globalbriefs


Tiny Baubles Plastic Pollution Flows from Washday to the Sea


A study published in the journal Envi- ronmental Science & Technology warns that microscopic plastic debris from washing clothes made of synthetic materi- als like polyester, acrylic and nylon is accumulating in the marine environment and could be entering the food chain. Concentrations were greatest near coastal urban areas.


Up to 1,900


tiny fibers per garment were released with each wash during the study. Ear- lier research has shown that plastic particles smaller


than one millimeter comprise 80 per- cent of environmental plastic and are being eaten by animals and getting into


the food chain. Mark Browne, Ph.D., an ecologist based at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a member of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, advises, “Once the plastics had been eaten, they transferred from the animals’ stomachs to their circulation sys- tem and actually accumulated in their cells.” The team


took samples from 18 beaches around the


globe, including sites in Australia, Britain, India, Japan, Oman, the Philippines, Portugal, Sin- gapore, South Africa and the United States. They found no


sample that did not contain pieces of the microplastic. Source: BBC


Oldie Goldies Honoring Elders’ Contributions to Community


May spot- lights Older Americans Month and the important role they play in sharing their experi- ence, wisdom


and understanding, and passing it all on to younger generations in meaningful ways. Youth that have significant rela- tionships with a grandparent or another elder, for example, report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals and life choices, and gave them a sense of identity and roots. Many communities have increased their efforts to provide opportunities for older adults, many that remain physical- ly and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Trends show that people over age 60 account for a growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organiza- tions, online social networking groups, and arts and recreational activities. Lifelong participation in social,


creative and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retention of mobility, increased muscle mass and improved cognitive abilities. The interactions of seniors with family, friends and neighbors across genera- tions work to enrich the lives of all. Sources: Administration on Aging


(aoa.gov) and ElderCare.gov


Women have to harness their power—it’s absoluely true. It’s just learning not to take the first no. And if you can’t go straight ahead, you go around the corner.


~Cher


18


Broward County, Florida FtL.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com


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