I recently learned that we eat about a credit card's worth of plastic every week... Yikes.
Unfortunately, microplastics are ubiquitous. Recent studies have detected microplastics in the most remote regions of the world. From human blood and even breast milk, this raises concerns about their long-term health effects.
Animal studies link microplastic exposure to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular risks such as heart disease and heart attack. Additionally, many plastics contain endocrine disruptors, such as BPA, found in single-use plastics and food packaging.
While we know the effects at larger doses, we don't know the effects of chronic long-term exposure to microplastics containing these chemicals.
With that said... I think it's best to avoid them. Here's what I've done.
Ultra-processed foods often come into contact with multiple types of plastics during production and packaging.
When exposed to sunlight or heat, product packaging sheds microplastic particles that can contaminate food before it reaches the kitchen.
Cooking whole foods at home reduces contact with plastic items and supports better long-term human health.
Ditch Single-Use Plastic Bottles
Plastic water bottles degrade while sitting in storage and with repeated use. They release smaller pieces of plastic into drinks, and then you consume them. Stainless steel bottles and glass bottles offer a safer, longer-lasting solution. This simple swap reduces plastic use while protecting human health and water sources.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Plastic is all around us, so eliminating all plastic products is a really unrealistic goal. The goal is to reduce plastic use where possible and make informed swaps. Every small change lowers the amount of microplastics entering the human body and the environment.
The good news is that awareness continues to grow, and small choices add up to meaningful protection for environmental health and human health alike.
Made to Sustain is a sustainable food blog that aims to help you make better choices around food and sustainability. It's a place where you can find easy sustainable recipes, eco-friendly living tips, seasonal meal plans, and sustainable brands made to sustain you and the planet.
