The South African Government is taking a bold step towards combating plastic pollution with the recent announcement of draft regulations designed to prohibit the production, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads, reports Cape town Etc .
Published by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, these regulations reflect a profound commitment to preserving the nations natural ecosystems against the detrimental effects of such pollutants.
Plastic microbeads, tiny particles less than five millimetres in size, are often found in personal care products like scrubs, toothpaste and cosmetics.
While they may appear insignificant individually, their cumulative impact on marine life and food chains is alarming.
These non-biodegradable substances frequently enter waterways through wastewater, where they accumulate and affect aquatic wildlife.