To conclude our short series of articles on microplastics, it is now time to consider practical measures. It is probably impossible to avoid microplastics entirely. However, there are some simple yet effective changes you can make to your daily routine that can significantly reduce your personal exposure. Furthermore, these changes also contribute to protecting our environment.
- Tap water instead of water from plastic bottles
Tap water in Germany is subject to strict controls and, according to studies, contains significantly less microplastics than bottled water. It is best to use a glass bottle or stainless steel bottle when on the go.
Liebmann B et al. Microplastics in the environment: Status report 2019.
https://www.umweltbundesamt.at/fileadmin/site/publikationen/rep0727.pdf
- Tea? Yes – but plastic-free
Many tea bags are made entirely or partly of plastic. When brewed at 95 degrees Celsius, they release millions of microplastic and nanoparticle particles, according to studies. Better: loose tea in a stainless steel strainer or paper filter.
Laura M. Hernandez LM et al. Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea. Environmental Science & Technology 2019.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540
- No plastic when heating and storing food
Plastic containers release microplastics in general, and especially when heated. It is better to store and heat food in glass or stainless steel containers.
Hussain KA et al. Assessing the Release of Microplastics and Nanoplastics from Plastic Containers and Reusable Food Pouches: Implications for Human Health. Environ Sci Technol. 2023.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c01942
- Pay attention to clothing materials
Synthetic textiles such as polyester and fleece release microfibres when washed. These end up in rivers and oceans via wastewater. Natural fibres such as cotton and linen are plastic-free alternatives. If you do have to use synthetics, laundry bags or microplastic filters for the washing machine help to retain fibres.
Gaylarde C et al. Plastic microfibre pollution: how important is clothes’ laundering? Heliyon. 2021.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8167216/
- Cosmetics: keep an eye on the list of ingredients
Many exfoliants, shower gels and toothpastes contain solid microplastic particles. Look out for ingredients such as ‘polyethylene’ or ‘polypropylene’. Environmentally certified natural cosmetics are usually free of these additives.
Kukkola A et al. Examining the role of cosmetics in microplastic pollution and spotlighting unanswered questions. J Hazard Mater. 2024.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424016327
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and ultimately it is important to be mindful. What is recommended today may become a health necessity tomorrow. Mindfulness in everyday life is therefore good advice.