As a fierce tea drinker, I was so proud that I was doing something healthy and helping to extend my lifespan (as many studies have shown the benefits of black and green tea).
Turns out that the tea bags we use to make it could release a large amount of microplastics into our drinks, making it an important source of contamination.
Not only was I shocked by this information, but it also made me think about the other sources of contamination I was overseeing.
But why is this important in the first place?
The fact is, microplastics have been detected in human tissues, such as the brain, bone, and reproductive organs.
This raises many potential risks, which include oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and potential cancer development.
A review by Harvard Medicine highlights the synergistic interplay between microplastics and other environmental pollutants, amplifying their toxic effects.
Like in so many areas of our lives, knowledge is power!
Come with me, find out where microplastics hide, and all the ways we can avoid or cut back contamination.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles, smaller than 5 mm.
They can be manufactured, like the microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products – called primary microplastics.
Microplastics also come from the degradation of plastic items, breaking down in increasingly smaller items over time – called secondary microplastics.
They are spread across our environment, like the oceans, soil, air, as well as in the human body.
Where do microplastics hide in everyday life?
Let’s breakdown some of the main areas where microplastics have entered our lives, and what we can do something about it.
A few changes can have a big impact in this matter!
Are you ready?
Kitchen and food
In our kitchens, the main sources of microplastics are:
- Food containers
- Cutting boards
- Plastic-bottled water
- Non-stick pans
- Cooking utensils
- Food packaging
Reducing the exposure here can have a great impact on the exposure to microplastics for you and your family due to the direct food contact.
Simple swaps: - Wood cutting boards instead of the plastic ones.
- Stainless steel or cast iron cooking pans.
- Glass food containers for your kitchen.
- Filtered tap water instead of plastic bottles.
- Avoiding plastic packaging food in the supermarket when possible, choosing food from glass containers or loose items, for example.
Clothing and laundry
Is it possible that we retain microplastics from the fibers we come in close contact with?
It has not yet been proved that microplastics can cross the skin barrier.
The main reason to avoid synthetic fibers in clothing and bedding is the shedding of microfibers, due to use and washing, which we then inhale.
The impact that synthetic fibers have on the environment is also pretty high. For their production, large amounts of co2 are released into the atmosphere, as well as a great quantity of chemicals. For me personally, this is another strong reason to avoid them.
Fabrics that can shed microfibers: - Polyester
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Spandex
- Acetate
- Faux leather
What fabrics to choose instead: - Cotton
- Wool
- Linen
- Silk
- Jute
- Hemp
- Cashmere
These are examples of natural fibers that are not only safer to our health, but they are also a better choice for the environment. With the big bonus that they are the most elegant and feel so good to wear!
Personal care & cosmetics
Exposure to microplastics in skin care products may promote inflammation and even contribute to premature skin aging, as they cross the skin barrier.
A further problem is the microbeads intentionally added to skin care and cosmetic products for exfoliation, to enhance texture, and to act as a product stabilizer. They also contribute to the contamination of the environment.
My take here is to switch to organic/natural products.
And here is when this became personal. As I went through severe hair loss, I tried everything, from hormonal prescriptions to supplements, but I only got temporary results; nothing worked in the long run. That is when I decided to try organic hair care. It took a long time to show results, but eventually the wait paid off.
This was the trigger point when I decided to switch all of my cosmetic and personal care products to organic. Never regretted this decision, and definitely not going back to conventional products.
Good for our health and for the environment.
Win-win situation here!
Home & cleaning
While synthetic and plastic furniture and accessories do some shedding of micro particles into the environment, the bigger problem could be the home cleaning products.
Cleaning products are one of the main microplastic sources of contamination in our homes. Conventional cleaning sponges, microfiber clothes, plastic brushes, and single use cleaning pads are just some of the items we use on a daily basis that shed microplastics into our home and the environment.
Also, the formulas of the conventional products are another source of hidden contamination. This one was a surprise for me! Microplastics are intentionally added to formulas to achieve certain cleaning properties and product performance.
What to use instead? - Vacuum with a HEPA filter to physically remove the particles.
- Choose mainly wood furniture.
- Opt for natural fibers for curtains, pillows, bed linens, rugs, tablecloths, and napkins.
- Use a coconut fiber scrubber or a luffa scrubber.
- Look out for plant-based cleaning products.
- Powder over liquid detergents.
- DIY cleaning solutions.
- Replace single-use cloths with some made of natural fibers.
Small changes with big impact
Now, after all this information, where to start?
Starting with the most easy step, or the least disruptive, is definitely the best answer!
I have set a list of some easy first swaps that you can make today:
- Plastic cutting boards vs. wood cutting boards
- Plastic bottled water vs. filtered tap water
- Synthetic fibers bed linens vs. cotton or linen bed linens.
- Conventional scrubber vs. coconut or luffa scrubber
- Conventional cosmetics vs. organic cosmetics
Every change you make will improve your health and the environment, no matter how small it seems. So, start at whatever point feels right to you, and keep adding one step at a time.
It is not about “saving the world” or doing everything perfectly, but doing something to improve the environment where we live in, both inside and outside the front door.
Every small change counts!
Common myths vs. facts
Recycling plastic stops microplastic pollution.
Fact: while recycling reduces plastic waste, it does not prevent plastic from shedding.
Microplastics are only a problem in the ocean.
Fact: Microplastic particles were found in the air, soil, and in human bodies.
Microplastics only come from plastic debris.
Fact: In fact, microplastics are being intentionally added to many products to improve the product performance. They are called primary microplastics.
Which swap would be the easiest for you to start with?
Is there something you are doing already?
Something you are doing that I did not refer to?
Share with us in the comments!