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Microplastic Fibres & Pellets in Bodies of Water

2016.03 MICROPLASTIC FIBRES AND PELLETS IN BODIES OF WATER

Whereas #1 microplastics are becoming abundant in water bodies due to wastewater from domestic washing machines in the washing of synthetic garments and pellets in personal care products; and

Whereas #2 aquatic organisms ingest these microplastics and they make their way up the food chain; and

Whereas #3 toxic organic compounds adsorb to the surface of microplastics and can be transferred to sediments and consumers; therefore be it

Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy:

a. the elimination of microplastic fibres and pellets entering bodies of water

b. the reduction of microplastic fibres and pellets currently in bodies of water

Resolved #2 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to support industry, universities and governments:

a. to investigate the presence and removal of microplastic fibre and pellet residues in bodies of water and

b. to seek solutions to eliminate the release of microplastic residues from known sources and reduce microplastic residues currently in bodies of water; and be it further

Resolved #3 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to support communication campaigns to raise awareness about the effects of microplastic fibres and pellets in bodies of water.