Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters long, and recent studies have shown that these particles are now found in various parts of the human body, including the lungs, placentas, reproductive organs, brain, liver, kidneys, joints, blood vessels, and even bone marrow. While the long-term health effects of microplastics are not yet fully understood, animal studies suggest alarming links to fertility issues, various cancers, disruptions in the endocrine and immune systems, and impaired learning and memory.
Given these potential risks, it’s important to reduce our exposure to microplastics by cutting down on plastic-based products. In this post, I’ll share some of the changes we’ve made in our household to minimize our use of plastic and reduce our exposure to microplastics.
Understanding Microplastics: Primary vs. Secondary
Microplastics are classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured to be small, such as the tiny beads found in some exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and cosmetics, which are designed to be washed down the drain. Industrial applications also use small plastic pellets to create larger plastic products.
Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, like bottles, bags, packaging materials, and straws. Synthetic textiles such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release tiny fibers during washing, which contribute to microplastic pollution. These microplastics are pervasive, affecting both our environment and our bodies.
Simple Swaps to Reduce Microplastics
You likely have several plastic items in your home right now that contribute to microplastic pollution, such as storage containers, cutting boards, cups, plates, straws, toothbrushes, and razors. Transitioning these to glass or metal alternatives can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics. Here are some swaps we’ve made:
- Food Storage Containers: We replaced our plastic food storage containers with glass ones. While the lids are still plastic, the glass bottoms are a big improvement since they directly contact the food.
- Water Bottles: We mostly use Owala water bottles, which have a convenient design but include plastic lids and straws. To reduce plastic exposure, we found Koala Straws, which are metal and fit perfectly with our Owala bottles.
- Drinking Cups: We’ve swapped out our regular plastic drinking cups for glass jars, repurposing jars from food items. This is a cost-effective and healthier alternative.
- Cutting Boards: Plastic cutting boards are a major source of microplastics, as cutting on them releases plastic particles into your food. We’ve switched to wooden cutting boards, which are safer and more durable.
- Toothbrushes: Traditional toothbrushes often have plastic bristles that shed microplastics. We’ve moved to boar bristle bamboo toothbrushes, which initially take some getting used to but are much better for reducing plastic exposure.
- Razors: Most razors are made almost entirely of plastic, including the lubricating strips that release microplastics as they wear down. We now use all-metal razors from Leaf. While they require a bit of an adjustment, they’re a long-term solution that’s both economical and environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Reducing microplastic exposure is not only beneficial for our health but also for the environment. By making simple swaps in everyday products, we can significantly cut down on the amount of plastic that enters our bodies and the environment. Every small change contributes to a larger impact, and it’s worth exploring alternatives that align with a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.
What swaps have you made in your home to reduce microplastics? I’d love to hear your tips and suggestions!