The 5 Gyres Institute

Microplastics are everywhere, but what can we do about it? We spoke to Medical News Today, sharing easy tips to reduce microplastic exposure in our homes and where biomaterials can play a role in the shift away from plastic.

Meet our #5GyresAmbassador Action Fund Awardees! ?? These individuals are driving innovative and impactful solutions to create real change in their communities. We’re proud to support their work through financial support, mentorship, and resources over the coming months, so stay tuned for more! ???Diego Arreola Fernández, Science Awardee - Diego’s research project, Garbage-less Groceries, is focused on reducing single-use plastics in grocery stores, specifically produce bags and the external packaging of store-brand products. ?? ???Katie Abare, Advocacy Awardee - a long-time lover of marshlands, Katie is mobilizing her community to take action against plastic pellets (AKA nurdles) that are threatening the health of local marshland ecosystem in Charleston, South Carolina. ?? ???Anna Galipeau, TrashBlitz Awardee - Anna’s goal is to better understand the sources of trash and develop strategies to prevent future pollution, ultimately preserving the health and beauty of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. ?? To learn more about their projects, visit https://lnkd.in/gqyGNU5h.

Expanded polystyrene (AKA plastic foam) is microplastic pollution waiting to happen. We find foam particles on coastlines, in neighborhoods, and in national parks (like Biscayne National Park, shown here). We're proud to endorse the Farewell to Foam Act, introduced today by Senator Van Hollen (MD) and Representative Doggett (TX-37), that would prohibit foodware accessories, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers made from expanded polystyrene. "All plastics break up into microplastics, but none quite as visibly as expanded polystyrene. Break a piece of styrofoam, and it will crumble into tiny particles that are impossible to clean up. We don't need to add to the widespread microplastic pollution that is already threatening human health. Instead, we need to remove toxic materials, like expanded polystyrene, and usher in better alternatives for people and the planet,” said paulita bennett-martin, Senior Strategist of Policy Initiatives at 5 Gyres. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/geqvzr3s

Our new partnership with Montserrat Tourism Authority and local nonprofit Fish 'N Fins Inc. brings TrashBlitz to the island of Montserrat. By using TrashBlitz to collect waste audit data, we can support future waste reduction efforts and set the stage for a data-driven approach to sustainability. We’ve already seen success in Belize through our partnership with Sea of Life Caribbean, and we look forward to expanding TrashBlitz to more parts of the Caribbean.

"Of the 12 types of polymers they detected in the more recent brain samples, polyethylene (used to make single-use bottles, bags, and even, sometimes, utensils) was the most prevalent. It’s also the most common plastic in the world."

March is #BCorpMonth, a time to recognize companies that have committed to use their business for good and meet high standards for social and environmental impact. We’re taking a moment to celebrate our Cause Partners that are certified B Corps. Thank you Grove Collaborative, Bee's Wrap, ChicoBag Company & To-Go Ware, Klean Kanteen?, Natracare, and Preserve for building businesses that keep both people and planet in mind every step of the way!

?? New microfiber report, out now! 5 Gyres contributed to "Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation”, a project by Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium. The report aims to advance the knowledge needed to reduce microfiber pollution within the fashion and textile industry. Read the report at: https://lnkd.in/e_4y9EiV #MicrofiberPollution #FashionIndustry #TextileIndustry #SustainableFashion

It’s no secret that Mardi Gras creates an enormous amount of waste — plastic beads, cheap toys, and all sorts of plastic junk. So, is a plastic-free Mardi Gras really possible? 5 Gyres Co-Founder, Marcus Eriksen (a New Orleans native), thinks so. One local group, Grounds Krewe is showing krewes a smarter, more sustainable way to throw. Think burlap bags of coffee beans and jambalaya mix, wildflower boxes, and biodegradable glitter — things people actually want! Having watched Mardi Gras parades for nearly 50 years, Marcus has seen the shift from no plastic to all plastic. As people realize how wasteful this practice is, they’re starting to embrace a more meaningful Mardi Gras experience.

"Microplastics primarily enter our food through environmental contamination, as plastics break down in places like landfills and leach into the soil and water where food is grown or caught. These particles can be found in various foods, including seafood, fish, crustaceans, salt, sugar, honey, bottled water and drinking water."

Is your favorite chewing gum contributing to the plastic problem? It may be time to reconsider what we're chewing.