HPR’s "Trashing Paradise" series continues with a look at the dangers of plastic runoff.
“Microplastics” are tiny pieces of plastic that range from grains the size of couscous to pieces smaller than the eye can see. They come from different places ranging from exfoliating beads inside beauty products, to bottles that have broken down in the surf. Researchers say that the small, yet un-biodegradable nature of the plastic makes it a serious threat to the environment. Kahi Pacarro is the Executive Director of Sustainable Coastline Hawaii.
Scientists are currently studying the impact microplastics may have on the marine food chain, all the way up to fish and other marine life that we eat.
You can find our entire "Trashing Paradise" series here.
