How Do We Fix the Microplastics Problem?

But first, a quick update on the status of my research. All of my samples from my Fall sampling trip in PCB and Winter sampling at the marine lab are DONE...and by done I mean they still need microplastics extractions and slide making and nematode identification. So pretty close to done. I have been working as fast as possible to get the samples processed because there are so many, and it is paying off. The picture on the right shows all of the samples that I have gone through that are ready for the next step. Each tube rack holds 25 tubes, which means that I have worked through 150 samples so far. I have now started the process for the Winter samples from PCB, but it is far too early to see if there's a difference, partly because I have only gone through 16 samples but mostly because the differences require analysis at the microscopic level, and I haven't gotten there yet. I did also get a new shipment of chemicals to run more microplastics extractions, which is very exciting. I don't know if I will do microplastics work now or if I want to wait until I get all of the samples washed before I start the microplastics extractions.
​
This week, though, I wanted to feature a story I found today about a young female architect who has found a way to potentially change the waste and recycling industries. Clarisse Merlet is the founder of FabBRICK​, a company that turns used textiles into bricks. I have included the video for your perusal below, but I wanted to summarize some of the main points and benefits of the work that Clarisse and the FabBRICK team is doing: 1) The EPA estimated that in 2018, approximately 11 million tons of textile waste ended up in landfills where the fabrics faced UV breakdown and synthetics could release microfibers into rainwater runoff; 2) Although some architects and designers are using recycled products and second-hand materials, a large-scale eco-friendly recycling plan is not apparent for textiles; 3) Clarisse's team turns used textiles into bricks that are water resistant and respond well to heat-testing; 4) Since some fabrics have heat-retention properties, FabBRICKS can potentially change the way we source insulation materials for houses (not to mention the binding agent is eco-friendly and the press machine uses renewable energy). Check out the video below to learn about this amazing company.

---