Innovative Solutions for Microplastic Pollution
Our founder and CEO, Adam Root, was recently welcomed on the Hardware to Save a Planet podcast, a podcast that explores technical innovations that are aiding in the fight against climate change.
We would like to thank the Hardware to Save a Planet podcast, Synapse, and Dylan Garrett for allowing us the opportunity to raise awareness of microplastic pollution, and for writing the following blog.
Read more about the conversation and find links to the podcast below:
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental crisis that demands immediate attention. These tiny particles, less than 5mm in size, pose a significant threat to our ecosystems, marine life, and human health. As the production and consumption of plastic continue to escalate, the urgency to find innovative solutions and pave the path forward in addressing microplastic pollution becomes paramount.
Adam Root, Founder of Matter., was a recent guest on the Hardware to Save a Planet podcast, brought to you by Synapse and hosted by Dylan Garrett. The discussion covered the detrimental effects of microplastics on the environment and human health while also exploring the importance of education, research, and legislation in tackling this issue. Discover how Matter.'s technology captures and recycles microplastics, and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in scaling their business.
Let’s delve into the gravity of the issue, explore innovative solutions, and discuss the path forward in combating this pressing problem.
The Gravity of Microplastic Pollution
Microplastics are pervasive in our environment, found in the oceans, freshwater systems, soil, and even the air we breathe. These particles are primarily derived from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and packaging materials. Additionally, microbeads used in personal care products and synthetic fibers released during the washing of clothes contribute to this pollution.
The consequences of microplastic pollution are far-reaching. Marine life, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, often mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and subsequent entanglement. The toxins present in these particles can then bioaccumulate through the food chain, ultimately affecting human health. Furthermore, microplastics disrupt ecosystems, hinder nutrient cycling, and threaten biodiversity.
Reducing Plastic Production and Consumption
Reducing plastic production and consumption is the most effective approach to tackling microplastic pollution. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to implement policies and practices that promote the use of sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable materials, reusable packaging, and eco-friendly products.
Advanced Filtration Systems
The development of advanced filtration systems is crucial in capturing microplastics before they enter our waterways. These systems can be integrated into wastewater treatment plants, stormwater drains, and even washing machines to prevent microplastic discharge into the environment.
Investing in research and development of biodegradable polymers can significantly mitigate microplastic pollution. These materials have the potential to break down naturally, reducing the accumulation of microplastics in our ecosystems.
Here are some talking points from the episode:
The True Impact of Microplastics on Humans and the Environment
Adam explains how plastic suffers from design flaws since it is designed to be virtually indestructible and used in single-use products. The issue of microplastics has three major pieces. The first is the ingestion of these microplastics as they find their way into our food chain. They are in our blood, have crossed the barrier, and have entered our brains. Over 60% of all clothing made today contains some type of plastic in the yarns. Every wash cycle in our homes releases over 700,000 microplastic particles into the water that then flow into wastewater treatment plants.
Since plastics have excellent bonding properties, microplastic particles bond with toxins in wastewater, and eventually, these poisoned particles reach our oceans. Oceans are the lungs of our planet, producing over 70% of the oxygen. Microplastics impact the ability of the oceans to release oxygen and affect the biodiversity of the oceans.
Plastic-Free Washing One Gulp at a Time
Gulp is a consumer product designed to capture microplastics at the source in our daily wash cycles. It is designed to swallow up the microplastics from your laundry before the ocean does. The simple solution connects directly to your washing machine and effectively captures microfibres before they can enter our oceans and rivers.
The best part is that Gulp’s clever self-cleaning technology doesn’t require replacement filters, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs or additional waste. The solution works on the principle of capturing, harvesting, and recycling, wherein the end user can return the filtrate matter to the company, which then recycles the filtrate and prevents it from entering the oceans.
A Scalable Solution and a Multi-Pronged Approach
Adam explains that the consumer version of the filtration solution can process up to 20 liters a minute and that they have a pre-launch commercial version that can process up to a million liters per day. The company plans to scale the commercial version further and use it at effluent treatment plants, and integrate it into the water supply system for a multi-pronged approach to keep microplastics out of our food chains and oceans.
A Few Words About Adam Root
Adam is a skilled, passionate, thoughtful, and principled designer. His views on global issues, sustainability, and environmental activism are well-informed and nuanced. Combine that with his industrial experience and well-researched product development knowledge, and you have a formidable eco-friendly designer!
Join Us on Hardware to Save a Planet
The Hardware to Save a Planet podcast explores the technical innovations that give us hope in the fight against climate change. Each episode focuses on a specific climate challenge and explores an emerging physical technology solution, with the person bringing it into reality.
Listen to the full podcast with the links below:
