"We make microplastic science clear, without the unnecessary fear. By providing people with a tailored picture of their own exposure, we can show what a meaningful reduction actually looks like."
— Owen Wohlfert, Founder
MicroClarity exists because the gap between what the research shows and what most people understand about their own exposure is enormous. The science is credible and growing. The public conversation around it is often either alarmist or dismissive — neither of which is useful.
This project translates peer-reviewed research on microplastic exposure pathways into practical, personal information. The quiz is built from published studies — including findings from Environmental Science & Technology, Marine Pollution Bulletin, and the National Toxicology Program's systematic review. The product recommendations link to documented exposure reductions, not marketing claims.
The Great Lakes section exists because regional specificity matters. A national average is less useful than knowing what is in the water in your watershed, your tributaries, your tap.
MicroClarity was created by Owen Wohlfert and is rooted in his hometown of Traverse City, a community sitting on the edge of Lake Michigan. Owen began researching microplastics through his local community college while still in high school. That early work is where the severity of the problem first became real to him, in his own town and far beyond it.
The Great Lakes hold 84% of North America's surface fresh water and supply drinking water to 40 million people. They also carry some of the highest documented freshwater microplastic concentrations on Earth. We think that deserves far more serious public attention than the occasional environmental news cycle gives it.
This is an independent project, built and maintained in Traverse City, Michigan. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any institution. The site is led by a student at the University of Notre Dame, whose focus is translating regional environmental contamination research into accessible, actionable information for the communities most directly affected.
Content on this site is reviewed for scientific accuracy and updated as new peer-reviewed research is published. If you have questions about specific claims or want to discuss the underlying data, reach out directly.
For research questions, media inquiries, collaboration proposals, or general feedback:
For corrections or questions about specific data cited on this site, please include the relevant page section in your message. We respond to science-based inquiries promptly.
