Simple changes that you can make in your life to avoid using microplastics.
Plastics have inserted them into every imaginable aspect of our lives. Whether it's making a cup of tea, buying or washing clothes or even drinking water plastics, these tiny particles seem to be everywhere. I have noticed their role in my life, so here are my top tips to help you easily avoid them in yours.
Tip #1 - Use a Bag or Filter in your Washing Machine
A large part of microplastic pollution actually comes from clothes. In the washing machine, lots of particles, especially in synthetic textiles, can be released into the water. In fact, an article by the World Economic Forum estimates that 35% of microplastics in the world's oceans come from synthetic textiles.
Tip #2 - Don't Microwave Food in Plastic
This may seem like a simple one, but small plastic particles can be released when you heat food in plastic containers. The BPA and phthalates added to plastic leach much more easily when heated. Try to avoid heating food in Tupperware, takeout boxes, pre-sealed meals and other plastic packaging.
"An average person could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic per week. The equivalent of one credit card." – WWF Study
Tip #3 - Use Microbead-Free Cosmetics & Beauty Products
Many lotions, face creams and shampoos contain microbeads to exfoliate or promote absorption. Look for products that don't use microbeads, and use the Detect Microplastics app to check your products for them.
Tip #4 - Avoid Plastic Tea Bags
Most tea bags are made up of around 25% plastic; even those marketed as paper are often glued together with polypropylene, which is a type of plastic.
Instead of traditional tea bags, try to use loose-leaf tea or using refillable linen tea bags.
Tip #5 - Inform Yourself
Educate yourself about microplastics and the threats they may pose to our health and our environment. Once you read more and know more about these tiny particles, the more you can eliminate them from your life. Support policies that aim to limit single-use plastics and truly combat plastic pollution.
Don’t Stress It
These are some easy tips for your everyday life. But don't stress it if you can't do everything. No one expects you to be able to change your entire life and eliminate plastics completely. Take a second to download the Detect Microplastics app on your phone.
Comment down below which of these tips you already do!