Less Than Half Of Maltese Population Are Aware Of Microplastics, NSO Survey Reveals
A recent NSO survey revealed that only 49% of the Maltese population have heard of the term ‘microplastics’.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, the National Statistics Office released an infographic that disseminated the public’s position on single-use plastics.
The survey was carried out on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise (MEEE) as part of the ‘Saving Our Blue’ Campaign. Along with other reports, the study showed that a bit less than half of the Maltese population is aware of microplastics that can be found in their food.
Microplastics are plastics that are less than five millimetres in length – they’re either sourced from larger pieces of plastic that have degraded into smaller pieces, or from manufactured polyethylene plastic that is added to certain beauty products like cleansers and toothpaste.
These microplastics eventually end up in our oceans and are consequently swallowed by the fish we consume.
Plenty of international studies have revealed that the average person consumes anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 micro-plastics particles a year.
This basically means that we’re eating plastic which may eventually interfere with our hormones and may lead to brain, immune, and other health problems.
On a positive note, the NSO survey also revealed that 63% of the population use their own reusable bags/containers when shopping, 62% try to avoid plastic packaging, and 92% would consider buying alternative products with less plastic packaging.
The single-use most bought plastic item is the plastic bottle, with 79% of the population purchasing it on a regular basis, and 18% admitted to throwing their cigarette butts (which consists of single-use plastic) on the ground.
“Be part of the Solution, not the Pollution.”
The ‘Saving Our Blue’ campaign aims to educate and encourage the public to stop littering and reduce their purchasing and consumption of single-use plastic items.
“The survey aimed to assess people’s behaviour, knowledge, and opinions regarding single-use plastics. Its purpose was to gather valuable evidence that can help us address this urgent environmental concern,” an NSO representative said.
What do you make of this? And are you aware of the term micro-plastics?
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