Illinois Becomes First State to Ban Microbeads

(Originally posted http://www.norwexrace.com/greenblog/illinois-becomes-first-state-ban-microbeads/ on June 12, 2014 by Amy Cadora)

Illinois Becomes First State to Ban Microbeads

“With some popular facial cleansers containing as many as 300,000 microbeads in a single container, environmentalists worry the non-biodegradable beads—which are small enough to bypass sewer and water treatment filters—will wreak havoc on the water supply. Environmental advocates say microbeads can absorb toxins and harm fish and other wildlife, along with humans who may consume them.”

      – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/09/illinois-microbeads-ban_n_5475345.html

Illinois’ ban becomes the first of its kind in the U.S. and paves the way for other states that are considering legislation, such as Minnesota, Ohio, New York and California. The legislation has a phased rollout starting at the end of 2017, when companies have to stop manufacturing products with synthetic plastic microbeads, and ends in 2019, when over-the-counter drugs must be microbead-free.

Some companies are already planning to remove microbeads prior to 2017 and are looking into natural alternatives such as ground seeds or nuts.

Thank you, Illinois, for taking important steps toward protecting the Great Lakes and reducing chemicals in our environment!

Here are some other resources to learn more:

http://cir.ca/news/us-legislation-against-microplastics
http://www.pjstar.com/article/20140608/NEWS/140609214
http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20140608&id=17683544&ocid=ansmony11
http://5gyres.org/how_to_get_involved/campaigns/
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/10/320638770/with-concern-for-environment-illinois-bans-microbeads


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Avoid microbeads in your personal care products - toothpaste, facial scrubs, body washes, etc.

Where would you find microbeads? Check your toothpaste, face wash, shower gel, and products specific to exfoliating skin. It is labeled on the ingredients as "microbeads". Want to test it yourself? Squeeze several drops of any product containing microbeads, like Johnson & Johnson Clean and Clear Facial Scrub, into a small jar full of water, then shake it up and filter the foamy mixture through a black T-shirt. The microbeads will be left behind on the fabric - likely hundreds of them - tiny white, pink and blue plastic beads.

Learn more about how you can help stop plastic pollution: http://5gyres.org/

Norwex has a full line of safe, effective, moisturizing skin care products. Simply search "Personal Care" keyword on my blog for more information on personal care products, including our Naturally Timeless line.


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