Bad news: Fruits, vegetables and grains account for 99.5% of microplastic intake.
Good News: Japanese scientists created a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours—no microplastics left behind.
Insights for Navigating an Uncertain World
Bad news: Fruits, vegetables and grains account for 99.5% of microplastic intake.
Fruits, vegetables and grains account for 99.5% of microplastic intake
— Oasis (@oasishealthapp) February 21, 2026
Most research has focused on seafood, but produce and grains are now believed to be the biggest source. The average American now consumes ~60,000 microplastic particles per day
Agricultural soils receive… pic.twitter.com/tKjJhlCVfo
Good News: Japanese scientists created a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours—no microplastics left behind.
Japanese scientists created a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours—no microplastics left behind. Made from plant-based CMC with salt-sensitive bonds, it breaks into harmless nutrients.
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) February 20, 2026
[📹 RIKEN CEMS / Univ. of Tokyo]pic.twitter.com/osXaqKEpBQ
Mark Skidmore is Professor of Economics at Michigan State University where he holds the Morris Chair in State and Local Government Finance and Policy. His research focuses on topics in public finance, regional economics, and the economics of natural disasters. Mark created the Lighthouse Economics website and blog to share economic research and information relevant for navigating tumultuous times. View more posts
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