Kiera Jefferson
Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm wide, which are the result of the breakdown of larger plastic items. They can be found in the air, drinking water, dust, and food. They are harmful to humans and animals, and their presence in the environment is a growing cause for concern. To prevent microplastic pollution, individuals can avoid single-use plastics, highly processed foods, and heating food in plastic containers. They can also support organizations and politicians working to reduce plastic pollution and advocate for better government regulation of chemicals in plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid single-use plastics | Use reusable containers for food and beverages |
| Avoid plastic packaging | Opt for glass or other non-plastic alternatives for storage containers |
| Avoid plastic in the microwave | Use containers that are not made of plastic for heating food |
| Avoid plastic bottles | Drink tap water instead |
| Avoid plastic when possible | Use wooden cutting boards, natural textiles, etc. |
| Avoid processed foods | Choose whole, unprocessed foods |
| Avoid roads with heavy traffic | Take public transportation, walk, or use a bicycle |
| Vacuum regularly | Use a HEPA filter to control dust |
| Wash clothes less frequently | Line-dry clothes when possible |
| Vote for politicians that prioritize health and address plastic pollution | Support measures to reduce plastics and microplastics |
| Support organizations fighting against microplastics | Volunteer or contribute to charities working on this issue |
| Focus on sustainability | Choose renewable energy resources over fossil fuels |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid single-use plastics, especially for food and drink
Single-use plastics are a major contributor to the microplastic pollution problem. These plastics are used for a short period and then discarded, often ending up in landfills or the natural environment, where they break down into smaller and smaller particles, becoming microplastics. Microplastics have been found in food and beverages packaged in single-use plastics, posing potential health risks.
One of the most effective ways to reduce microplastic pollution is to avoid single-use plastics, especially for food and drink. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Choose reusable water bottles: Instead of buying bottled water, opt for a reusable water bottle, preferably made from non-plastic materials such as stainless steel or glass. Bottled water has been found to contain higher levels of microplastics compared to tap water.
- Bring your own containers: When buying food or drinks, bring your own reusable containers or bags instead of accepting single-use plastic bags or containers from the store. This includes using reusable coffee cups, straws, and cutlery made from sustainable materials like bamboo or metal.
- Shop at bulk stores: Buy dry goods, such as grains, nuts, and snacks, from bulk stores that allow you to bring your own containers. This reduces the need for single-use plastic packaging.
- Avoid processed and packaged foods: Highly processed and packaged foods often come in plastic packaging and have been found to contain higher levels of microplastics. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods with minimal packaging or purchase from local farmers' markets.
- Choose alternative packaging: Look for products packaged in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic. For example, you could buy milk in glass bottles or canned foods instead of plastic containers.
- Refuse plastic utensils: When ordering takeout or dining out, request no plastic utensils, straws, or containers. You can use your own reusable utensils or ask for biodegradable options.
By making these simple changes, you can significantly reduce your contribution to microplastic pollution and encourage more sustainable practices in your community.
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Avoid highly-processed foods
While it is impossible to completely avoid microplastics, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure and prevent contributing to the creation of more microplastics in the environment. One way to do this is to avoid highly-processed foods.
Processed foods contain significantly more microplastics than minimally processed foods. One study found microplastics in all 16 protein products that were sampled. Breaded shrimp had the highest concentration of plastic particles, and highly processed chicken nuggets contained 30 times as many microplastics per gram as chicken breasts. This is because toxic chemicals tend to accumulate in animals higher up in the food chain as those animals eat other animals or plants.
Highly-processed foods are also usually packaged in plastic, which can break down and release microplastics into the food. Heat is a significant factor in the release of microplastics, so avoid putting hot food into plastic packaging and do not store food in warm environments. Sunlight, acids, and physical erosion can also cause plastic to degrade.
To avoid consuming microplastics in processed foods, opt for minimally processed, whole foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Buy food in glass containers when possible, and replace plastic storage containers with glass or other non-plastic alternatives.
In addition to reducing your own exposure, you can help prevent microplastic pollution by supporting measures and organizations that aim to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution. Vote for politicians who prioritize the health of their citizens and address the plastic pollution crisis.
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Use public transport, walk, or cycle
Using public transportation, walking, or cycling are great ways to reduce microplastic pollution. Car tires are a significant source of microplastics, accounting for 28% of microplastics in the ocean. The tires break down as you drive, releasing tiny particles into the environment. By choosing public transportation, walking, or cycling, you can significantly reduce this type of tire erosion and plastic pollution.
Public transportation, such as buses and trains, offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to commuting by car. By choosing public transportation, you are taking one less car off the road, reducing tire erosion, and decreasing the amount of microplastics released into the environment. Additionally, public transportation helps reduce congestion and saves energy. Research has shown that a person who switches from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 48,000 pounds in a year. That's a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major driver of climate change and air pollution.
Walking or cycling for shorter distances instead of driving can also make a big difference. These modes of transportation produce zero emissions and provide health benefits for the individual. By opting to walk or cycle, you are not only reducing microplastic pollution but also improving your own health and well-being.
In addition to the environmental benefits, public transportation, walking, and cycling can also offer cost savings. Public transportation saves the United States the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually, leading to significant cost savings for individuals and reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels.
By choosing to use public transportation, walk, or cycle, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing microplastic pollution, improving air quality, mitigating climate change, and creating a more sustainable future. These simple choices can have a significant collective impact on the environment and contribute to a healthier planet.
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Vote for politicians prioritising health and addressing plastic pollution
While individual actions can help reduce microplastic pollution, systemic change is necessary to effectively address the issue. Voting for politicians who prioritize health and commit to tackling plastic pollution is crucial. Here are some reasons why:
Policy Implementation
Elected officials have the power to implement policies that reduce plastic and microplastic pollution. This includes regulations on plastic production, usage, and disposal, as well as incentives for sustainable alternatives. Policies can also address the root causes of pollution, such as promoting public transportation to reduce car tire erosion, a significant source of microplastics in the ocean.
Holding Industries Accountable
Politicians can hold industries accountable for their plastic usage and ensure comprehensive testing of chemicals used in plastics. They can advocate for legislation that prioritizes the health and safety of citizens over corporate interests. This includes supporting laws that require rigorous testing of chemicals in plastics and other materials, as well as enforcing regulations that penalize industries contributing to plastic pollution.
Increasing Research and Education
Elected officials can allocate resources towards researching the health impacts of microplastics and developing solutions. They can also promote education and awareness campaigns about microplastic pollution, helping citizens make informed choices to reduce their exposure and contribution to the problem.
Supporting Environmental Organizations
Voting for politicians who prioritize health and address plastic pollution often aligns with supporting environmental organizations. These organizations advocate for policy changes, conduct research, and raise awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution. They work towards preventing plastic from entering our water supply and provide resources to help individuals and communities make sustainable choices.
Long-Term Vision
Politicians with a health-focused and pollution-conscious mindset are more likely to make decisions that benefit the environment and public health in the long term. Their policies and initiatives can help reduce the accumulation of microplastics in the environment, minimizing potential health risks associated with exposure.
In conclusion, voting for politicians who prioritize health and address plastic pollution is a crucial step towards creating a healthier planet and a safer future for everyone. These elected officials have the power to implement systemic changes, hold industries accountable, increase research and education, and support environmental initiatives. By prioritizing health and addressing plastic pollution, they contribute to the overall goal of improving the planet's health and tackling the pressing issue of microplastic pollution.
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Use wooden or non-plastic alternatives for cooking and food storage
Plastic is a material that, once created, never truly breaks down. Instead, it continues to break into smaller and smaller particles, finding its way into our diets and habitats. These microplastics can be released from everyday items such as food packaging, clothing, tyres, and synthetic textiles.
Single-use plastics, in particular, have been shown to introduce microplastics into our food and drinks. Therefore, it is important to switch to wooden or non-plastic alternatives for cooking and food storage. Here are some ways to do that:
Firstly, avoid using plastic containers for food storage. Instead, opt for glass, silicone, or other non-plastic alternatives. Glass containers are a great option as they are durable, leak-proof, and can withstand varying temperatures. They can be safely used in the freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and oven without releasing microplastics into your food.
Secondly, when it comes to cooking, it is important to avoid using plastic utensils and kitchenware. Wooden or bamboo utensils and kitchenware are great alternatives as they are natural, durable, and do not cause a microplastic mess. Additionally, when microwaving food, always use glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic or disposable containers. Heating food in plastic containers can release millions of microplastic particles, especially if the food is hot.
Another way to reduce your use of single-use plastics is to switch to reusable alternatives. For example, instead of using disposable plastic water bottles, invest in a reusable metal water bottle. This not only reduces the amount of plastic you use but also helps to minimize your exposure to microplastics, as disposable water bottles can degrade easily in response to temperature changes.
Finally, when it comes to food preparation, opt for a wooden or bamboo cutting board instead of a plastic one. These options are not only more durable but also have natural antimicrobial properties. If you do choose to continue using a plastic cutting board, pay attention to how you slice, as the cutting style can affect the amount of plastic generated. Always wash the board after each use to reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.
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Frequently asked questions
To reduce microplastic pollution in your home, you can:
- Vacuum your living space more often to suck up microplastics that could be inhaled.
- Wash clothes less frequently and run full loads. Line-dry your clothes when possible.
- Use baking soda, vinegar, and water for cleaning instead of chemical products.
- Swap plastic containers for glass or other non-plastic alternatives.
- Avoid heating anything in plastic or consuming hot liquids that have come into contact with plastic.
To reduce your exposure to microplastics, you can:
- Avoid single-use plastics, especially for food and beverage packaging.
- Avoid highly-processed foods.
- Choose tap water over bottled water.
- Avoid busy roads, where microplastics are part of the toxic soup of pollution.
To help reduce microplastic pollution on a larger scale, you can:
- Vote for politicians and local candidates who prioritize addressing the plastic and microplastic pollution crisis.
- Support organizations and charities that are actively fighting against microplastics in the environment.
- Advocate for legislation and industry-wide change, such as shifting to a circular economy.
Microplastics can come from a variety of sources, including:
- Car tires, which break down and release microplastics into the environment.
- Synthetic clothing and textiles made from materials like polyester or nylon.
- Food and beverage containers, especially when exposed to heat.
- Cosmetics, such as exfoliating products containing plastic microbeads.
