microbeads that have only been around for about a decade is fairly nonsensical. Many natural alternatives exist, such as nut shells, cocoa and coffee beans, and oatmeal. Because microbeads are far cheaper than natural ingredients, their use helps the company’s bottom line unless the product is being marketed to an informed health- and environment- aware niche. To avoid microbeads as a consumer


Microplastics are found in all ocean gyres, bays, gulfs and seas around the world. Left image: Surfrider Foundation Right image: 5gyres Facebook


the blue microbead flecks in some Crest toothpastes are there for decorative effect and fulfil no functional purpose. However they are in the process of being removed. Some governments have resolved


to take action. The Netherlands has been the most proactive, and intends to be nearly microbead-free by the end of 2016. In the US, eight states have passed laws to ban microbeads, but all but one include an exemption for biodegradable microbeads. Most of these laws were written by industry, and because they fail to define ‘biodegradable’, the likelihood is that this vagueness will be used as a loophole. Where comprehensive bans have been proposed, corporations have aggressively lobbied against them. In Australia, some microbead pollution


was recently found in Sydney Harbour by Professor Emma Johnston from the


Sydney Institute of Marine Science. New South Wales and South Australia have called for a voluntary phase-out by the end of 2016. John Dee, head of the environment group ‘Do Something’, believes that we will also need a ban on imported no-name microbead products. As a result of pressure from


environment groups, many large multinationals have agreed to remove microbeads. Sometimes a specified timeframe is involved, usually involving a lead-up time of a few years, while some pledges to discontinue using them are less credible because they lack a time commitment. Without strong legislation, there is a risk that industry players may abandon their targets or move the goalposts. Many smaller and more responsible companies do not use them. However, the notion that manufacturers could require years to stop using


involves checking the back of the packaging, and because there is no minimum font size for personal care products sold in Australia, remember to take a magnifying glass. Microbeads are listed in the ingredients as polyethylene (PE, HDPE or PEHD), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or nylon. The international coalition ‘Beat the


Microbead’, which is supported by 75 NGOs from 35 countries, is calling for a swift phase-out. It has an international app available for download that informs shoppers which products on the shelves contain the beads so that they can be easily avoided. n


RESOURCES Beat the Microbead www.beatthemicrobead.org


Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based in Lismore.


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