How can we reduce our microplastic intake?

February 20, 2023

Microplastics' production, use, and disposal have far-reaching implications for human health and the environment. Microplastics have been linked to environmental damage and health risks, including cancer and reproductive problems in fish and other animals who eat them.

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are so small(smaller than 5 millimetres) that they can only be seen with a microscope. They’re found in clothes, water bottles, food packaging, and cosmetics and are a major environmental concern. The problem with microplastics is that they do not readily break down into harmless molecules like plastic items of any size. Plastics can take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose—and in the meantime, wreak havoc on the environment. On beaches, microplastics are visible as tiny multicoloured plastic bits in the sand. In the oceans, microplastic pollution is often consumed by marine animals.

Some of this environmental pollution is from littering, but much results from storms, water runoff, and winds that carry plastic—both intact objects and microplastics—into our oceans. Single-use plastics—plastic items meant to be used just once and then discarded, such as straws—are the primary source of secondary plastics in the environment. We’ll also provide tips on how to identify and avoid microplastics in products, reduce their intake, and recycle and compost microplastics when they’re no longer needed.

The types of plastics that are bad for us

There are several types of plastics that can harm our health, most of which are made from synthetic materials. The three worst types of plastic for us to avoid are phthalates, BPA, and DEHP.

Phthalates mimicking hormones in the body can disrupt reproductive development in young boys and girls. They have also been linked with numerous other health problems, including asthma attacks, EDs (erectile dysfunction), cancer growth, and obesity .

BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical found in many plastic products. It has been shown to cause adverse developmental effects as well as obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2, and infertility.

DEHP is another hormone-disrupting chemical linked with various negative health effects, including early puberty onset, reduced sperm count, neurotoxicity, genital malformations, and reproductive disorders. It’s important to note that there hasn’t yet been enough research on these chemicals. Long-term exposure could cause serious damage.

It’s always best to read the labels when buying food or any product containing plastics because you may be surprised at how much Plastic material is hidden inside!

Why is it important to reduce our microplastic intake

Microplastics’ production, use, and disposal have far-reaching implications for human health and the environment. They’re often found in the background and eaten by marine creatures, which can then spread these tiny particles throughout the ocean. Microplastic has been linked to environmental damage and health risks, including cancer and reproductive problems in fish and other animals who eat them.

Microplastics can be a major source of environmental pollutants, including toxins such as POPs (persistent organic contaminants) that can leach from plastics into the surrounding environment. They also act as vectors for marine debris, helping it to disperse more widely and form larger pieces that are more difficult to remove. And they have been linked with adverse effects on human health – including endocrine disruption, impacts on reproductive systems, and mental health issues – in humans and animals.

How can I reduce my microplastic intake?

There are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce your overall microplastic exposure:

Ranging from clothes to food, you will find plastic in every product. Where plastic waste is the cause of microplastic pollution, we need to avoid using plastic at the very first place. And for the later stage, know the carriers of microplastics in your daily life. Several sources are- water, air, marine food, skincare products etc. You can consume filtered water, avoid marine food, and stop using skin care products with microplastics in them.

Avoid using single-use plastics whenever possible. This includes items like straws, disposable cutlery and other use & throw plastic products.

There are many things that people can do to reduce their microplastic intake, such as:

Washing your hands and kitchen surfaces often with warm water and soap.
Avoid using plastic bags when shopping or carrying groceries. Use reusable grocery bags, boxes, or baskets instead.
Avoid drinking bottled water as this contributes to high levels of microplastics in our diets. Tap water is typically microplastic-free, but you should verify this before relying on it for drinking.
You really don’t need everything available on shelves in market. Majority of the products have plastic in them, and can easily be avoided by making them plastic-free at home. Our DIY section covers all these products that you can make hassle-free at home.

Tips for reducing your microplastic intake

They’re found in products we use daily, from food and drink to cosmetics and furniture. And since they can be consumed without us realizing it, microplastics are a major threat to our health.

Here are some tips for reducing your microplastic intake:

Use sealed containers when storing food or water outside the home. This will help reduce the amount of air exposure the food or water has, which reduces the chances of containing microplastic contamination.
Avoid buying packaged foods that come in polystyrene or other synthetic materials. These items typically contain high levels of microplastic contamination and may not be as healthy as you think!
Be careful with what you put on your skin and hair – many cosmetic ingredients contain microplastic particles, which can end up inside your body if applied topically or ingested orally. Try using Organic Personal Care Products whenever possible to avoid these harmful toxins entering your system.

Conclusion

To reduce our microplastic intake, we must be aware of how we use and consume plastics. By understanding our habits and how we can change them, we can significantly impact our overall microplastic intake. There are many ways to reduce our microplastic intake, and by taking the time to research and learn about each option, we can make the best decision for our circumstances. Reducing our microplastic intake can help protect the environment and improve our quality of life.

FAQ

What are some simple steps we can take to reduce our microplastic intake?

Some simple steps that can be taken to reduce microplastic intake include:

-Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. This will remove any surface contaminants that may have accumulated on the food.

-Avoid using plastic straws, cutlery, and other common kitchen items. Instead, use environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper or metal utensils when possible.

- Store foods in reusable containers instead of disposable ones. Not only are these more sustainable options, but they also minimize the amount of plastic waste generated during disposal.

What can we do to raise awareness about the dangers of microplastics and encourage people to reduce their intake?

There are several ways that people can raise awareness about the dangers of microplastics and encourage others to reduce their intake. Some options include:

-Creating public campaigns which promote the benefits of reducing microplastic intake.

- Supporting environmental groups that are working to raise awareness about the dangers of microplastics.

-Working with schools and other institutions to introduce environmental education programs focused on reducing microplastic consumption.

What are microplastics, and what are their implications for human health?

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic broken down into smaller pieces by the environment or human activity. They are generally found in water and soil and can accumulate in food and ecosystems. Microplastics have several negative implications for human health, including contributing to cancer and other diseases.

Are there any easy or convenient ways to reduce our microplastic intake?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to reduce microplastic consumption will vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. However, some easy or convenient ways to reduce our microplastic intake include:

-Reducing the amount of plastic that we consume. This includes reducing reliance on disposable products and choosing more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable containers and recycled materials.

-Eliminating food packaging that contains microbeads or other forms of microplastics. These may be found in cosmetics, shampoos, and other products.

-Reducing the amount of waste that we produce. This includes avoiding disposal practices that involve releasing microplastics into waterways and generating more recycled materials.

What are the most common microplastics that we're exposed to daily?

The most common microplastics we're exposed to daily include a municipal waste (such as plastic bags and water bottles), shopping packaging, industrial waste (such as fishing netting and textile scraps), and personal care products such as shampoo, facial wash, and toothpaste.

What are some strategies for reducing our exposure to microplastics?

The best way to reduce microplastic exposure will vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. However, some easy or convenient strategies for reducing our exposure to microplastics include:

-Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or touching food. This can help avoid ingesting tiny pieces of plastic that may be attached to contaminants in the food.

-Using reusable containers instead of disposable ones when buying groceries or drinks. This can reduce the amount of plastic waste produced during grocery shopping.

-Avoid using single-use plastics, such as disposable cups and plates. Instead, try to use reusable or washable alternatives whenever possible.

-Using natural products that do not contain microplastics, such as facial scrubbers made from sugar and papaya extract instead of microbeads.

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