Why Isn't There a Mass Move Back to Mined Salt Despite Microplastics in Sea Salt?

Although microplastics are turning up everywhere, there is currently no significant evidence of them causing widespread harm. Therefore, I continue to consider them merely another form of litter. Given that microplastics can make their way into food in minuscule quantities, as long as they do not lodge within the digestive system, they are considered harmless. There are many other pressing environmental and health concerns that deserve more attention.

Seawater Filtration and Salt Production

To address potential contamination, the process of creating sea salt involves rigorous filtration. First, seawater is filtered to remove any larger debris. Then, it passes through a UV ultra-filter, two sets of reverse osmosis membranes, and two separate 5-micron filters. Finally, a 0.5-micron filter is used to remove microplastics and pollutants from the sea. This extensive filtration process ensures that the salt we produce is free from contaminants.

Sourcing and Quality Control

Our sourced salts are rigorously tested for microplastics and pollutants. We require certificates of analysis for each order of salt delivered to our warehouse. Every order we accept has been previously tested to ensure it meets strict quality standards. Our focus is on reducing contributions of microplastics into our environment.

Strategies to Minimize Your Environmental Impact

To reduce one's environmental impact, The Ocean Society offers several practical tips:

Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics: Minimize the use of disposable plastics, such as straws, bags, and bottles. Recycle Properly: Ensure that all recyclable materials are disposed of correctly, following local recycling guidelines. Participate in or Organize a Beach or River Cleanup: Contribute to community clean-up efforts to remove litter and debris from waterways. Support Bans: Advocate for and support local and national policies that ban single-use plastics. Avoid Products Containing Microbeads: Choose personal care products that do not contain microbeads, polymer-based microbeads that break down into microplastics. Support Organizations Addressing Plastic Pollution: Donate to or support organizations working to address plastic pollution, such as The Ocean Cleanup or Surfrider Foundation.

Microplastics in Sea Water

Microplastics are present in minute quantities in seawater. While they are not particularly harmful, it is important to consider the impact of these contaminants on our environment and health. The process of crystallization of salt, which occurs naturally during the production of sea salt, effectively rejects the inclusion of microplastics. As a result, salt produced through this process is free from these contaminants.

Given the stringent quality control measures and the rigorous filtration system in place, the presence of microplastics in sea salt is kept to a minimum. This ensures that consumers can continue to enjoy the benefits of sea salt without compromising their health or the environment.

By following these tips and supporting organizations that address plastic pollution, we can all contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.