This past week, the New York State Assembly passed the “Microbead-Free Waters Act,” which will prohibit the sale of cosmetic products that contain tiny plastic particles known as microbeads.  The products range from toothpaste to facial cleanser and most of us likely never considered the environmental consequences of their use, until now.

Environmentalists scoured Lake Erie and discovered levels of plastic microbead particles in startling high levels.  The microbeads are often small enough to evade water treatment plants and make their way into rivers, lakes and oceans.  The microbeads can gather toxic chemicals on their surface, which pose a significant danger to wildlife and humans.  The toxic nature of microbeads combined with the fact that these particles can linger for hundreds of years prompted the need for a change.

Johnson & Johnson companies released a statement on microbeads that they are phasing out their use in personal care products over the next several years.  At this time, they have stopped researching and developing new products with the harmful particles and have begun research on alternatives that are safe and environmentally sound.  Unfortunately, this transition will take years and the full timetable has not been set for the changes to go into effect.  This means that their new products won’t be on the shelves for several years.  Other companies that have committed to phasing out microbeads include Procter and Gamble, Unilever, and Colgate-Palmolive.

So how can we all help to make a difference?  First, read the labels on any cosmetic products in your home that contain microbeads.  The scientific terms may include “polypropylene” among others. Your Triangle Pharmacy staff is committed to serving you and it is our pleasure to help you determine if any of your soaps, cleansers, and other products contain these pollutants.  If you identify any products, we can help guide you in responsible disposal.  Also, we are looking into products containing natural abrasives, like walnut shells and sea salt.  Please let us know if you are interested in these safe alternatives!

Taylor Fisher

Triangle Pharmacy Student Intern

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

When preparing your garden for the upcoming spring growing season, laying down a layer of mulch is a necessity.  Mulch is good for both the health of your plants and for the aesthetic appeal of your garden.  In order to choose the correct mulch and to correctly protect your garden, you must first know what kind of mulch to get and how much to lay down.

Mulch is used as a weed suppressant, a moisture retainer, and a temperature regulator for your garden.  There are two main types of mulch that you can use for your garden, which mulch you choose is determined by the types of plants you intend to grow.  The most common mulch is bark mulch and these are typically used for hardier plants such as roses and small trees.  Bark mulch is inexpensive and can typically be acquired in large quantities (if you buy in bulk it typically has to be delivered by the truck full).  Composted material is also inexpensive, but is typically used to garnish perennial plants (using bark mulch will take away from the perennial’s nutrient intake).  Composted materials provide perennial gardens with beneficial insects, worms, and micronutrients.

Mulch can also be harmful to a garden and trees in multiple ways.  Applying too much mulch year after year can create a layer that prevents root growth.  The soil becomes matted and keeps water from reaching the roots of the plants, causing them to suffer.  Before applying a fresh layer of mulch, you need to clear off as much of the old layer as much possible.  Using mulch around trees can cause rotting and can create a home for insects that can harm the tree and its roots.  It is best to, if you choose to mulch around trees, place the mulch close to (not touching) the outside of the tree and apply very little mulch.

By Patrick Long