Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic end up in our oceans, rivers, and lakes. And it's not just the plastics we can easily see, like bottles, caps, and straws, but also tiny plastic particles that, although invisible to the naked eye, pollute just as much—if not more—than the larger pieces. In fact, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste leak into our aquatic ecosystems every year. 

What Are Microplastics? 

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in length. Some are manufactured to be that size from the start (though these have been banned in most countries), while others come from sources like synthetic clothing, which sheds plastic microfibers when washed. However, the majority result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. 

Since scientists began studying the presence of microplastics in the environment, evidence of them has been found virtually everywhere—from the oceans, to the clouds and the Arctic, and in the foods we eat daily (like fish, shellfish, and vegetables) and even in dolphin breath, according to a recent article in The New York Times. 

Why Are Microplastics Dangerous? 

Plastic—and microplastics, in particular—pose a significant threat to the environment and terrestrial biodiversity. Additionally, there's growing evidence that they also have harmful effects on human health. 

Although research is still underway to determine the full extent of their impact, recent studies suggest that these particles could increase the likelihood of heart problems, disrupt our endocrine system, and even impact brain function. 

And it seems that no one is safe: just like dolphins, humans inhale and ingest microplastics daily. According to Statista, a person can consume between 74,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles each year. 

The Global Plastics Treaty 

Negotiations for this historic agreement, which would regulate plastic production worldwide (as well as plastic waste management), have been ongoing since 2022. The goal was to finalize it in 2024; unfortunately, a consensus could not be reached. As a result, continuing these negotiations remains one of the most pressing environmental tasks for 2025. 

Although it is clear that the real solution to the plastic problem lies in regulating its production, some have been seeking practical solutions that can be implemented right now, while the long-anticipated treaty is being debated. 

Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, for example, have found that using permeable pavements in cities could reduce up to 94% of the microplastics entering the environment through urban runoff. 

Irish innovator Fionn Ferreira developed a method for removing microplastics from the oceans using vegetable oil, iron oxide, and magnets. Meanwhile, Wasser, a non-profit organization founded in 2020, claims its method can remove 95% of microplastics from water. 

Thus, although progress on the Global Plastics Treaty remains crucial, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs around the world are rising to the plastic challenge, aware that even if we were to ban their production today, plastics could persist in the environment for thousands of years.