400 million tons, that is the total number of plastics produced each year, with approximately 11 million tonnes entering the ocean every year (UNEP, 2025). When picturing pollution in various bodies of water, people often associate it with styrofoam’s, plastic bottles, and other garbage floating on the water, getting washed up on shores, or are entangled around marine animals. Although there may be nothing wrong with this, it does not accurately depict the entirety of plastic pollution. Some are not easily detected by the human eye as it exists as microparticles, known as Microplastics. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) defines this as pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters; somewhere close to the size of a pencil eraser or even smaller. Despite how little its size may be, the effects that it brings to the marine ecosystem is massive, making it an important environmental concern. As microplastics continue to spread, marine organisms would end up consuming it which could harm their health and potentially lead to their death.  

In the case of the Philippines, it has been reported by NRCP (National Research Council of the Philippines) that plastic waste amounting to 2.3 million tons is generated in the country every year. Widespread of Microplastics should be prioritized not only because our country is a global center for marine biodiversity, but also because the livelihood of many Filipinos is connected to the sea. Now, what we must understand is, where does microplastics come from, and what can we do to prevent these from ending up at the ocean? 

What are Microplastics? 

Microplastics, as aforementioned, are micro plastic particles that measure around 5 millimeters or less. It may take various forms like fibers, pellets, beads, fragments, etc. Study’s reveal that microplastics can be classified into primary and secondary microplastics (Microplastics, n.d.).  

Primary microplastics include microbeads used in personal care products and plastic resin pellets in manufacturing. On the other hand, secondary microplastics are produced from larger plastic items that gradually break down. When items such as PET bottles, toys, shampoo containers, poly bags and such, deteriorate they can become sources of secondary microplastics. Moreover, research also showed that synthetic materials and textile microfibers can also be a source of microplastics (Acharya et al., 2021). Proving that microplastics polluting the ocean does not just suddenly appear out of nowhere but rather begins with waste products incorrectly discarded on land.  

How do Microplastics end up in the ocean? 

Waste never stays in the same place where it was discarded. When done haphazardly, it can be transported into nearby waterways and rivers that are connected to the ocean (Sutton et al., 2019). Overtime, plastic waste will fragment into smaller pieces as it continues to be exposed to different environmental conditions. The NOAA reports finding microplastics spread vastly throughout the ocean, and continuous research is being carried out to understand its movement and distribution. This sheds light on an important reality that human activities on land will ultimately affect the ocean and its inhabitants.  

Small particles, BIG CONSEQUENCES 

One of the key challenges anchored to microplastics, is its interaction with maritime fauna. Its size can downplay the harmful effects that it could cause to organisms like fishes, and plankton, when consumed. Researchers have found that ingestion of microplastics by marine organisms, causes these microparticles to be passed on from one organism to another; integrating it into the marine food web. This movement through the food web is known as trophic transfer, and it poses great risk both to the marine ecosystem and humans (Benson et al., 2022; Yang et al., 2021).  Nevertheless, proper distinguishment of what has already been studied and observed by scientists, and what remains unknown and uncertain is necessary. Scientists continue to investigate and study the full ecological effects of microplastics; including how different sizes, types, and chemical compositions affect different species.  

Moreover, chemicals present in microplastics may also interact with chemicals present in its surrounding environment. Such possibility raises more questions as to what other effects could this cause organisms that ingest them. Despite continuous study on the risks microplastics poses to the environment and humans, it is important to understand that this does not mean the problem of microplastics in the ocean should be ignored. Instead, it proves why continuous research, and effort must be given in order to prevent widespread of plastic pollution.  

Plastic Pollution in the Philippines 

As of February 2024, research done by the National Research Council of the Philippines; coupled by data from the World Bank, showed that the Philippines generates a staggering amount of plastic waste amounting to 2.3 million tons each year (Pustadan, 2024). This study, as well as other studies conducted regarding microplastics in various marine habitats and species in the Philippines, implies that the issue of microplastic pollution is not only a problem that other countries face, but also of the Philippines.  

This issue must be addressed promptly as the state of the marine ecosystem directly affects the lives of many Filipinos. The ocean and marine organisms living in it contribute greatly to food and livelihood of the people. This is why proper preservation is important not only for the sake of marine animals, but also to preserve the ecosystem the people depend on as well.  

Small shifts can make a BIG DIFFERENCE 

Microplastics may be miniscule, but they contribute greatly to a much bigger issue of plastic pollution. Polythene bags, sachet packaging, straws, and other plastic products accumulate in landfills and as they break down into smaller pieces, they get transported by rain and wind to nearby waterways. Proving that plastic pollution is anchored to the actions made by people.  

One action alone cannot solve the problem with microplastics, as it is nearly impossible to see and clean-up every plastic particle present on land and on sea. However, preventing more plastic and microplastic from ending up in the oceans is possible by being more conscious of the actions and choices made every single day. Sustainability does not require a complete and total change in one’s lifestyle. It can begin by actively integrating small changes like bringing a tumbler, using reusable containers, recycling, and thinking twice before purchasing a new product. At The Eco Shift, we understand how small shifts can make a big difference in the long run. It is the simple choices we make everyday that enable us to be responsible caretakers of the marine ecosystem, and our planet.  

The oceans may be vast, but its preservation can begin with the small shifts we take on land.  

Written by Kristene Rosales 

REFERENCES: