Featured homepage Resources Waste

Microplastics: Where They Are and How to Avoid Them 

By •

Microplastics were found in 100% of human testicles that were examined in a recent study. Add that to the list of places that scientists have discovered the tiny plastic particles, including rainwater, breast milk, placentas, meconium, lungs, and animal proteins.  

What are microplastics? 

The term “microplastics” was dubbed by Richard Thompson, a biologist who noticed tiny, colorful particles in the sand when he was engaged in a beach clean-up on the Isle of Man in 1993. Microplastics are the result of a long-term breakdown of larger plastic items that have, one way or another, escaped proper disposal. 

Plastic is a material that, once created, never breaks down in the way that organic materials decompose. Instead, plastics continue to break into smaller and smaller particles, finding their way into the diets and habitats of animals and humans. Microplastics can be shed from wear-and-tear on vehicle tires, food and beverage containers, and clothing and textiles made from polyester or nylon. 

How do we keep microplastics out of our bodies? 

At this point, we all have some level of microplastics in our bodies. We can, however, minimize further exposure and prevent contributing to the creation of more microplastics in our environment.  

  • The first thing we should do is avoid single-use plastics, especially food and beverage packaging and to-go containers that shed microplastics into what we eat and drink. It has been shown that bottled water has higher levels of microplastics than tap water.  
  • Avoid highly-processed foods. Studies have found more microplastics in processed meats (like chicken nuggets) versus minimally processed options (like whole chicken breast). 
  • Swap plastic cutting boards for wooden or other non-plastic options.  
  • Switch out your plastic storage containers for glass or other non-plastic alternatives. Heat tends to release more microplastics than cold, so in particular, be aware of placing hot foods and beverages in plastic or warming plastic containers or dishes in the microwave. 
  • If you’re a tea drinker, try loose-leaf teas. 
  • Vacuum your living space more often. This will suck up the microplastics that could be inhaled. 
  • To reduce microplastic shedding from your clothes, wash them less frequently and run full loads. When possible, line-dry your clothes. 
  • Finally, research candidates in local and national elections. Vote for candidates who support a future free from plastics. Concerned citizens can also call their elected officials to ask them to advocate for this! (We do not endorse any political party or candidate.)
Equity considerations 

It’s worth noting that synthetic clothing and materials, e.g., polyester, are cheaper than products that are made from more durable or natural materials. When it comes to food options, highly processed foods also tend to be cheaper than whole, unprocessed foods. What may be simple swaps for some are inaccessible options for others. The most equitable solutions to the problem of microplastics would require legislation and industry-wide change, including shifting to a circular economy.  

Further Reading