Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere. It's in our cars, our homes, our food, and even our toothpaste. Plastic is a polymeric material that can be moulded or shaped, and its unique properties make it a versatile and popular choice for a wide range of products. From packaging to car parts, and even our clothing, it's hard to escape plastic. But with growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollution, it's important to be aware of the hidden plastics in our daily lives. From teabags to receipts, and even glitter, plastic is often lurking where we least expect it. As consumers, we can make informed choices to reduce our plastic consumption and opt for more sustainable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Organic polymers, formed from chains of carbon atoms, with or without oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms |
| Additives | Chemicals blended to improve performance or appearance, e.g. polymer stabilizers, plasticisers |
| Types | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene, Polyethylene (LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, UHMWPE), Polyurethane, Polycarbonate, Acrylic |
| Uses | Beverage bottles, food containers, packaging, automotive parts, medical devices, laboratory equipment, household items, clothing, electronics, construction, adhesives, 3D printing |
| Consumption | North America (21%), China (20%), Western Europe (18%) |
| Environmental Impact | Microplastics, pollution, non-biodegradable waste, toxic chemicals |
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Food and drink packaging
Plastic is a polymeric material that can be moulded or shaped, often by applying heat and pressure. This property of plasticity, when combined with other characteristics such as low density, low electrical conductivity, transparency, and toughness, allows plastics to be used in a wide range of products.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly used plastics in food and drink packaging. It is known for its strong ability to prevent oxygen from spoiling the product inside and is widely recycled. PET is used in beverage bottles, water bottles, and glitter and sequins. It is also used in clear food containers, grocery bags, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and agricultural pipes.
Polypropylene (PP) is another commonly used plastic in food packaging. It is durable, flexible, heat resistant, and acid-resistant. PP is used in food containers, yoghurt containers, and disposable diapers. It is also used in laboratory equipment, automotive parts, and medical devices.
Polystyrene is also used in food and drink packaging, although it is considered environmentally detrimental. It is often used in disposable takeout containers, beverage cups, egg cartons, and disposable dinnerware. Its lightweight and insulating properties make it useful for these applications, but it is not biodegradable and can be harmful to animals if ingested.
Other plastics used in food and drink packaging include polyethylene, which is used in plastic bags, shopping bags, and dispensing bottles; and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used in flexible garden hoses.
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Toothpaste and mouthwash
However, these very products that promise to keep our teeth and gums healthy may contain ingredients that are harmful to both our health and the environment. Plastic, in the form of microplastics, has been found in many toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Microplastics are solid particles smaller than 5mm in size, usually made of synthetic polymers. They are resistant to biodegradation and persist in the environment for a long time. In toothpaste, microplastics are often in the form of microbeads, which are used for scrubbing and exfoliating. While many countries have banned microbeads in rinse-off products, not all plastic ingredients have been prohibited. As a result, microplastics are still prevalent in oral care products.
A study of 589 dental care products, including toothpaste and mouthwash, found that 349 contained microplastics or "sceptical microplastics." Another study of commercially available oral healthcare products in India also found microplastic contamination in all products, with toothbrushes showing the highest abundance and mouth freshener sprays the lowest.
The presence of microplastics in oral healthcare products has significant environmental and health implications. Once released into the ocean, microplastics are challenging to remove and severely disrupt the natural ecosystem. They have also been linked to various health risks, including oxidative impairments, disturbance of the intestinal balance, and potential links to cancers, birth defects, and childhood developmental issues.
Fortunately, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the issue, and some brands are responding by offering plastic-free alternatives. For example, the Beat the Microbead app helps consumers identify dental care products free of plastic ingredients. Additionally, brands like Smyle are committed to providing plastic-free and zero-waste toothpaste options.
When choosing a toothpaste or mouthwash, it is essential to read the ingredient list carefully. Look out for ingredients like polypropylene or polyethylene, which indicate the presence of plastic microbeads. By making informed choices, consumers can help reduce the environmental and health impacts of microplastics.
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Receipts
Many store receipts contain plastic, or at least a critical ingredient in the manufacture of plastics, Bisphenol-A (BPA), which is a chemical building block of polycarbonate plastics. BPA is used in a host of different products, including hard polycarbonate plastic (like helmet visors, eyeglass lenses, and some water bottles), epoxy resins for adhesives, sealants, food can linings, and flame retardants.
Thermal paper, which is used for most credit card and store receipts, contains BPA or its chemical cousin, Bisphenol-S (BPS). BPA and BPS are colour developers that assist in the heat-activated printing process. The heat from a printer head promotes the dye to react with the developer, producing a dark image.
BPA and BPS have been found to be hazardous to human health, with studies showing that they disrupt the reproductive systems in humans and animals and are linked with obesity and attention disorders. They can be absorbed into the body through the skin, with cashiers and workers who handle receipts found to have higher levels of BPA in their bodies than the general population.
Some retailers have pledged to switch to phenol-free paper receipts, which are safer for human health and have fewer environmental effects. Consumers can also opt for digital receipts or skip the receipt altogether if it is not needed.
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Teabags
Plastic is a concern for many consumers, and tea bags are no exception. While tea bags are mostly made from natural plant fibres, some brands use plastic to keep them sealed shut. This plastic is often polypropylene, which is marked with a recycle number 5. It is considered safer than some other plastics, but it is still not recommended for use with food or drink that is heated. When plastic is heated, it can leach chemicals, and these chemicals can be consumed by the drinker. This can have negative health effects, such as disrupting how the body regulates hormones.
In addition to the health concerns, the disposal of tea bags containing plastic can add to the plastic problem. Tea bags containing plastic should not be composted, but they are often mistakenly put in compost bins. This adds plastic to the compost, which will then be absorbed by plants and reintroduced into the food chain. To avoid this, tea bags containing plastic should be put in the trash. Some people choose to open the tea bag, put the tea leaves in the compost, and then throw away the bag, but this can be a messy and time-consuming process.
Some popular tea brands in the UK, such as PG Tips and Yorkshire, are working to eliminate plastic from their tea bags. There are also some brands that already produce plastic-free tea bags, such as Qi Tea, Nature's Cuppa, and Stash Tea. These tea bags are often made from biodegradable materials like plant fibres or PLA (polylactic acid). However, even paper tea bags may not be completely plastic-free, as they can be sealed with plastic or have a plastic coating on the string.
For consumers who are concerned about plastic exposure, there are some alternatives to plastic tea bags. One option is to use loose leaf tea and a strainer. This can be a simple way to reduce plastic exposure while also experiencing traditional tea brewing techniques. Another option is to choose tea bags that are certified to be plastic-free, such as those made from biodegradable materials. Finally, consumers can contact tea companies to ask about their use of plastic and encourage them to switch to plastic-free packaging.
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Nail polish
One of the main concerns with nail polish is the presence of microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be released into the environment through the use and disposal of products containing them. Nail polish often contains resin, a thermosetting polymer, which is essentially a single-use plastic. When nail polish chips or peels off, it can release these microplastics into the environment. Additionally, glitter found in many nail polishes is usually made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, contributing to microplastic waste.
The odour of nail polish arises from a mix of alcohols, solvents, and resins/plastics. These solvents help the polish dry faster but can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may cause headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and eye, skin, and airway irritation. Most VOCs are also carcinogenic and neurotoxic. Removing nail polish requires strong solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate, which can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and respiratory system and have potential narcotic and neurotoxic effects.
While there are some natural alternatives, such as clear varnishes made with plant-based alcohols, the vast majority of nail polishes contain plastics and plasticisers. The constant repurchasing and reapplication of nail polish contribute to a steady stream of microplastic waste, and the health and environmental implications of these chemicals are still being researched and understood.
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Frequently asked questions
Many everyday products contain plastic, including teabags, toothpaste, chewing gum, sponges, wet wipes, cigarettes, paint, makeup, and receipts.
Plastic soft-drink bottles are commonly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Some common types of plastic include:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
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