Nanonplstics not just in seafood, new study finds small plastic particles penetrate crops

  Laundry detergent sheets are not plastic-free, despite widespread consumer assumptions, but that does not automatically make them environmentally harmful. The issue has resurfaced after viral social media posts claimed detergent sheets contain plastic, leaving some users feeling misled after switching from liquid detergents in plastic bottles. The debate centres on PVA, or polyvinyl alcohol, a synthetic polymer commonly used in laundry sheets and detergent pods. Many detergent sheets contain PVA, which is chemically a form of plastic. However, experts warn that this alone does not settle the environmental question. “Plastic-free”, “microplastic-free” and “environmentally safe” are not interchangeable terms, and claims based on them can be misleading. Waste water The key question is not simply whether PVA is present, but how much is used, what type it is and what happens to it after it enters waste water systems. The bottom line: detergent sheets are not automatically “good” or “b...

  Laundry pods, also known as single-dose laundry packets, have become a popular convenience item in many households. These small, single-use packets contain a concentrated dose of laundry detergent, designed to be easy to use and minimize mess. However, beneath their convenient exterior, laundry pods pose several significant disadvantages that can affect not only the environment but also human health and safety. In this article, we will delve into the details of these disadvantages, exploring why laundry pods might not be as harmless as they seem. Introduction to Laundry Pods Before discussing the disadvantages, it’s essential to understand what laundry pods are and how they work. Laundry pods are small, usually rectangular packets made of a thin, water-soluble material. Inside these packets is a concentrated form of laundry detergent, which is released when the packet comes into contact with water during the wash cycle. The idea behind laundry pods is to simplify the process of d...

  What is PVA? PVA stands for Polyvinyl Alcohol, a synthetic, petroleum-based plastic polymer that is used as a film wrap for laundry and dishwasher detergent pods, and in the material used in laundry detergent sheets.  How long has PVA been around for? Plastic laundry detergent sheets were introduced in 2009  and plastic laundry detergent pods made their debut on U.S. retail shelves in 2012 .  How widespread is PVA and what are the concerns? An estimated 20 billion laundry detergent pods, sheets, and dishwasher pods are sold in the U.S. annually . These products pose an environmental problem: while PVA is water soluble, it does not fully biodegrade after dissolving and is washed down the drain.  In 2021, an estimated 21 million pounds of intact PVA plastic particles ended up in U.S. municipal wastewater treatment plants and an additional 13 million pounds were released directly into the environment from communities lacking wastewater treatment plants.  ...

  Laundry sheets. We’ve all heard of them and many of us have used them. They’ve been a favorite swap of mine for years. Until recently when it was brought to my attention that a common (most say it’s also necessary) ingredient called Polyvinyl Alcohol, or PVA, is actually plastic. What?? Eco-friendly laundry detergents with plastic in them? Yes. Let’s dive in and discuss what is PVA, whether is it harming the environment, and what responses are from these brands. I reached out to every brand I have worked with in the past that sells laundry sheets. I asked them all a blanket question about do their products contain plastic, what they understand the effects of PVA to be, and the future of their products. Here is what they had to say: As we can see, most brands are very open about it and admit to their being a gray area in the PVA discussion. But, some brands weren’t. For example, TruEarth seemed to just avoid my question, not expand on PVA, and not talk about potential harm from th...