What am I really eating?
From the gallon of milk you bought the other day, or the bottled water you drank from this morning, I think we can all agree that plastic is everywhere. Have you ever wondered where else plastic resides? Plastic has entered the insides of the fish we eat. Sad as it is, this is the reality of our world. Here is what you need to know about plastic pollution of marine life and how it affects us!
How does plastic enter a fish’s system?
With the ongoing problem of plastic pollution, according to the Nature Journal, microplastics are ingested by fish from particles in the water itself, the seafloor, or from consuming prey that have already eaten the microplastics. These types of fish can range from trout, salmon, clams, mussels, all the way to the tiniest algae groups. Photosynthetic algae are important for oxygen production, for both marine and human life. With harmful plastic and the pollutants they bring, life on land and sea will not be fully sustainable.
How does this all affect me?
If you are an avid fish eater or enjoy a good filet every once in a while, you are at risk of consuming plastic. There is still ongoing research on the health effects of microplastics humans consume by food however, it all depends on where the plastic is concentrated. Research done by the National Library of Medicine shows that plastic particles found in an organisms’ digestive tracts and small fish consumed whole are more likely to expose microplastics to the human diet. With that being said, these types of plastics can enter the human body causing harm both physically and chemically.
What can I do?
No, you don’t have to cut out fish completely! However, being more mindful of where your fish come from might be a better option. Buying fish locally not only helps fishing companies, but you have a better chance of locating where your fish came from. Another way to purchase better seafood is checking labels on store bought fish. You will be able to tell how the fish was farmed. If it’s farmed correctly, using less land, freshwater and energy, the fish will be less likely to contain more plastic than those fished straight from the ocean. According to Impactful Ninja, farmed fish with sustainable seafood certifications like Best Aquaculture Practices labels indicate that the fish is sustainable. Certain steps like these might be small, but knowing a little bit about how plastics impact our diets and environment can help further future research and solutions.
Edited by: Antonio
