Microplastic pollution has reached alarming levels, affecting marine life in ways we never imagined. A recent study found microplastics in the exhaled breath of bottlenose dolphins in Florida, highlighting the extent of ocean contamination. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that originate from larger plastic debris breaking down over time. These particles infiltrate marine ecosystems, where they are ingested by fish, seabirds, and mammals like dolphins. Dolphins, as apex predators, accumulate microplastics from the prey they consume. This discovery should serve as a wake-up call for governments, industries, and individuals to take action against plastic waste.
Several industry sectors, including packaging, fashion, and cosmetics, contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. Some tiny products, such as plastic straws, can be a huge problem for the environment if we are not shifting to more eco-friendly alternatives. Each day, US consumers use an estimated 500 million plastic straws. The amount of this debris is enough to fill more than 127 large school buses every day. Banning single-use plastics such as plastic straws, encourages biodegradable alternatives.
How Individuals Can Help Preserve the Ocean from Plastic Waste
While large-scale policy changes are crucial, individuals also play a significant role in ocean conservation. Simply changing consumers’ habits from using plastic straws to more harmless products can protect our marine ecosystem. Paper straws have emerged as a popular alternative in the fight against plastic waste. The market for paper straw has experienced significant growth over the years, driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability in the US.
Charta Global and their strategic partner, APP Group, have tested and showcased alternative products to US consumers since 2022. A comprehensive range of sustainable foodservice packaging, including the Foopak Bio Natura product line by APP Group, is announced for the US market as more eco-friendly products that align with sustainable trends in US markets. This innovative solution from APP Group is compostable, making it a highly eco-friendly option for businesses and consumers who are looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Foopak Bio Natura is an eco-friendly paperboard designed with a focus on sustainability. It is suitable for use as food packaging and disposable cups, and with its butterfly cup design, it eliminates the need for plastic lids and straws. APP Group uses certified wood, responsible manufacturing processes, and high-quality ingredients to provide consumers with products that are safe and hygienic to use. APP Group’s product is not only biodegradable but can be composted in the backyard or garden. The product earns OK Compost Home certification certified by TUV Austria. This benefit gives consumers the choice to process their waste.
