautiful things that can happen when we seek out knowledge and then share what we’ve learn with one another. Today, I would like to share her story with you.  I hope it will inspire you and empower you as we learn and grow together.

           

The Power of Persistence:     

            In 1962 something extraordinary happened. Rachel Carson, a scientist and one of the very first science writers, released her book Silent Spring.  While this was not Carson’s first book, it was certainly her most controversial and, perhaps, her most important. A poignant look at the consequences of pesticides Silent Spring has been termed “the classic that launched the environmental movement.”

            Even if you’ve never heard of Rachel Carson, you’ve certainly felt the impact of her work. Born in 1907 near Springdale Pennsylvania Carson became interested in science at a young age. She followed her passion, attending the Pennsylvania College for Women or what is now known as Chatham University in 1929, followed by time at Johns Hopkins University where she received her Master’s degree in 1932. She is also well known for her work at the Woods Hole Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts.

            Carson was a skilled writer and researcher but she struggled to secure a job in the sciences since women were not generally hired into such positions at that time. Using her writing skills, Carson eventually secured a job with the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries writing radio scripts. Her ability to communicate the sciences clearly and accurately became evident and she was eventually asked to write articles on nature for the Baltimore Sun.  Her careers in science and writing were flourishing, but her time at Woods Hole always stuck with her. Inspired by her continued research of the sea Carson wrote her first few books Under the Sea-Wind, The Sea Around Us and The Edge of the Sea.

            After the end of World War II, however, Carson became concerned with the impact of the synthetic chemicals and pesticides that had become ever present. She decided to share her research and concerns through the book Silent Spring. The book created a great deal of controversy, leaving Carson to fight for her cause against some of the biggest chemical companies in the world. She never backed down, however, and in 1963 while battling breast cancer, Carson testified before Congress regarding the need for environmental protection initiatives. Though she died from cancer in 1964, Carson’s work had a huge impact on the environmental movement. Her ability to communicate also opened the door for science writing as many saw the importance of communicating science to the masses.

A Lesson From Rachel:

            As we begin our curious journey, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on Carson’s work and the important role of community in the sciences.  She not only opened the door for women in the sciences, but she also opened the door for the conversations we are about to have on this blog.  She also taught us that humans have the ability to influence nature and that with such power comes great responsibility. As she said in Silent Spring, “The history of life on earth has been a history of interaction between living things and their surroundings… only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species-man- acquired significant power over the nature of this world.”

            So, as we engage with our curious communities, I ask you to remember that you have significant power over the nature of the world. When you choose a reusable mug or soap free of microbeads, you are exercising your power. When you engage with the curious community and then share what you’ve learned with your friends and family you are exercising your power.  You are powerful my curious friend. So, I invite you to join us next week as we begin our curious journey and learn how to harness our power for good.

Want to Learn More about Rachel Carson?

For children I recommend reading Rachel Carson and Her book that Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor Illustrated by Laura Beingessner

This book tells the story of Carson’s life in a simple, yet beautiful way.

Teens and Adults will enjoy any of Carson’s works, which are available online through several different sellers. While Silent Spring is a must, I also recommend Under the Sea-Wind for those who love the ocean as much as I do.

Only have a few minutes to learn about Carson? Check out Rachelcarson.org which was created by Linda Lear, a biographer and historian who wrote an award-winning biography on Carson.