Greater willingness to reduce microplastics consumption in Mexico than in Spain supports the importance of legislation on the use of plastics

Abstract

IntroductionMicroplastics (MP) threaten all organisms worldwide. MP are produced directly as microbeads in cosmetics and hygiene products, or indirectly from breakage of larger plastics. The control of MP requires consumers' engagement to refuse products containing microbeads.MethodsWe conducted a survey on 572 university students from Mexico and Spain, two countries where microbeads are not banned yet. More strict laws for plastic control areenforced in Mexico than in Spain.ResultsControlling for age and education, despite knowing less about MP, Mexicans checked for microbeads on product labels more frequently than Spaniards, and desired to reduce MP consumption more. A stronger correlation between individual awareness and willingness of MP control was found for Mexican than for Spanish students.DiscussionPerhaps more strict legislation against plastics creates an environment favorable to MP control. Unclear statement of microbeads on labels was the main reason for not checking microbead contents; environmental education and a stricter control of plastics and MP were identified as necessary policy changes in the two countries. Corporation engagement on clearer product labeling is also suggested.

A novel simplified method for extraction of microplastic particles from face scrub and laundry wastewater

“…Later, many countries have initiated the same policy and recently China and Argentina also banned the usage of microbeads by the end of 2022. A recent study reported that the non-degradable MPs usage in daily use products are only implemented by a limited number countries and majority of the countries not banned the MPs usage yet 37 . Even if the ban of products in the market was implemented, the usage of the already purchased products by the customers will be continued.…”