Environmental Awareness PSA: Microplastics in Your Tea

The following is a transcript of an aired PSA, produced by KCSB’s Production Coordinator. 

Microplastics are plastic debris that are less than 5 millimeters in length. The increasing amount of microplastics in the environment pose a danger to ocean and aquatic life. Consumers are growingly becoming aware of the harmful impacts of single use plastics, but some companies still continue to use new plastic packaging in their products.

One household item that contains microplastics you may not be aware of are teabags. Manufacturers use plastic to seal tea bags and prevent them from falling apart. In fact, a study from the Environmental Science & Technology Journal reveals that 11.6 billion microplastics are released in a single cup of tea. In addition, you consume an additional 3.1 billion nanoplastics once you’ve finished your tea.

You can do your part by avoiding plastic tea bags and instead buying loose leaf tea or plant-based teabags.

This was a special PSA informing you on microplastics in your tea from your friends at 91.9 FM KCSB.