Microplastics microplastics microplastics. They’re found everywhere— in our bodies, products, food items, air, water, and now….in our gum.

Should you be worried?

The simple answer is yes. AND you should be worried about microplastic exposure not JUST from chewing gum, but also other things like tea bags, plastic water bottles, microwaving your food in plastic packaging, etc.

Studies are showing that microplastics are linked to all sorts of health related conditions, like cancer, cognitive disorders like alzheimers and parkinson’s, obesity, fertility, and masculinity.

The more we learn, the more bleak it looks.

Click the link in our bio to read the full article, and PLEASE share to help raise awareness.
#microplastics #nanoplastics ...

⚠️MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING ALERT⚠️:

Over the past few weeks, marine mammal rehabilitation resources have been stretched thin & field hospitals inundated with hundreds of sick animals poisoned by domoic acid. Common symptoms include neurological distress, disorientation, seizures, & death.

Domoic acid (DA) is a powerful neurotoxin produced by certain types of marine algae. When these algae grow out of control—often due to warmer waters, pollution, and excess nutrients in the ocean—they create toxic algal blooms.

Some scientists suspect recent fire debris and chemical runoff from the LA fires could be contributing excess nutrients to the ocean, fueling these toxic blooms. While research is ongoing, it’s clear that marine life is suffering.

Do you know what to do if you see a stranded animal?🦭

DO NOT attempt to move or push the animal back into the ocean—not only is it a federal offense, but doing so can cause severe harm or drowning, especially if the animal is experiencing seizures.

DO REPORT the stranding to a local response team by calling:

NOAA West Coast Stranding Hotline: 866-767-6114
@noaaocean
Marine Mammal Care Center Hotline: 1-800-39-WHALE
@marinemammalcare
Pacific Marine Mammal Center (OC): 949-494-3050
@pacificmmc
The Marine Mammal Center (SLO to Mendocino): 415-289-SEAL
@themarinemammalcenter

Public awareness and prompt action are critical for these animals right now. Please share this post as a resource for your California network!🐋 ...

We’re elated to announce our new FEATURED ARTIST, @francescaapage!!! 🌊🐳🐬🐙🦀🐠

Francesca is award-winning Artist, wildlife photographer and conservation photojournalist, and is renowned for her creative underwater photography.

She has travelled the globe to capture vital conservation and wildlife stories, using her artistic skills to inspire positive change. She’s especially passionate about raising awareness of the misunderstood creatures in our oceans.

She’s turned her passion for conservation into wearable fashion, and we’re excited to share a large collection of her pieces with you.

Click the link in our bio to see the OPS x Francesca collection! 15% of proceeds will be donated to our conservation efforts at OPS.

Additional photography from Francesca: @francescapagephoto
Filmed & edited by @liamswebb ...

MICROPLASTICS: they’re tiny, synthetic particles (>5 mm) that have wormed their way into every corner and crevice of our planet — and now, our bodies. Found in Mariana Trench (the deepest point in the world’s oceans), Antarctic ice, and even the placentas of pregnant women, microplastics and nanoplastics are quite literally everywhere. 

And life in plastic is NOT fantastic. By consuming plastics daily through food, water, and even the air we breathe, we’ve opened ourselves up to a host of catastrophic long-term health issues, like endocrine disruption, cardiovascular dysfunction, neurotoxicity, brain damage, cancer, fertility issues, and so much more we don’t even know about yet. 

Plastic is a public health crisis. And yet because we live in a system built on convenience and disposability, it’s incredibly hard to avoid plastic exposure. Systemic problems like this one require systemic solutions. (Caption continued in comments) #microplastics #toxictruth ...