Plastic pollution is a serious threat to Lake Michigan, our health, and our environment.
Plastic never really goes away. Instead, it breaks up into tiny pieces called “microplastics.” Researchers have found microplastics in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Microfibers, tiny thread-like pieces of plastic shed from synthetic textiles, are the most common form of microplastic pollution in the environment. Just a single load of laundry can release up to 18 million microfibers.
Polystyrene foam, more commonly known as Styrofoam, is nearly impossible to recycle. It easily breaks down into toxic microplastic particles in the environment.
The average single-use plastic shopping bag is used for just 12 minutes, yet can persist for 10 to 20 years in the environment as it slowly breaks apart into microplastics.
Right now, Illinois is considering 3 bills to reduce plastic pollution. Tell your legislators to vote “yes” and keep plastic out of Lake Michigan and our drinking water.
