Microplastic Hoosic River cleanup continues

PITTSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) — It’s been over two weeks since the train derailment in Pittstown, and cleanup efforts continue, especially when cleaning up the amount of microplastics in the Hoosic River. On February 7, 10 cars derailed off a track near Valley Falls, causing a massive spill of microplastics into the Hoosic River.

Environmental advocates like Sophia Ruan Gushée, Author of A to Z of D-Toxing, say there is still a serious concern since plastics can be made from 13,000 different kinds of chemicals.

“But because plastics are made in different countries, it’s really hard to know,” she said.

That’s why Alexis Goldsmith, National Organizing Director for Beyond Plastics, wants the DEC to hold railways accountable for making sure plastics are transported in secure containers.

“There’s this misconception that plastics are inert, that they’re non-toxic, and that’s simply not true,” Goldsmith said. “Because plastics are not inert; they break down into smaller and smaller pieces in the environment. And they also contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health.”

Goldsmith also said cleanup is crucial since microplastics can pose a danger to wildlife and can be ingested by wildlife like fish and birds.

“And in some cases, wildlife can eat so much plastic that their stomachs become full with it, and they can starve to death because they can’t eat real food,” Goldsmith said.

Beyond Plastics and other environmental advocates plan to be at the capital on Tuesday to continue pushing for the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. The bill will require most companies that sell products in New York to reduce their single-use plastic packaging by 50% over twelve years.

But Sophia Ruan Gushée says there are still ways to help minimize exposure to microplastics at home.

“So even if you’re buying an off-the-shelf water filtration pitcher, it’s removing some contaminants, and if you can afford something more extensive, then even better,” she said. “But whatever is comfortable for your budget is really helpful.