Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
as exfoliants in facial scrubs and personal care products, efforts
were made by environmental groups to get the manufacturers
of these products to stop using the beads and use biodegrad-
able alternatives. Johnson & Johnson agreed to phase out the
use of polyethylene microbeads in personal care products such
as Neutrogena, and Clean and Clear and has stopped devel-
oping new products containing plastic microbeads. Unilever
and The Body Shop have also committed to phasing out micro-
beads by 2015.
California is spending nearly half a billion dollars annually
to prevent trash from polluting its beaches, rivers, and ocean.
The money is being used by municipalities for river and beach
cleanups, street sweeping, the installation of devices to cap-
ture stormwater, cleaning and maintaining stormwater drains,
cleanup of litter, and public education.
What about public education?
This issue is also amenable to public education and monitor-
ing. Major educational programs and outreach to community
groups and schools have been developed, including a YouTube
video from cartoonist Jim Toomey (
www.youtube.com/watch?
An environmental documentary called “Trashed” with
Jeremy Irons was released in 2012. A trailer for the movie is
on YouTube
(www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UM73CEvwMY&
People who fish can be educated to hold on to their waste line
and put it in bins instead of tossing it into the water. However,
no matter how careful individuals are, tackle can get snagged
underwater and retrieving it may be practically impossible.
Are there laws to reduce marine litter?
Rules and regulations can be more effective than volun-
tary cleanups. Some countries have laws and policies for
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