Pollution to our environment originating from plastic waste is a serious concern across the globe.
Plastic macroparticles, microparticles, and nanoparticles have the ability to cause invisible damage to the health of humanity, animals, and our surrounding environment, and marine ecosystems.
What are Microplastics and where can I find them in everyday life?
Microplastics are fragments of any type of plastic smaller than 5mm. Depending on their origin, they are categorised into primary microplastics or secondary microplastics.
Primary microplastics are manufactured particles specifically designed for use in products such as cosmetics, or microfibres, which are used in clothing and textiles.
Secondary microplastics are particles that have become broken down from larger pieces of plastic. Generally, the likes of discarded plastic bottles, or plastic bags, which have been exposed to the weather or have been damaged in some way and broken into tiny pieces.
How bad is microplastic pollution in our environment?
Plastics can be physically broken down into tiny particles, then becoming microplastics, but the problem is, they do not break down into harmless molecules. They can take thousands of years to decompose. In the meantime, they end up as microplastic pollution in our oceans.
Through storms, water run-off, and winds, the plastics end up in the oceans. Microplastics have been traced in the fish we are consuming, and in the water, we are drinking. Water treatment plants are unable to remove all traces of microplastics.
Although scientifically unproven if our consumption of these microplastics is harmful to our health, many countries are now taking action to reduce the number found in the environment.
Sources
If you are looking for more information on microplastics and the harm they are doing to our planet, you can check out these links.
https://www.aims.gov.au/water-quality/plastics
https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste/plastics-and-packaging/plastic-microbeads
https://www.marineconservation.org.au/ocean-plastic-pollution/
Our Solution!
By not buying or using plastic, or recycling plastics correctly, we can eliminate the secondary microplastics from our everyday lives. This is a conscious effort and if everyone participates we will be able to make a difference.
Regarding primary microplastics, this seemingly may not be quite so simple. But it is! If we take the time to check labels we can all avoid buying the products which contain these. If no one is buying them, then eventually no one will be manufacturing them.
We have a solution right here at www.thelithe.com.au
Skincare
We sell only natural skincare products. We just love the ‘Wanderlightly’ skincare range. The sole purpose of ‘Wanderlightly’ is to empower and inspire others to reduce their plastic footprint on our planet. The ‘Wanderlightly’ brand is eco-friendly and sustainable.
One of ‘Wanderlightly’s products we stock is the award-winning Sun Deodorant Balm. Sun is a refreshing unisex deodorant balm. A soothing blend of organic butter & oils blended with uplifting citrus oils to keep you fresh all day long without the toxins. Our balms are 80% organic with ingredients sourced locally where possible. Completely free from any toxins, nasty stuff, Aluminium, parabens, talcs, or palm oils, vegan & cruelty-free. The packaging is completely compostable also.
Bath and Body
‘Washpool’ makes up our divine range of bars of soaps, body butter, cleansers, facial bars, body scrubs, and shampoos. ‘Washpool’ Farm Soaperie is the home of ethical, authentic, and nourishing giftware and everyday home, bath, and body care.
One of our favourites is the handcrafted Madder Root – Citrus Awakening Sea Salt Scrub Bar. This is a great body bar for gentle exfoliation using sea salt (no microbeads in this!). The bar has a beautifully refreshing scent and contains only natural ingredients. What better soap to make your skin feel alive!
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Here at The Lithe Store, we stock nothing but eco-friendly cleaning products from ‘Aelin Organics’, ‘Better Bee Eco’ and ‘No Tox Life’.
‘Aelin Organics’ products transform everyday rituals to support non-toxic living and a healthier future. In the world’s current situation, with Covid-19, what could be more sought after than some non-toxic eco-friendly sanitising spray? ‘Aelin Organics’ Organic Hospital Grade Surface Sanitiser has high concentrations of our botanical extract blend proven effective in killing 99.99% of pathogens, including Covid-19. This high concentration formulation meets Hospital Grade Disinfectant testing standards.
Use this product on high traffic areas such as door handles and benchtops, to protect your loved ones from unwanted germs. Made from 100% certified organic ingredients, our best-selling spray is biodegradable, food-safe, extremely effective, and free from parabens, phthalates, and other unnecessary or harmful ingredients.
‘Better Bee Eco’ products are just as nature intended. All of their products can be completely composted, will bio-degrade, or can be recycled. The Natural Cleaning Spray can be used on any surface and also an amazing stain remover. This is plant-based with a 100% pure essential oil scent of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary Leaf. Great for children, pets, and adults with allergies. This is ideal for soft furnishings (like the dog’s bed) as you can just spray it and leave it – no need to wipe it off!
‘No Tox Life’ is all about zero waste and no waste products. ’No Tox Life’ was born from the desire to provide effective, vegan, body and home care to help you live a cleaner, greener lifestyle. The Dish Block is their most popular product – this cleaning powerhouse has a rich, sudsy lather, and cuts through grime and grease on dishes. This is unscented and fragrance-free. With added Aloe Vera, it is gentle on your hands too.
Most people will have, in some form, ingested some amount of microplastics from our modern world. This doesn’t mean that we have to accept that this just the way it is. We can all do something to transform our planet and we can start this process at home. Using only eco-friendly, bio-degradable, and zero waste products, we can make a difference.
At www.thelithe.com.au you can be sure that any products you purchase with be free of microbeads, and plastic packaging.
