We believe the manufacturing and consumption of single-use plastics is one of the biggest concerns facing our planet. One of the consequences of the rampant plastic overproduction is microplastics. Let’s chat about them real quick!
Microplastics are your typical plastics that break down over time to less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Smaller than a sesame seed, microplastics make their way into almost every aspect of our daily lives. They can be found in clothing, cosmetics, cleaning products, personal care products and even our drinking water and the food we eat.
Yiiiikes. The GOOD news is that YOU CAN limit microplastic pollution in your daily life. Don’t forget: small changes = big impact!
Five things you can do right now to limit microplastics beyond Plastic Free July:
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Whenever possible, bring your own water bottle, coffee cup, and bags with you when you are shopping.
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Pay attention to the fabrics you are wearing, such as synthetics and fleece. Check the tags and look for friendly clothing items made from natural materials - think organic cotton, hemp, soy silk/cashmere and linen. If you’re a thrifter, the good news is that many vintage fabrics are made from these options!
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Opt for products sold in glass or aluminum (especially water bottles) when you are able. If plastic food storage is your only option, just make sure you never heat your food directly in the plastic!
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Consider washing your clothes on a lower setting (gentle) and a lower temperature (cold) to help reduce the number of microplastics that shed from clothing. If you can, try to wash your clothes LESS - you might be surprised to know that many clothes-care gurus recommend washing jeans only 1x/month, or after every 10 wears!
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If you must use single-use plastic, make sure you dispose of it properly - get familiar with your local recycling and waste disposal options!
