The Learning in Retirement Program at Nicolet College hosted a forum about the negative impacts micro-fiber plastics have on our environment. The forum came on the heels of concerns from community members about micro-fiber build up in septic tanks. Community member Edward Lee says finding a solution is crucial.
“…So the question we had is, if those micro-plastic fibers are going into our septic tank, what is happening in town to the sewer system and the stuff is flowing into the sewer system and that will plug up the septic field in time.”
Dr. Lorena Rios-Mendoza is a professor at UW-Superior who researches micro-fiber plastic debris contamination. She says switching from a high efficiency washing machine or installing a filtration system will reduce micro-fiber build up. However, she says refusing plastic is the only solution to reduce the environmental hazards.
“…Don’t use the plastic. When you go to buy a sandwich they put it in the plastic, and for what? You use it for one, two minutes and then 4 years later it’s in the ocean. When you go to buy groceries doesn’t use the plastic bring your own.”
Mendoza says people should avoid buying products with polypropylene. She says it kills wildlife and has lasting effects on the environment.
For more information about Mendoza’s research visit uwsuper.edu
