Since its invention in 1907, plastic has quickly become one of the most used products in everyday life. Many plastic items are hard to recycle and often end up causing a major environmental hazard. With the rise in single-use plastics, there have been additional concerns related to microplastics.
Microplastics are defined as particles that are less than 5 millimeters in size (the diameter of a grain of rice). While the physical health effects of microplastics on the human body are not fully known, their impact on the environment is already well documented to be detrimental. While it can seem near impossible to avoid plastics and, in turn, microplastics, there are several small steps that can be taken to reduce overall plastic consumption.
1. Switch to glass food containers.
Microplastics can leak into foods kept in plastic containers from flaking caused by damage from microwaving or utensils. Glass food storage containers are great because they are often more durable than plastic, last longer and are microwave and oven-safe.
Additional tip: Bring glass containers to restaurants as well. Many restaurants use single-use Styrofoam containers that often have microplastic debris still present from manufacturing that can then be transferred to foods.
2. Switch to reusable stainless steel or glass water bottles.
Reusable water bottles have long been touted as being great for reducing single-use plastic water bottle waste; however, many are still made of plastic. One study found that people who met their daily water intake through single-use plastic bottled water alone were estimated to be consuming 90,000 microplastic particles per year.
3. Reduce intake of processed foods or foods packaged in plastic.
Decreasing the overall consumption of packaged foods lowers the amount of plastic being produced, thrown away and ending up in our soil and water. It also reduces the possibility of microplastics being formed from opening these products and contaminating the air around us.
Try to increase your intake of whole foods or foods packaged in paper or glass instead.
Additional tip: Use reusable produce bags and grocery bags when shopping, or ask for paper bags to limit the use of hard-to-recycle plastic bags.
Learn more from Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
Reference:
Cox, K. D., et al. 2019. “Human Consumption of Microplastics.” Environmental Science & Technology 53 (12): 7068–7074. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517.
