Microplastics and hiking. Damage to the environment and the health

Over the years of hiking, I bought the clothing and equipment I needed for my treks and walks, without realising that I was actually just accumulating plastic. A wardrobe full of plastic.

And this plastic had a cost for the health of ecosystems and human health throughout its entire life cycle.

When I became aware of this, I delved deeper into the topic by reading books and articles explaining the booming plastics market, and I concluded that I had made many wrong choices, contributing to polluting the world and ruining my health and that of many other people.

Since then, I have decided to make more careful and responsible choices, trying to eliminate plastic from every aspect of my life as much as possible.

I therefore said “no” to buying any more synthetic clothing and opted for fabrics that were 100% biodegradable and recyclable natural fibres, preferably with a short production chain, and stainless steel materials for storing drinks and food.

But it is not easy to get rid of plastic because, in its many forms, it is now everywhere and often there are no alternatives on the market, or you have to buy them online, defeating the purpose of reducing transport pollution. It is not easy to find small and large companies that produce (and shops that distribute) wool or hemp fabrics, made in a sustainable and responsible way, and that clearly demonstrate their genuine commitment to not pollute and not exploit the people who work for them.

I continue to search and I would like many other hikers to wake up, perhaps even by reading this article.

 

Microplastics in technical sportswear: damage to ecosystems and health

 

In the technical clothing sector, products are designed to be high-performance, and polyester is one of the most widely used materials, as this synthetic fibre offers lightness, breathability, durability and quick-drying properties, ideal characteristics for outdoor activities such as hiking. The same applies to microfibre, which is often used to make towels and technical accessories, as well as polyamide, nylon and acrylic.

However, every time we use technical T-shirts, fleece and softshells, socks, waterproof trousers and jackets made of polyester, or microfibre towels, a small amount of microplastics is detaches, dispersed into the environment and breathed in by us.

But above all, when we wash these fabrics, microplastics are released into the water and enter the water system, contributing to water pollution and threatening the health of organisms throughout the food chain.

In addition, microplastics have the ability to absorb toxic chemicals present in the environment, such as pesticides and heavy metals, and can therefore enter the food web.

 

• Contamination of aquatic ecosystems

These particles are not biodegradable and are so small that they are not retained by wastewater filtration systems, but end up being transported into rivers, lakes and oceans, causing damage to aquatic ecosystems. Here, they can be ingested by fish, shellfish and other aquatic life, accumulating in organisms and causing physical harm, reduced appetite, nutritional detriment due to difficulties in digestion, and reaching humans through food webs.

Research by the University of California, Santa Barbara (2016) revealed that washing synthetic clothing can release up to 700.000 microfibres in a single wash cycle, and an important study conducted by Kershaw et al. (2017), published in the journal Science, showed that over 800 marine species are exposed to microplastics, with devastating effects on biodiversity. A report by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (2018) also shows that these particles can accumulate in seabed sediments and be eaten by benthic organisms, which are an important part of the marine food web.

 

• Spread in drinking water

Microplastics have also been found in drinking water. This is a clear indicator of widespread contamination that puts everyone's safety at risk, as highlighted by a study conducted by Orb Media in 2017, which found microplastics in 94% of bottled water samples analysed, from international brands.

 

• Damage to soil and terrestrial fauna

Grasslands and agricultural ecosystems are increasingly contaminated, and animals that feed in these areas can ingest microplastics, causing damage to their digestive and immune systems. An analysis conducted by the University of Portsmouth (2019) found that microplastics are also present in the food of terrestrial animals, increasing the risk of contamination of the food web.

 

• Risks to Human Health

Microplastics pose a threat to human health through the consumption of contaminated food (including sea salt, beer and honey) and the inhalation of particles. Studies published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology have shown that, on average, a person could ingest up to 5 grams of microplastics every week.

Plastic particles can damage the immune system and cause inflammation. They can also accumulate in internal organs, causing oxidative stress and cell damage. A study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology (2019) showed that ingested or inhaled microplastics can cross the biological barriers of the human body, such as the intestinal and lung barriers, and reach the tissues, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.

Other ongoing studies suggest that microplastics may act as endocrine disruptors: in particular, those containing phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA) can interfere with the human hormonal system, affecting fertility and leading to foetal malformations. A study published in Science Advances (2020) found that microplastics can affect the behaviour and development of children exposed during pregnancy.

 

Initiatives to reduce the impact of microplastics from technical fabrics

 

Although some companies in the outdoor sector are beginning to reduce their use of synthetic materials and promote natural materials such as wool, hemp or bamboo (which, however, are often mixed with synthetic fibres), and although there are initiatives aimed at improving production processes to reduce the release of microplastics from fabrics, the sportswear industry continues to make extensive use of polyester and other low-cost materials that pollute and are difficult to recycle, especially when combined.

In fact, whether fabrics are made with different different types of synthetic fibres or blends of synthetic and natural fibres, recycling these garments is often practically impossible or very expensive due to a lack of adequate equipment, forcing millions of tonnes of clothing to end up in landfills, where they cause serious environmental and health problems.

Furthermore, it is recommended to use special filters for home washing machines that capture particles, to avoid frequent washing and to wash at low temperatures. However, there's still the problem of disposing of the residue found in the filter and the cost of periodically replacing the filters, as well as the fact that garments can also be hand-washed.

In short, once plastic has been produced, it's permanently damaged and there's no going back.

 

Microplastics and recycling: a complex problem and the illusion of sustainability

 

The problem of microplastics must be considered in its complexity throughout the entire production, distribution, recycling/destruction chain. I would even say that we should look at the entire capitalist system, which pushes us toward a consumerist lifestyle in order to make more and more profit at the expense of everything else.

Technical fabrics are derived from petroleum, are not biodegradable, and their mass production is extremely energy-intensive and responsible for high CO2 emissions.

The products are often processed in different parts of the world and transported to other distant areas, contributing to overall pollution.

 

Mixed fibres and recycling

 

As mentioned above, recycling the different fibres that make up technical fabrics is often impossible or impractical. Materials such as polyester and nylon cannot be easily separated or recycled once garments reach the end of their life cycle. Technical T-shirts, for example, are often made of mixed fibres, which makes it impossible to recycle the materials separately (this is especially true of elastane, known by various names, which gives fabrics their elasticity).

The textile industry has not yet found efficient solutions for separating the various types of fibres during recycling. This means that millions of tonnes of synthetic fabrics are mainly sent to countries in Asia and Africa, where they often end up in open-air landfills on the outskirts of large cities, burned or abandoned, causing incalculable damage to health and further aggravating the environmental crisis.

In recent years, the technical sportswear industry has seen growing interest in recycled materials. The idea that recycled plastic can be an environmentally friendly solution has gained popularity, prompting many brands to choose it as an alternative to traditional nylon and polyester.

 

However, closer analysis reveals that recycled plastic is not a truly sustainable alternative: on the one hand, because it does not address the root causes of plastic pollution and waste accumulation, and on the other, because the process of collecting, sorting and transforming recycled plastic can lead to increased carbon emissions, contradicting the very idea of sustainability.

And even if recycled plastic could reduce the initial impact of producing new materials, its use still contributes to the microplastics problem.

 

Textile fibres and polluting solvents

Another aspect that is often overlooked in the production of recycled plastic-based fabrics is the use of polluting chemical solvents. Producing textile fibres requires a complex chemical process involving various solvents and chemicals, many of which can be toxic to the environment and human health. These solvents are used to dissolve the plastic material and transform it into usable yarns, but their use can cause serious environmental damage if not managed properly. In some cases, these chemicals can end up in the soil, groundwater and atmosphere.

However, it is not possible to recycle indefinitely because the quality of the fabrics decreases with each step, and new plastic must be added to make the final product more resistant.

 

From plastic bottles to fabrics, and then what?

 

Very few synthetic fabrics are made from recycled synthetic fabrics, but rather from plastic bottles. This transition from bottle to fabric is not reversible, meaning that a plastic fabric cannot be turned back into a bottle.

The phenomenon of recycling plastic bottles to make fabrics or technical equipment has now become the way in which companies want to demonstrate their attention and commitment to environmental issues to regulatory authorities and potential buyers, while in reality hiding the environmental, social and health costs behind the continuous production of new products - still made of plastic and cannot be further recycled - at every change of season.

Not to mention the fact that competition has arisen between companies in various sectors that want to grab plastic bottles for recycling in order to make new products (bottles, fabrics or other items) that appear to be more sustainable and thus declare their commitment to the environment, but which in reality can no longer be recycled (as would be the case if they were always plastic bottles). This leads to a greater need for plastic production to meet the needs of different industrial sectors.

 

A completely flawed system

Therefore, we're facing a system a system that has been flawed from the outset and can no longer be quietly accepted. Addressing the issue of sustainability in technical sportswear requires a paradigm shift, moving from temporary solutions to options that consider the entire life cycle of materials.

Reducing the production and consumption of plastic clothing, promoting the use of natural materials, and limiting unnecessary purchases are therefore complementary measures to lower the levels of all types of pollution, including microplastics.

 

Pollution, Worker Exploitation, and Fast Fashion

 

Everyone, especially hikers, should be aware of the extremely high invisible cost behind clothing and technical equipment: pollution, labour exploitation and precarious working conditions are just some of the consequences of a production chain that often ignores ethics.

In this regard, I recommend watching the documentary film “Le ali non sono in vendita” (Wings are not for sale), directed by Paolo Campana, which explores the environmental and social impact caused by continuous production in the fast fashion industry - the business model that involves multiplying the number of collections per year and offering clothes at low prices at the expense of workers' rights.

Through stories of activists, experts and conscious consumers, the film shows how the excessive production of clothes, mostly made from synthetic materials such as polyester, contributes significantly to global microplastic pollution. It raises a fundamental question: can we really continue to ignore the consequences of our purchasing choices?

The documentary highlights the need for a radical change in our consumption behaviour, where the purchase of clothing and equipment is not only an act dictated by personal need but a responsibility towards the planet and other people, both present and future.

 

Continuous production, profit and unawareness

 

Those who practise sports and outdoor activities such as hiking know that every year, if not every season, new versions of clothing, shoes and other equipment are put on the market. This constant production of new goods quickly makes the previous year's products seem outdated and old, often without providing any real benefits to the customer.

Instead of focusing on the durability of their products, repairs and the supply of spare parts, companies often compete to launch ever-new clothing and gear, justifying this with innovation, research, commitment to the environment and, in particular, the use of recycled plastic.

Everything becomes obsolete in a short time, and we forget that the promises made by companies today are the same as those made a few months ago, when the model just released on the market would solve all our hiking problems.

This perpetuates the cycle of false, induced needs, which is also based on people's laziness in asking questions, finding out about corporate ethics, the history behind what they are buying and what will happen to the products they throw away.

Advertising the benefits that will come from the new item plays, as we now know, on customer's primary emotions, on their psychological insecurity, on their desire to appear and belong to a certain social group, on their identification with the things they own, on their compulsive buying to escape from self-discovery and to cloud their sense of lack of inner listening.

All of this is absurd and unsustainable.

 

Awareness when purchasing trekking clothing and equipment

 

Conscious purchasing of clothing and trekking equipment

It is essential to consider not only the practical characteristics of the garment, but also its life cycle, which includes its production, transport, use and disposal. Many people focus only on price or performance, but conscious purchasing requires an in-depth analysis of the environmental and social impacts associated with the creation of that product.

All this requires deep reflection on our role as consumers. Every purchase decision has an impact on the environment and society, and every product has a complex history behind it, involving natural resources, human labour and ecological consequences: it is essential to be well informed before buying hiking clothing in order to make conscious choices.

Opting for local products, made with sustainable materials and produced under ethical conditions, which can last over time and be repaired when worn out, is an ecological choice, but also an act of social responsibility. Conscious purchasing, repairing goods instead of replacing them with new ones, and reducing consumption can reduce pollution and exploitation and promote fairer economic models.

 

Natural alternatives for clothing

 

As hikers, we can choose natural, biodegradable materials that reduce our environmental impact and offer excellent performance during our outdoor excursions.

 

1) Wool

 

When treated ethically and without chemicals, wool is a biodegradable and renewable product and a natural fibre that is perfect for technical clothing, especially for mountain trekking. In fact, it offers numerous advantages that make it an excellent natural alternative to fleece, which is used for its heat retention properties:

• breathability and thermal insulation. Wool is incredibly breathable and, at the same time, maintains body temperature. Thanks to its ability to absorb moisture, even when wet, wool helps keep the body warm and dry during cold weather excursions. Merino wool in particular is known for its thermoregulatory properties, keeping the body warm in winter and cool in summer.
• odour resistance: wool is naturally odour resistant, which is essential for those who spend many hours walking and sweating.
• durability. Wool, especially merino wool, is durable and garments can last much longer than those made from synthetic materials, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the overall environmental impact.
• biodegradability. Merino wool is completely biodegradable.

However, the overall environmental impact of wool must be assessed.

Wool is often mixed with synthetic fabrics, that make it more resistant to wear and tear and more elastic. These materials are difficult to separate and it is very difficult to recycle the individual components, not to mention the fact that microplastics are always released.

The origin of the wool and the production practices are crucial in assessing its environmental impact. The sustainability of merino wool depends greatly on the agricultural practices used to produce the material.

If the wool comes from intensive farming, this can cause significant damage to the ecosystem, such as desertification and loss of biodiversity in grazing areas. If these farms are located on the other side of the world, we can understand how far the wool has travelled and how much pollution it has caused before becoming the jumper or hat we wear.

Therefore, to truly assess the sustainability of merino wool and not blindly believe corporate advertising, which is often just an example of “greenwashing”, it is necessary to find out about the origin, type of farming, treatment and transport that the product has undergone.

 

2) Cotton

 

Organic cotton is an alternative to traditional cotton, which is one of the largest consumers of pesticides and water, as well as being responsible for the loss of biodiversity due to intensive monoculture.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, making it a more sustainable choice.

It is a cool, soft, breathable and biodegradable fabric, but it has the disadvantage of drying slowly and is therefore mainly used in spring and summer.

 

3) Linen

Linen cultivation requires less water and pesticides than other crops, such as traditional cotton, making linen a valid eco-friendly choice.

Advantages:

• it is biodegradable and ideal for hiking during the warmer seasons.
• it is very breathable and absorbs moisture efficiently, keeping the skin cool and dry during physical activity.
• it is very light and durable, and is also one of the most durable fabrics when cared for properly.

 

 

4) Hemp

 

Hemp grows without pesticides and requires very little water, offering advantages in both performance and sustainability:

• durability. It is one of the strongest and most resistant plant fibers, perfect for technical clothing and accessories. It is ideal for withstanding wear and tear during long hikes or demanding hikes.
• thermoregulation. Hemp offers excellent body temperature regulation, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, making it versatile for a variety of weather conditions.
• sustainability. Hemp is a fast-growing plant that requires very little water. It is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, thus reducing the need for pesticides.

 

5) Bamboo

 

Bamboo is another sustainable fibre and is becoming an increasingly popular option for technical fabrics and towels thanks to its qualities:

• bamboo fabrics are incredibly soft to the touch, making them comfortable even during long hikes.
• antibacterial properties. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it ideal for clothing and towels, reducing the proliferation of bacteria even after intensive use.
• sweat absorption and breathability. Like linen, bamboo is an excellent material that absorbs moisture and keeps the skin dry, improving comfort during physical activity.
• sustainability. Bamboo grows quickly without the use of pesticides and can be cultivated in poor soil. Furthermore, it is completely biodegradable.

But beware: its chemical transformation into fiber, called "bamboo viscose," uses toxic acids, unlike the acid-free mechanical processing that produces "bamboo linen.

Finally, it is important to check whether the bamboo fabric is blended with cotton.

 

Hemp and bamboo plantations, like any agricultural product, present environmental challenges. Intensive bamboo and hemp plantations, if not managed properly, can damage local biodiversity.

Monoculture of a single plant over large areas, without crop rotation, can reduce the variety of species in the soil, impoverishing the ecosystem and reducing the soil's ability to maintain its health.

Transporting hemp and bamboo from the countries where they are grown (often in Asia) to processing plants in other regions of the world involves CO₂ emissions and a significant impact on the global transport system, which is part of a globalised world where the cost and environmental impact of transporting raw materials are often underestimated.

 

 

Furthermore, choosing local producers encourages sustainable economies, ethical labor practices, and safer and more dignified working conditions. This way, people can be employed in more rewarding activities, preserving local traditions and strengthening their connection to the land.

Sustainable Production Process

 

The production process is crucial for sustainability. Certified companies that follow strict standards, such as those of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Fair Trade, ensure that production practices are ethical, that workers are treated fairly, and that processes are environmentally friendly.

Many companies are adopting low-carbon technologies, reducing water use, improving waste management, and promoting product repair.

 

Local production and support for local businesses

 

Supporting local businesses is one of the most effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint associated with international transport of goods. Companies operating nationally often have a shorter supply chain and a lower environmental impact than large multinationals.

Furthermore, choosing local producers means encouraging sustainable economies, ethical working practices, and safer and more dignified working conditions. In this way, people can be employed in more rewarding activities, preserving local traditions and strengthening their connection to the land.

 

Microplastics in hiking equipment

 

Water bottles and other plastic accessories

 

Water bottles, cutlery and other containers used during hikes are often made of polyethylene or other hard plastics that are not immune to deterioration. Wear and tear, scratches and exposure to high temperatures can lead to the release of small plastic particles into drinks and food, which then end up in our bodies, as well as increasing environmental pollution.

 

Stainless steel as an alternative to plastic for drinks and food

 

Advantages of stainless steel (referred to as 18/8 and 18/10):

• it is strong and durable, does not damage easily and can withstand stress and falls during excursions.
• it is free of harmful plastics such as BPA (which may still be present in plastic water bottles today), ensuring that drinks remain safe and free of contaminants.
• it is easy to clean, does not retain odours or flavours, making it suitable for daily use.
• it is a recyclable material, resistant to corrosion and has a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent purchases.
• it is a recyclable material, resistant to corrosion and has a long useful life, reducing the need for frequent purchases.

Obviously, steel always weighs more than a plastic water bottle, and any hiker who wants to travel light must keep this in mind. Furthermore, as they are not transparent like plastic, steel water bottles make it more difficult to keep an eye on the remaining liquid leve.

If we cannot find these accessories in steel, we can purchase aluminum ones, which is also recyclable, although it is often coated with other materials such as ceramic.

 

Personal hygiene products

In addition to clothing and equipment, microplastics are also present in some personal hygiene products, such as liquid shampoo, shower gel, soap, toothpaste, face and body creams, and scrubs. Many of these products contain plastic microbeads, which are used as additives to improve their texture and effectiveness and as exfoliants. When these cosmetics are rinsed off, microplastics end up in sewage systems and natural water bodies.

Although many countries are already banning the use of microbeads, alternatives such as synthetic microfibres continue to be used, especially in less regulated countries.

Being aware of this issue is important both in our daily lives and when we are engaged in multi-day treks and Caminos.

 

Eco-friendly alternatives for hygiene products

 

Choose personal hygiene and cosmetic products that are free from microplastics (you can use smartphone apps designed to scan ingredients to detect the presence of microplastics, see later in this article), opting for less polluting alternatives.

 

1) Choose solid shampoo over liquid shampoo for a number of reasons:

• plastic-free. Solid shampoos do not require plastic packaging, significantly reducing single-use plastic consumption. Many solid shampoos are packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes or biodegradable wrappers.
• natural ingredients. Solid shampoos tend to contain fewer harmful chemicals and more natural ingredients. Many products are formulated without parabens, sulphates and microplastics, which are often found in liquid shampoos.
• concentration and durability. Solid shampoos are highly concentrated, which means they last much longer than liquid shampoos, reducing the need for frequent purchases and therefore the consumption of plastic-packaged products.

2) Scrubs made from organic ingredients (e.g. sugar, salt, fruit seed powder).

 

European Union legislation on single-use plastics and microplastics

 

Pollution caused by plastics and microplastics is a highly relevant issue considering the enormous amount of plastic that ends up in waterways, oceans and, inevitably, in the food chain. In recent years, the European Union has stepped up its efforts to try to reduce this global problem.

 

European Directive 2019/904

 

One of the European Union's key initiatives to combat plastic pollution is Directive 2019/904. Although it focuses primarily on reducing the use of single-use plastics, it also includes significant measures that address microplastics in cosmetics and hygiene products. The directive provides for a ban on the use of solid microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products from 2022.

In November 2024, the European Union introduced a new law concerning the use of microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products. This legislation is part of a broader effort to reduce environmental pollution caused by microplastics.

This law prohibits the use of microplastics in cosmetic products that come into contact with the skin or water, such as scrubs, exfoliants, toothpastes, shower gels, shampoos and other body care products.

The aim is to encourage the use of natural and biodegradable alternatives, such as sugars, sand, salt or seeds,which can perform the same function as microplastics without harming the environment or entering the food chain, as they are biodegradable alternatives.

The legislation provides for monitoring systems to ensure that companies comply with the law, with regular inspections and severe penalties for violations. Member State regulatory bodies will have to ensure that manufacturers do not use microplastics covertly, for example by using alternative terms to mask the presence of these substances.

With the introduction of this law, Europe is positioning itself as a world leader in the fight against microplastic pollution, encouraging positive change that could serve as a model for other regions of the world.

 

Regulations for synthetic fabrics and fibres

 

The textile and clothing sectors are also under scrutiny by European regulations. The European Union is introducing measures to limit the release of synthetic microfibres during fabric washing. In particular, regulations are being developed that will require clothing manufacturers to reduce their use of synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon and microfibre, which are known to release microplastics into waterways during washing. As we have seen, these fibres are one of the main sources of microplastics released into the environment.

 

Italian legislation on the ban on microplastics

 

In Italy, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Environment have adopted laws in line with European directives. One of the key regulations is the ban on companies that produce personal hygiene and cosmetic products from using microplastics in their ingredients, favouring natural and biodegradable alternatives.

 

Smartphone apps for scanning ingredients and finding microplastics in products

 

Another important step in the fight against microplastics is to make people more aware of the ingredients contained in the products they buy. Fortunately, technology helps us with several smartphone apps that allow you to scan products and check their composition.

 

1) Yuka

 

Yuka is one of the most popular apps for scanning cosmetics and food products. It allows users to quickly check for harmful ingredients, such as microplastics, and find out if a product is environmentally friendly and healthy. Each product is rated with a score that helps consumers make informed and conscious choices.

 

2) Think Dirty

 

Think Dirty is another app that allows you to scan the ingredients of beauty and personal care products. It displays detailed information about the ingredients, highlighting those that could be harmful to health or the environment, such as microplastics, parabens and sulphates.

 

3) Ecocredentials

 

This app provides information on eco-friendly and sustainable products, helping consumers identify those free of harmful chemicals and microplastics. It's useful for those looking for natural, safe, and sustainable alternatives, such as solid shampoos or eco-friendly cosmetics.

 

4) BTMB

 

This app allows you to scan the list of ingredients to find traces of substances containing microplastics. It is fast, accurate and intuitive, although only available in English.

 

Changing our approach to our lifestyle and the life cycle of each product

 

It is time to wake up and say enough is enough to a system based exclusively on profit, which puts money above dignity and respect for life. As people who love nature, we must promote a culture of sustainability by choosing locally made products, supporting companies that respect the environment and workers' rights, and reducing, if not eliminating, our consumption of non-biodegradable materials.

Equally important is extending the lifespan of clothing and hiking accessories as much as possible, treating them with care and repairing them when necessary. Even shoes can be repaired by a skilled cobbler, and it is often possible to have them resoled to avoid throwing away shoes that can still perform their function for a long time.

Sustainability is no longer just an option, but a necessity, a moral responsibility. Every small step towards conscious choices can make a difference, starting with the choice to buy materials that do not release microplastics.

I know that radically changing habits and ways of thinking can be complicated in a society that lives immersed in plastic, because we need to change our entire approach to the production and consumption of goods.

Through informed and sustainable choices, we can take conscious and concrete action towards a fairer and more balanced system, where respect for the planet and for people becomes the norm and not the exception, where we renounce the superfluous to embrace what is truly essential and sustainable.

Ecological and sustainable alternatives throughout all stages of product processing, a preference for certified and local companies, and increased engagement by hikers are key elements in contributing to the fight against microplastic pollution.

Sustainability begins with how the final product is produced, processed, and disposed of.

 

What we can do:

• educate and raise awareness. Share knowledge about microplastic pollution, raising awareness of the problem and encouraging more responsible choices.
• put pressure on clothing and hiking equipment manufacturers through reviews and comments, urging them to replace plastics with truly sustainable materials.

 

Some ideas for further exploring the topic of microplastics:

• Oliver Franklin-Wallis, "A Dirty Truth," 2024, Mondadori, Milan (original title: "Wasteland," 2023, Hachette Book Group, New York, NY)

• Will McCallum, "Living Without Plastic," 2019, HarperCollins Italia, Milan (original title: "How to Give Up Plastic," 2018, Penguin Books, London, UK)

• S. Angioni, S. Bertacchi, R. Rollini, "What You Know About Plastic Is Wrong," 2023, Gribaudo - - IF – Idee editoriali Feltrinelli, Milan

• Silvio Greco, "Plastic on the Plate," 2020, Giunti Editore, Florence

• www.abitipuliti.org

What we can do:

• Educate and raise awareness. Share knowledge about microplastic pollution, raising awareness of the problem and encouraging more responsible choices.

• Put pressure on clothing and hiking equipment manufacturers through reviews and comments, urging them to replace plastics with truly sustainable materials.

 

Some ideas for further explore the topic of microplastics:

 

• Oliver Franklin-Wallis, Wasteland, 2023, Hachette Book Group, New York NY
• Will McCallum, How to Give Up Plastic, 2018 Penguin Books, London UK)
• S. Angioni, S. Bertacchi, R. Rollini, Quello che sai sulla plastica è sbagliato (What you know about plastic is wrong), 2023, Gribaudo - IF – Idee editoriali Feltrinelli, Milan
• Silvio Greco, La plastica nel piatto (Plastic on your plate), 2020, Giunti Editore, Florence
• www.abitipuliti.org