It is impossible to avoid microplastics completely – they are everywhere: in seafood, meat, tap water. Meanwhile, scientists warn about the risks of cancer and infertility associated with them. Fortunately, there are several ways to at least slightly protect yourself and the planet from potential problems.
Use glass containers
The most obvious and simple way to eat less nanoplastics with food is to avoid its contact with plastic. According to experts, it is especially harmful to use containers in a microwave oven – when heated, even more microplastics are released. A compromise between health benefits and convenience can be glass containers with convenient plastic lids. But if you can refuse them, do so.
Avoid bottled water
To avoid getting “extra” microplastics into your body, give up plastic bottles. This also applies to large water cooler bottles. A filter system and a reusable glass or metal bottle will keep you as safe as possible. Unfortunately, microplastics are also present in tap water, but according to new research, boiling can reduce the amount of microplastics consumed.
Avoid fast food
If everything is obvious with plastic containers, then where does plastic come from in fast food? Research has shown that even elements of employees’ gloves remain in food, not to mention the packaging, which is not as papery as it seems – film on cardboard, again, essentially plastic, and this is definitely not good for your health in the long run, just like taking coffee to go in a disposable cup.
Buy clothes made from natural fabrics
The cycle of microplastics in nature is not an evil joke of environmentalists, but a reality today. Some experts even advise limiting seafood consumption due to entire islands of plastic waste that decompose in the ocean and eventually end up in fish and other marine life. This includes not only bottles and other packaging, but also synthetic clothing. When buying clothes made from natural fabrics, you can be sure that they will not end up on your plate in a few years.
Avoid plastic scrubs
Plastic microbeads, which are used in personal care products including body scrubs and toothpaste, are another product you should avoid. These tiny pieces of plastic used for gentle exfoliation are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants. In some countries, their use is banned by law, but only in certain types of products. So it’s important to check the ingredients and make sure you’re not paying for more plastic in your life.
Choose natural cutting boards
A recent study has confirmed scientists’ concerns about plastic cutting boards. According to experts, repeated knife strikes during use can release millions of plastic particles into food, which can cause health problems. For a healthier alternative, choose bamboo, which is stronger than wood and easier to clean.