Maya Ellison
Plastic is a rapidly growing component of municipal solid waste (MSW), with containers and packaging accounting for the highest amount of plastic tonnage. Plastic is pervasive in consumer goods across almost every sector, from food and beverage packaging to disposable diapers, trash bags, utensils, medical devices, and household items. It is also found in durable goods such as appliances, furniture, and batteries. While recycling efforts have increased, the recycling rate for plastics remains relatively low, with a significant amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills and contributing to environmental concerns. Additionally, the presence of plasticizers and chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) in food products has raised health concerns, highlighting the need for regulatory reassessment. With growing awareness, consumers are increasingly seeking zero-waste alternatives and advocating for change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic products that are unexpected | Teabags, chewing gum, sunscreen, drinks cans, food cans, baby bottles, sippy cups, infant formula containers, and food packaging |
| Plastic products that are expected | Containers and packaging, bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, jars, cups, utensils, trash bags, disposable diapers, shower curtains, straws, food containers |
| Types of plastic | PETE, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS |
| Chemicals found in plastic | Phthalates, bisphenols, BPA |
| Plastic waste in the US in 2021 | 51 million tons |
| Amount of plastic waste recycled in the US in 2021 | 2.4 million tons |
| Percentage of plastic waste recycled in the US in 2021 | 5% |
| Amount of plastic recycled in 2018 | 3 million tons |
| Recycling rate of plastic in 2018 | 8.7% |
| Recycling rate of PET bottles and jars in 2018 | 29.1% |
| Recycling rate of HDPE natural bottles in 2018 | 29.3% |
| Amount of plastic combusted in MSW in 2018 | 5.6 million tons |
| Amount of plastic sent to landfills in 2018 | 27 million tons |
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What You'll Learn
Food and drink products
Plastic is present in almost everything we eat and drink. Microplastics, a type of plastic smaller than 5mm, are particularly pervasive. They form through the breakdown of plastic into tiny particles that end up in the ocean, air, and soil. These particles can then be absorbed by crops and drinking water, making their way into our food system.
Microplastics have been found in all meat and produce products tested, including rice, tea, salt, sugar, beer, processed foods, milk, bottled water, and seafood. Tea bags, for example, are typically made of plastic, so when placed in hot water, the plastic melts into the drink. According to one study, tea bags at brewing temperature release about 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into the water.
Plastic packaging is another source of microplastics in our food and drink. Plastic containers, such as those used for store-bought salads or cheese, can shed small bits of plastic into the food. This is also true for paper coffee cups, which are lined with plastic that sheds at shocking levels. Fast food has been found to have particularly high levels of plastic chemicals, likely due to packaging and higher fat content that leaches at higher rates.
The presence of plastic in our food and drink is concerning due to its potential health risks. Growing research shows that plasticizers, the most common of which are called phthalates, can interfere with the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones. Even minor disruptions in hormone levels can increase the risk of health problems such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, birth defects, premature birth, neurodevelopmental disorders, and infertility.
While it is challenging to avoid microplastics entirely, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce exposure. This includes choosing food stored in glass, enamel, or foil packaging, using a microwave or oven-safe glass container for frozen dinners, and opting for loose-leaf tea with a strainer instead of single-use tea bags.
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Teabags
Plastic is everywhere, from disposable diapers to trash bags, cups, utensils, and even in our food. One place you might not expect to find plastic is in teabags. However, many teabags do indeed contain plastic, which is used to keep them sealed shut. This means that every time you brew a cup of tea, you could be ingesting small amounts of plastic, which can have negative health effects.
The type of plastic most often used to seal teabags is polypropylene, which is marked with a recycle number 5. While this type of plastic is considered relatively safe, it is still not recommended for use in hot beverages. When heated, plastic is more likely to melt and leach chemicals, which can interfere with hormone regulation. These chemicals can also end up back in the food chain as they are absorbed by plants from the soil.
Some teabag manufacturers have started to address this issue, with popular UK brands like PG Tips and Yorkshire working to eliminate plastic from their teabags. However, some companies are replacing plastic with ""plant-based plastic" or polylactic acid (PLA), which may not be much better. Evidence suggests that plant-based microplastics are just as harmful as conventional plastics, and PLA does not biodegrade as quickly as paper.
To avoid ingesting plastic from teabags, consumers can opt for loose leaf tea and use a glass, metal, or ceramic strainer. Other options include using a tea ball infuser, fillable filter bags, a French press, or a simple pot and strainer. Making the switch to loose leaf tea is a simple way to reduce your exposure to microplastics and their potential health risks.
While the health consequences of ingesting microplastics are not yet fully understood, it is clear that they are pervasive in our environment and our bodies. With growing awareness, consumers can make more informed choices and pressure companies to eliminate plastic from their products.
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Sunscreen
Microplastics in sunscreens can enter water systems and contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and other water bodies. They can also contain harmful and toxic substances, such as UV-328, which is widely used as a UV filter in cosmetics and various plastic products. UV-328 has been classified by the EU as a substance of very high concern due to its persistence and potential harm to aquatic life and human health.
The presence of microplastics in sunscreens is a concern because sunscreens are often used outdoors and can wash off into water systems, especially when used in aquatic activities. This contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the environment.
While some countries and manufacturers have taken action against microplastics in sunscreens, the regulations often target only "`rinse-off` products", and since sunscreen is typically a "leave-on" product, manufacturers have been able to sidestep these laws.
To avoid contributing to plastic pollution, consumers can opt for plastic-free and ocean-friendly sunscreens that are safe for both humans and the environment. These sunscreens use natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, carnauba wax, coconut oil, and mineral formulations that do not produce any waste. Some brands also offer reusable packaging made from materials like bamboo and aluminum, which are more environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic.
In addition to sunscreens, plastic can be found in a wide range of consumer products, including packaging, disposable diapers, trash bags, cups, utensils, medical devices, household items, and food and drink cans. Plasticizers, such as phthalates, and other chemicals found in plastic, such as bisphenols (BPA), are also present in many foods, posing potential health risks.
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Chewing gum
A pilot study conducted by the American Chemical Society found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva, potentially leading to ingestion. This finding is concerning, as the long-term effects of microplastic exposure are not yet fully understood. While the researchers did not intend to cause alarm, they emphasized the need to examine the presence of plastics in everyday life. The study measured the amount of microplastics in both synthetic and natural gums, with the former utilizing synthetic rubber bases made from plastic polymers.
The presence of microplastics in chewing gum has sparked discussions about the potential health risks associated with its consumption. Experts recommend reducing the frequency of chewing gum or opting for plastic-free alternatives to minimize exposure to microplastics. While complete avoidance of plastics may be challenging, awareness and education are crucial steps in reducing plastic consumption and exploring zero-waste alternatives.
Although chewing gum manufacturers may not be forthcoming about their ingredients, consumers can take proactive steps to make informed choices. By understanding the presence of plastics in chewing gum and its potential health implications, individuals can make conscious decisions to protect their health and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
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Plastic bags
However, plastic bags have become a significant source of pollution. They are not accepted by standard curbside recycling programs due to their tendency to clog sorting equipment designed for rigid plastics. As a result, they often end up in landfills, where they take 1,000 years to degrade, photo-degrading into microplastics that continue to pollute the environment.
The plastic in bags typically contains chemical additives such as endocrine disruptors, which are associated with negative health effects, including cancers, birth defects, and immune system suppression. These chemicals can leach out, especially when heated, and enter the food chain, posing potential health risks to humans and wildlife.
To address the environmental and health concerns associated with plastic bags, there has been a growing push for plastic bag bans and restrictions. As of July 2018, 127 countries have adopted some form of legislation to regulate plastic bags. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to reduce their plastic bag consumption by bringing reusable bags when shopping and supporting waste prevention practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is used in products across nearly every consumer goods sector. Some common household items made with plastic include trash bags, cups, utensils, and shower curtains. Plastic is also prevalent in food packaging and containers, such as PET bottles and jars, HDPE bottles for milk and water, and LDPE trash bags.
Yes, there are some unexpected sources of plastic that consumers may not be aware of. For example, chewing gum often contains polyethylene and polyisobutylene, which are types of plastic. Teabags can also contain plastic, as they are often heat-sealed using polypropylene, which is not compostable. Sunscreens can contain plastic particles, and food and drink cans often have plastic liners.
There is growing concern about the health risks posed by chemicals found in plastics, such as bisphenols (including BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption, which can interfere with hormone production and regulation, leading to an increased risk of various health problems, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, birth defects, and infertility.
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