How can we curb microplastic pollution

General
1

The rising air pollution in our country is a leading cause for many health related problems. However, the extensive use of plastic products in our day-to-day life is also an overlooked contributor to air pollution. Plastic has become deeply embedded in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Plastic pollution has several harmful health effects such as metabolic issues, respiratory issues, reproductive disorders, developmental issues in children and breast and ovarian cancers.

So, how can we cutdown plastic exposure?

  1. Do not use plastic containers in microwave

Heat causes plastic containers to release harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A). Hence, it is advised to use ceramic or glass containers in microwave instead of plastic containers.

  1. Avoid using tea bags

Research suggests that hot water used to steep tea may release particles from plastic tea bags. Hence it is better to use paper tea bags or loose tea leaves.

  1. Drink filtered water and use glass bottles

Filtered water reduces microplastic exposure as the filtering systems can effectively remove microplastics, nanoparticles and chemical contaminants like BPA . Hence drink home filtered water and use glass bottles instead of plastic bottles.

  1. Choose traditional storage methods

Use steel or glass tiffin boxes instead of plastic containers to reduce plastic exposure. Moreover preferring wooden cutting boards over plastic cutting boards can further reduce plastic exposure.

  1. Eat minimally processed food

Many ultra processed foods are sold in multi layered plastic wraps. These materials release microplastics and chemical additives directly into the food. Moreover the high fat and acidic nature of many ultra processed foods increases the migration of these microplastics from the packaging into the food.

Items like packaged chicken nuggets can contain 30 times more microplastics than less processed alternatives.

  1. Wear natural fibers

Clothes made from natural fibers do not release plastic microfibers. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon release millions of microparticles, which are either ingested or inhaled. Hence, prefer natural fabric over synthetic fabric.

  1. Don’t use chewing gum

The base of chewing gum is made of plastic polymers that are physically broken down during chewing. This releases thousands of microparticles into saliva which are then ingested.

Conclusion

Plastic has become a part of our everyday life. It is practically not possible to eliminate plastic completely, but small, conscious steps can definitely reduce plastic exposure and protect our health and environment.

MBH/PS