We've been talking about microplastics in our drinking water, blood + breastmilk for years. Mainstream news is just starting to catch up. This article from the New York Times might be the first I've seen about how to minimize exposure to microplastics. Since their site doesn't allow unlimited access, and since this is information all of us deserve to have...I'm going to include the article's advice here:
Honestly, most of these offerings are just common sense, when we really think about it. The ubiquitous nature of items like plastic baby bottles + fleece jackets, however, have probably dulled the alarm bells somewhat.
I think many will learn about this + simply shrug + say that we (Americans especially) will never stop eating chicken nuggets (the meat with the highest number of plastic microfibers per gram). But some of us remember when we found out about BPA in plastics, and manufacturers scurried to make the switch to non-BPA plastics. If we just shrug + continue on, manufacturers will be happy to continue to churn out recycled plastic e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. for our consumption, both literally + figuratively.
Let's keep learning + growing + doing + moving + inviting others to join us...individuals + government + industry. We can do better for ourselves, our children + each other. We can.
Love,
Jane
- The less processed our food is, the better.
- The less plastic packaging on our food, the better.
- Skip plastics in the kitchen.
- Use wooden cutting boards rather than plastic ones.
- Store food in glass rather than plastic.
- Microwaves + dishwashers cause plastics to break down. Warm baby formula + breast milk in glass rather than in plastic.
- Skip plastic tea bags.
- Skip drinks in plastic bottles. Even opening and closing the cap can release microplastics.
- There are some home, water filters certified to remove microplastics from drinking water.
- Skip synthetic clothing. Friction from wear causes microfibers to be released + breathed in.
- Choose furniture + bedding made of natural fibers.
- Keep furniture made with plastic fibers out of direct sunlight.
- Vacuuming regularly (with a HEPA filter) can remove some microplastics from household air.
Honestly, most of these offerings are just common sense, when we really think about it. The ubiquitous nature of items like plastic baby bottles + fleece jackets, however, have probably dulled the alarm bells somewhat.
I think many will learn about this + simply shrug + say that we (Americans especially) will never stop eating chicken nuggets (the meat with the highest number of plastic microfibers per gram). But some of us remember when we found out about BPA in plastics, and manufacturers scurried to make the switch to non-BPA plastics. If we just shrug + continue on, manufacturers will be happy to continue to churn out recycled plastic e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. for our consumption, both literally + figuratively.
Let's keep learning + growing + doing + moving + inviting others to join us...individuals + government + industry. We can do better for ourselves, our children + each other. We can.
Love,
Jane
