Microplastics have become an inevitable part of our daily lives. They’re present in everything from tea bags to food, even blood. The tiny plastic particles can harm brain health, fertility, and the gut microbiome. While it’s daunting to consider, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
1. Switch to Tap Water
Drinking bottled water is linked to higher microplastic intake. A 2019 study found that people who drank exclusively bottled water ingested an additional 90,000 microplastics per year. Boiling tap water, on the other hand, removes at least 80% of potential micro- and nanoplastics.
2. Choose Tea Bags Wisely
Research revealed that tea bags made with polypropylene released about 1.2 billion small pieces of plastic per milliliter of tea. Look for brands like Traditional Medicinals, Pukka, Numi Teas, Republic of Tea, Stash, and Yogi Tea, which don’t use plastic in their tea bags.
3. Avoid Plastic in the Kitchen
Heating food in plastic containers can leach microplastics into your food. Choose glass or metal containers instead. Opt for bamboo, wooden, metal, or food-grade silicone utensils to minimize exposure.
4. Minimize Personal Care Products
Many personal care products contain phthalates and microbeads, which can harm human health. Avoid products with these additives and opt for plastic-free alternatives like solid shampoos, bar soap, and facial cleansing bars.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
Indoor air and house dust are significant exposure sites for microplastics. Regularly vacuum and sweep to reduce shedding of synthetic fibers from furniture, carpets, and clothing. Choose clothes made with natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, linen, and wash them less often to minimize microfiber pollution.
By implementing these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your microplastic exposure and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Source: https://fortune.com/well/2025/03/13/microplastics-reduce-exposure