In either case, isn't this still a reason for concern?

If we are just better at detecting and the microplastics have been there for decades then are they really a growing problem?

Yes, that is likely true. I form my opinions and utmost confidence that I am right.........at least 90% of the time.

I am NOT very surprised. YOU are living in a somewhat backward leaning area. You can prove that by the preponderance of gasoline golf carts vs E-golf carts. And the LOUD, howling gasoline vs Electric lawnmowers here.

That is a BIG, FAT YES !

Are those MD deer...a couple of chunkasaurus'!

Whoo hoo! Your are 100% correct. Florida does not need a state law banning certain grocery bags. Anyone concerned can bring their own bags. I see many people doing just that & frequently do so myself. Though admittedly more in my case for the thermal properties of my bags to keep my shopping fresh & cool.

Interesting comment. You have previously indicated you do not drive an EV.

Are you driving an E cart?

Or is this another case of do as I say not as I do. Asking for a friend.

China and India FIRST!
 

India and China put more plastic (bags,straws,etc.) into the Ocean than all other nations COMBINED. When you get them to STOP, I will worry about by grocery transport methods.

One of the biggest sources of microplastics is the washing of synthetic fabrics. Plastic bags are chump change.

Well they could very well be a growing problem. One thing that is happening is that the rate of cancer in younger people is rising dramatically. The global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by 79.1% and early-onset cancer deaths rose by 27.7% from 1990 to 2019, a 2023 study in the journal BMJ Oncology found. Plastics in our food? Exposure to pesticides in our environment and our food? Ultraprocessed foods? Sugary drinks? Lack of physical activity? Researchers don't know at this point. If I was in that age group, I wouldn't be burying my head in the sand, I would try to eat safely, with common sense, trying to avoid where possible, things that could certainly be carcinogenic. Plastics and pesticides certainly come to mind. Researchers have found that microplastics damage human cells, decrease reproductive health and disrupt the endocrine system. A couple of obvious things to avoid - bottled water; microwaving food in plastic containers; use organic foods whenever available.

Political posts are not allowed.

Maybe older gen buy plastic tubs of generic junk, Then again eating processed food plastic is the least of problems. Well not at most ages here way too late to bother changing habits. At this late in the game nothing is going to improve lifeline.

Our family
Butter in wax paper, sauce, mustard, milk in glass,
All meat is wrapped in butcher paper, from the farm
Laundry soap comes in sheets or bar in box

Plastic in our house is less than 17%. It not about change our whole life we raised, can, or froze food. Mt guess is 80% of residents in TV have eaten processed food their whole life, so plastic is just a norm for many

Agree! But you have to start somewhere. If plastic bags is the first step, the impact on society will be no big deal. Can't get much simpler change to adapt to. One small change for a man or woman. One large benefit for mankind!

Actually, no one knows it until it has been tried. You might be surprised. Or not. But until it is actually tried, it is still unknown.

Tsk, tsk. Name calling makes one appear, well, you know.