Did you have questions about Week Three's Challenge to find and eliminate Microplastics? Some of your fellow challenge takers did!

Every week, we’ll send you inspiration for change, so that you have more understanding about why we’re doing the week’s challenge. This week, we provide answers to some great questions asked by challenge-takers about BANS, BEAUTY, AND BAGS!

Weren’t microbeads banned in the U.S.? If so, are they still a problem?  Microbeads found in rinse-off cosmetics (such as cleansers and toothpastes) were banned in the U.S. through the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 . However, these types of exfoliating cleansers can still be distributed to stores until July 2018. To avoid microbeads, choose products that only use natural exfoliants like ground nuts, shells, sea salt, etc. to get a good scrub without polluting our waterways. The Act also applies to rinse-off cosmetics that are also considered to be "non-prescription drugs" , which would include items like toothpastes that contain fluoride , deodorants that are also antiperspirants , and moisturizers marketed with sun-protection claims . The ban on distributing these types of products won’t take effect until July 2019 . *Note: The federal ban on microbeads applies solely to “rinse-off” cosmetic products, and not to other items such as cleaning supplies and make-up. Check labels for these ingredients to make sure products are microbead-free!

Where can I find cosmetics that don’t contain microbeads AND don’t come in plastic packaging? Many cosmetic companies have already ceased using microbeads in their products—or never used them in the first place. LUSH , for example, does not use ingredients containing microbeads, sells over one-third of its products “naked” (without packaging), and has a closed loop recycling system for items sold in their black pots (they’re turned into new black pots). Aveda (owned by Estee Lauder) has phased out microbeads in their products and sells metal make-up compacts which you can simply refill. Other global cosmetic companies are rethinking plastics as participants in the New Plastics Economy – a three-year initiative to build momentum towards a plastics system that reduces harm to the environment. Applying the principles of the circular economy, it brings together companies to rethink and redesign the future of plastics, including cosmetic giants Unilever, P&G, and L’Oreal .

Do compostable bags break down into microplastics? Compostable bags contain no plastic. But don’t get confused by the term “biodegradable” —this means mineral fillers were added to plastic to shorten the long carbon chains that make plastic last essentially forever. Biodegradable bags break down into smaller bits, but they are not compostable.  They become microplastics. On the other hand, compostable bags are made of plant-based materials—not petroleum or natural gas based polymers like plastic . These bags degrade into plant-based nutrients that can enrich soils.

To identify compostable bags that will completely degrade (no microplastics), look for BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) and/or the US Composting Council logo . See Eco-Cycle's Is It Compostable? guide for examples of those labels.

WEEK THREE GIVEAWAYS! Wearing clothes made of natural fibers reduces plastic microfiber pollution in rivers, lakes, and oceans. This week, we're giving away three PACT Organic Cotton t-shirts!

Coming up: Week 4 HIDDEN PLASTICS Not all plastic looks like plastic! Find out more in the Week Four challenge, delivered to your inbox on Sunday.

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