The Truth About Microplastics: Here's What to Know
What the heck are microplastics and why are people talking about them?
In a nutshell, microplastics are the teeny tiny plastic particle pieces that our bodies intake from commercial plastic products. things like plastic water bottles, plastic Tupperware and storage containers, and even the foods we consume like seaweed, have been containing microplastics. Once plastic items like water bottles and Tupperware are used repeatedly, especially when exposed to heat, the plastic breaks down and those are the pieces we ingest. As for the food we consume, foods like seafood, seaweed, rice, wine and beer with polyethylene stoppers or tops and even fruits and vegetables are high on the list of containing microplastics. These are also items most humans consume daily.
These particles are harmful to our bodies and the environment and have been officially deemed pollutants. When it comes to our health, microplastics have been the causes of various cancer diagnosis that dangerously impact the endocrine and reproductive systems. While all of the long term effects of microplastics are still being studied, the number of cancer diagnosis as a whole have skyrocketed and the age of those being diagnosed are getting younger and younger.
How can we avoid them?
Avoid single use plastics. When you can, opt out of using plastic cups or containers especially when food is involved. There’s many brands that offer glass food storage bundles that are far better for your health
Go for reusable silicone or metal straws over plastic ones
Use reusable glass or metal water bottles
Use net and mesh grocery or produce bags instead of plastic ones
Regularly dust and vacuum your space
Avoid fast fashion as cheaper clothing tends to not rely on natural fibers. In the swimwear space, this can be tricky as Nylon is not a natural fiber BUT the fabric we use is 78% recycled nylon and 22% elastane and is untreated (meaning no chemicals treat the fabric as it is being prepared)
Use an air purifier
Switch to home air filters that can filter out microplastics
Don’t warm up your food in plastic containers
Reduce your shellfish consumption (this is personally the HARDEST one) but when you do eat sushi and shellfish, check for the most sustainable options as there are now restaurants and grocery stores that offer this option
Buy plastic-free cosmetics. when shopping for new makeup, try to avoid: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and Nylon
If you’re a tea drinker, instead of using tea bags, go for loose tea leaves as they are far less likely to contain microplastics