Sofia Martinez
Plastic is pervasive in our water sources, with microplastics present in over 83% of drinking water worldwide. These microplastics are invisible to the naked eye, but they are ingested by humans and have become a magnet for toxins. To avoid exposure to microplastics, individuals can minimise their use of plastic, especially single-use plastic items like plastic water bottles. Tap water is a better alternative, especially when filtered, as bottled water has been found to contain microplastics. Avoiding processed and plastic-packaged foods, using reusable containers and cutlery, and reducing the use of personal cars are also effective ways to minimise microplastic ingestion.
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What You'll Learn
Use a water filter
Microplastics are small plastic pieces that are less than 5mm long. They are found in oceans, rivers, the air, food, bottled water, and tap water. They are harmful to human health and the environment.
Water filtration systems can effectively remove microplastics from drinking water. There are many different types of water filters available on the market, and some are more expensive than others. The best filters use reverse osmosis technology, which has multiple stages of filtration to remove large contaminants, such as dirt, sand, rust, and microscopic particles. Other effective filters include distillation and ultrafiltration.
LifeStraw is an example of a water filtration system that uses two different types of membrane filtration. The first is a membrane microfilter that blocks particulates and pathogens larger than 0.2 microns in size. The second is an ultrafilter that blocks particles and pathogens as small as 0.02 microns in size.
In addition to using a water filter, you can also reduce your exposure to microplastics by avoiding plastic-packaged foods, using reusable bottles, and air-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer.
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Avoid plastic water bottles
Plastic water bottles are a major contributor to the world's plastic problem. Plastic takes a long time to degrade, and as it does, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics, which are now present in more than 83% of drinking water worldwide. To avoid plastic water bottles, here are some suggestions:
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic water bottle usage is to invest in a reusable water bottle. Reusable water bottles are durable, easy to carry around, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. When shopping for a reusable water bottle, look for one made from food-grade stainless steel or glass, as these materials are non-toxic, highly durable, and easy to clean.
Use a Water Filter
Consider investing in a water filter to ensure your tap water is clean and safe to drink. There are many different kinds of filters on the market, including stainless steel and charcoal filters, and some are more expensive than others. However, many effective filters are available in the $20 to $50 range.
Support Businesses that Reduce Plastic Bottle Usage
When choosing a restaurant, cafe, or hotel, opt for those that offer tap water or water in reusable glasses or bottles. Support businesses that offer incentives for using reusable water bottles, such as discounts or free refills. This helps to create a demand for sustainable practices.
Carry Your Water Bottle with You
Get into the habit of carrying your reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. This way, you'll always have clean water to drink and will be less likely to purchase a plastic water bottle. Most workplaces provide filtered water, so you can easily refill your bottle during the day.
Reduce Plastic in Other Areas of Your Life
In addition to avoiding plastic water bottles, try to reduce plastic usage in other areas of your life. This includes using public transportation, avoiding latex and acrylic paints, buying sustainable and biodegradable products, and reducing your use of plastic packaging and containers. Remember, small changes can make a significant impact on both your wallet and the environment!
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Avoid plastic-packaged foods
Plastic-packaged foods are a significant source of microplastics, which can have serious health implications. Here are some ways to avoid plastic-packaged foods and reduce your exposure to microplastics:
Avoid single-use plastic
Single-use plastics, such as plastic bottles, cups, and food containers, are one of the biggest polluters and contributors to microplastic pollution. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives made from glass, steel, or bamboo. Carry your own stainless steel straw and reusable cutlery to avoid using disposable plastic utensils.
Reduce plastic food packaging
Choose loose fruits and vegetables instead of those packaged in plastic bags or trays. Bring your own reusable bags when shopping for fresh produce. Also, consider buying bulk foods and using your own cloth bags instead of relying on packaged goods.
Avoid processed and pre-packaged meals
Frozen and pre-packaged meals that are heated in the microwave can release microplastics into your food. Opt for fresh, whole foods instead of processed options. If you do buy pre-packaged meals, transfer the food to a glass or ceramic dish before heating it.
Filter your water
Tap water generally contains fewer microplastics than plastic water bottles. Invest in a good water filter to further reduce microplastics in your drinking water. Avoid buying plastic water bottles, and instead, carry a reusable bottle filled with filtered water.
Be mindful of clothing and textiles
The textile industry is a significant producer of microplastics. Choose natural fibres over synthetic ones such as polyester, nylon, and acrylics. Air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer, as dryers release microplastics into the air and water systems.
While it may be challenging to avoid plastic-packaged foods entirely, making conscious choices and adopting sustainable alternatives can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and contribute to a healthier environment.
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Air-dry clothes
Air-drying clothes is a simple way to drastically reduce the number of microplastics released into the environment. When we wash our clothes, synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex shed microfibres of non-biodegradable material. These microfibres then enter municipal wastewater, releasing microplastics into the ecosystem.
The tumble-drying process contributes to the release of microplastics, as the dryer heat makes the clothes more likely to break down. Dryers are responsible for a large amount of microfibres, which are ejected into the air and eventually end up in our lakes, rivers, and tap water.
To reduce your plastic footprint, consider air-drying your clothes by hanging them on a line or rack. This will not only reduce the number of microplastics released into the environment but will also make your clothes last longer. If air-drying is not possible, choose the lowest or no-heat setting on your dryer.
In addition to air-drying, you can also invest in filters, laundry balls, or laundry bags that can be added to your washing machine to collect microfibres. While these are not perfect solutions, as they need to be cleaned and the collected microfibres end up in the trash, they can help reduce the number of microplastics entering the municipal wastewater stream.
Another way to reduce your plastic footprint is to choose plastic-free fabrics such as organic cotton, wool, linen, and other natural fibres. These fabrics do not contain synthetic microfibres that are shed during the washing process. You can also look for clothing made from sustainable materials like bamboo or modal/viscose, which are made from cellulose.
By air-drying clothes and choosing plastic-free fabrics, you can significantly reduce your contribution to microplastic pollution and help protect the environment.
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Avoid disposable cutlery and containers
Plastic cutlery and containers are a major contributor to waste pollution. Plastic cutlery, in particular, can pose a potential health risk by leaching harmful chemicals into food. These include BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which are linked to various health issues, including hormone disruption and cancer.
To avoid disposable cutlery and containers, you can follow these tips:
- Opt for reusable cutlery and containers made from bamboo, wheat, corn, glass, or stainless steel. These options are more environmentally friendly and can be reused for years with proper care.
- When ordering takeout, inform the restaurant that you will bring your own containers for the food.
- Avoid using plastic wrap, plastic bags, or plastic containers to store food. Instead, use glass or ceramic containers, which are safer for both your health and the environment.
- If you need to use disposable cutlery for an event or party, choose biodegradable options such as wooden cutlery made from bamboo or birchwood, or bagasse cutlery made from sugarcane. These options are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional plastic cutlery.
- Encourage your local restaurants and food businesses to switch to biodegradable and compostable tableware. This will help reduce the environmental impact of disposable tableware and create a more sustainable future.
By making these small changes, you can significantly reduce your plastic footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
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Frequently asked questions
You can switch to a reusable bottle and fill it up with filtered tap water. Tap water contains less microplastic than plastic water bottles, especially if you filter it.
You can use an effective filtration device for your tap water. There are many different kinds of filters on the market, including carbon block and distillation filters, which are both proven to filter out 100% of known microplastics.
You can avoid plastic packaging, as it almost always leeches microplastics into your food. Plastic food containers are full of harmful chemicals and are hard to recycle. You can opt for glass, silicone, or aluminum foil containers instead.
Yes, you can avoid buying processed food, especially when it is packaged in plastic. Meals that are packaged in plastic right after being made can leech chemicals into your food.
