Plastic has seeped into nearly every corner of modern life, from household goods and oceans to the food on our plates. Microplastics, plastic particles less than five millimeters in width, have now been found in drinking water, salt, honey, seafood, and even the air we breathe.
Scientists estimate that people consume about a credit card’s worth of microplastics each week. These tiny particles have been detected in nearly every major organ, including the lungs, liver, spleen, brain, and placenta. While the long-term health impacts remain under study, there is no doubt that extensive exposure would affect our bodies, considering certain plastic particles can absorb environmental toxins and carry heavy metals. Numerous researchers say it may potentially trigger inflammation, cancer, heart attacks, and reproductive problems.
So, how can you reduce your daily plastic intake?
The first step starts in the kitchen. It is best to avoid using plastic wherever possible, including in cookware, tableware, and other utensils. And try not to heat or store food in plastic containers, as harmful chemicals may leach out into your food. Glass, ceramic, and stainless steel are safer alternatives. Tap water, when safe and filtered, is also a better option than bottled water as it typically contains fewer microplastics.
Your next step should be to change your diet. Seafood, particularly shellfish, tends to accumulate significant concentrations of plastic waste in their bodies. As such, diversifying protein sources can help reduce exposure to plastic.
Highly processed and packaged foods carry a greater risk of microplastic contamination. To minimize exposure to microplastics, opt for fresh foods and use non-plastic refillable or reusable containers wherever possible. In addition, washing fresh produce thoroughly at home may help remove plastic particles that may have settled on the surface from the air or packaging, though it is not a perfect solution.
Finally, reduce the plastic in your wardrobe. Pick natural fibers like cotton or wool over synthetic fabrics, which shed plastic microfibers. These microfibers can become airborne and be inhaled, and, to a lesser extent, harmful chemicals may be absorbed through the skin. Furthermore, buying fewer synthetic garments will help reduce microplastics released into the ocean.
While it may not be possible to eliminate plastic from our lives entirely, we can still significantly limit our exposure to it by adopting mindful habits. Plastic pollution isn’t just a problem affecting the planet; it is a growing health crisis.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor teen/1761184139/1613367750
1. How much plastic do researchers estimate people consume each week, and why is this concerning?
2. What kitchen habits can help reduce plastic exposure in daily meals?
3. Why does the article suggest avoiding certain foods and materials, such as seafood and synthetic fabrics?
4. What overall message does the article convey about the connection between plastic pollution and human health?
1. Have you ever tried swapping plastic containers or bottles for glass, ceramic, or stainless steel at home?
2. Would you consider changing your diet or shopping habits to reduce plastic exposure, and why or why not?
3. How might learning about microplastics make you think differently about clothing made from synthetic fabrics?
4. Do you feel motivated to take personal action against plastic pollution after reading this article?
Plastic has seeped into nearly every corner of modern life, from household goods and oceans to the food on our plates. Microplastics, plastic particles less than five millimeters in width, have now been found in drinking water, salt, honey, seafood, and even the air we breathe.
Your next step should be to change your diet. Seafood, particularly shellfish, tends to accumulate significant concentrations of plastic waste in their bodies. As such, diversifying protein sources can help reduce exposure to plastic.
