Microbeads are officially banned in the U.S. In late December, President Obama signed a bill prohibiting the sale and distribution of products containing those small plastic beads. The new law requires companies to stop using these beads by July 1, 2017.

Microbeads are often found in body washes, soaps and toothpastes, as these tiny scrubbers have the power to effectively remove oils. However, companies will need to find substitutes for all of these products, as it will soon be illegal to produce them.

Microbeads Pose Environmental Hazard

The legislation was introduced by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, as way to safeguard U.S. waterways. Since they are made of plastic, these beads do not dissolve when they go down the drain, which may be very harmful to the environment.

The Journal of Environmental Science & Technology published a study back in September, noting that more than 8 trillion microbeads were flowing into the country’s oceans and lakes each day — enough to cover the surface of 300 tennis courts on a daily basis. Researchers say these tiny beads have added to a higher volume of microplastic polluting our waterways.

The small size of these beads makes them nearly impossible to clean up and they’re also a threat to marine life, as some species mistake them for food. Researchers are currently examining whether these beads impact the health of aquatic life and if the chemicals in them are later passed on to humans who eat them.

Impact on Consumers

Undoubtedly, many consumers will be sad to see their favorite beauty items taken out of production, but this move is sure to please socially conscious shoppers. Many people refuse to purchase items that are harmful to the environment and even boycott companies that sell them. Certain retailers, such as Whole Foods, refuse to even carry products that aren’t eco-friendly.

Brands that were once shunned by consumers and retailers searching for sustainable products may have a second chance to get in their good graces now that microbeads are officially banned. Finding an eco-friendly alternate can be a great way to both help the environment and appeal to a larger customer base.

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