The following pages contain pairs of images showing the front side and ingredients panels for various personal care products. Most of the products contain polyethylene (plastic) in their ingredients (this is circled in red on the labels.) If you print these out, then fold each page in half, trim the edges (if desired) and laminate, you will have cards that you can use to help show clientele the range of types of personal care products that contain microplastics (note that even within a single brand, there are differences). While the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 should result in the removal of polyethylene from the facial scrubs, it will likely not impact the other types of products (since that act specifically targets “rinse-off cosmetics” that are designed “to exfoliate or cleanse.” Note that these products were selected randomly at the store, and are not meant to imply that these are the only brands/product lines that contain microplastics. This also does not imply an endorsement of any particular product.

Suggested use: set the laminated cards out on a table/counter with the front of the product facing upwards. Encourage people to look at the cards (without picking them up or turning them over) and make predictions about which products might contain microplastics.

For more information about microplastics, check out www.plasticaware.org or contact Dr. Maia McGuire, UF/IFAS Extension Sea Grant Agent at mpmcg@ufl.edu.