10 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Daily Microplastic Consumption
/10 Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure from Your Everyday Life
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are increasingly polluting our environment and infiltrating our daily lives. While the issue may seem daunting, making simple changes to your routine can significantly reduce your exposure. Here are 10 easy ways to minimize microplastic intake:
1. Start with your kitchen. Replace plastic spatulas and utensils with wooden, stainless steel, or bamboo alternatives. This is the easiest action you can take right now.
2. Remove microplastics- generating plastic cutting boards and replace them with glass, wood, or bamboo boards. Over time, plastic cutting boards can release tiny particles that mix with your food and, ultimately, your body.
3. I went through my cupboards and got rid of most of my plastic containers. Invest in glass or stainless-steel containers. Besides, you will probably only need to buy them once in your lifetime.
4. So-called safe water is no longer safe. Use a filter that removes microplastics from drinking water. Stay away from bottled waters, as they are the worst culprits.
5. Another area we often overlook is processed foods, which come in plastic packaging and contain microplastic additives. Try to limit these as much as possible.
6. This is very similar to #5. Fruits and vegetables that are wrapped in plastics may contain microplastics so replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables that are not wrapped in plastic.
7. I was buying sea salt as a better salt option, but was shocked to learn that I am ingesting more microplastics because our oceans are ruined. Opt for Clean Salt or salt that is less prone to plastic contamination.
8. I drink a few cups of tea daily and didn’t think of the microplastics in the tea bags. Now I remove the tea from the tea bag and put it in a stainless-steel tea diffuser to make tea.
9. Another common microplastic source is seafood. Be mindful on your seafood consumption and choose sustainably-sourced options.
10. Another common way to remove microplastic is to stay away from plastic straws and cutlery.
By incorporating these simple changes into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and contribute to a healthier planet. Remember, every small step counts!