LET’S TALK MICROPLASTICS

It’s 2022 and, keeping on par with the last several decades, the threats of global warming are becoming even more imminent. If we don’t make serious changes in the coming years, some experts speculate that there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2050. At the forefront of these threats is something that could fit on the tip of a finger. So let’s explore: what are microplastics? 

Microplastics are defined as any fragment of plastic under five mm in length. Despite their small size, these tiny pieces can have considerable effects on the environment. The existence of plastics in living organisms or natural environments raises concerns for both physical and toxicological risks. Unfortunately, these specks of plastic that have left researchers scrambling to determine their effects on marine life, have also been discovered a little closer to home: inside our bodies.

You’ve probably heard of microplastics at some point over the last couple decades, as scientists have been worried about their potentially harmful effects since their discovery. The anxieties of the scientific community have mostly centered on our oceans and marine life — and with over 24.4 trillion pieces of plastic estimated in just the upper oceans alone, this is certainly a large area of concern (ScienceDaily). However, plastic waste has potential to cause serious issues not only within our oceans, but also within ourselves. 

Microplastics in the Body

Researchers are aware that microplastics can be found inside humans, animals and organisms. In fact, much of the concern regarding microplastics in the ocean has centered on its effects and toxicology when consumed by marine life. Plastic particles have been observed in human cadaver samples and heavily studied in various animal species. However, for the first time, particles of plastic have now been found deep in our lungs.

According to NPR, microplastics had previously been found in human blood and excrement.  Recently, new research by Hull York Medical School in England has unearthed the first undeniable evidence of plastics in the lungs of living people. This discovery was unexpected, to say the least, and scientists were shocked that such small particles could pass through filtering systems and into the small passageways of our lower lungs. 

The Hull York Medical School discovery is just more fuel for worldwide concerns about microplastics. Stated simply by Dick Vethaak, an ecotoxicologist at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, "This is proof that we have plastics in our body — and we shouldn't.” Plastic has greatly damaged our environment and, although the exact risks are unconfirmed, there is no reason to believe that it won’t wreck similar havoc on our bodies.

The Harmful Effects of Microplastics 

Microplastics in the ocean affect fish and aquatic life by stunting growth and food intake, causing irregular behavior and oxidative damage — among other things. They can also serve as vessels for disease within the environment. Causing harm and abnormalities in anything from soil to coral reefs and humans, plastics have a plethora of harmful effects that are yet to be fully understood.

When it comes to the results of microplastics in our food, homes and kitchens, science has found evidence of damage to human cells. In an article by The Guardian, effects of cell death and allergic reactions have now been observed at exposure levels concerning the average human. We can ingest these microplastics through our food, water or by simply breathing them in. Although research is still underway, at least 17 studies have confirmed damage after consumption of plastic contaminated “drinking water, seafood and table salt.” While microplastics could be found in any food or beverages, it’s hopeful that future research could unearth a better way to identify the most contaminated food.

For now, we know that we are undoubtedly consuming microplastics into our bodies, these plastics can cause injury to cells and cell damage is a common cause of larger health effects.  These conclusions are still rather tentative and vague, but scientists believe they are enough cause for concern. While there is no way to escape them entirely, with food safety and plastic conscious practices, the risk of microplastics can be reduced.

Microplastics in the Kitchen

Food preparation and consumption is a leading source of plastic use. Think about how many plastic utensils, cups, food packaging and kitchen cleaning supplies you’ve probably used in your life — that’s a lot! Swearing off plastic forever is a noble cause…but probably not a realistic one. However, a few eco-conscious choices and changes can go a long way! Cleaning up your personal plastic use is a great way to do your part in reducing plastic waste in the environment. 

It’s also important to consider what you can do to directly reduce your own microplastic consumption. Although much of human plastic intake can be attributed to environmental sources — say the fish you got from the market consumed microplastics in the ocean — microplastics can also make their way into our bodies through our own personal practices. In fact, many routine, and seemingly-harmless, kitchen practices are actually releasing microplastics into our kitchens, foods, beverages, and ultimately our bodies.

Something as simple and common as the sponges you use to clean can actually be filled with toxic plastics. This translates to plastic residue left all over your kitchen! In a typical kitchen, the sponge used for scrubbing is plastic-based. This means that when you use the sponge to clean dishes, kitchen counters, or any other surface, tiny plastic particles are left behind. These harmful microplastics can make their way into both our bodies and our oceans. Every time we use a sponge in the sink, we send microplastics down the drain to forever circulate in bodies of water. Luckily, there are some convenient and effective alternatives to plastic sponges. 100% cotton towels are a great solution, as well as luffa sponges. Our compostable dish sponges are made of luffa vegetable —  they are completely biodegradable and earth friendly! 

There are plenty more sneaky microplastic sources to be found around the kitchen, so check out these tips from Consumer Reports to help keep plastics out of your food and your body!

DON’T: use a plastic container in the microwave.

→ INSTEAD: use a glass container or heat up food on the stove. 

DON’T: drink bottled water. 

→ INSTEAD: drink tap water whenever possible. 

DON’T: store food in plastic. 

→ INSTEAD: use aluminum foil and glass or silicon tupperware.

DON’T: rely on plastic-packaged processed food.

→ INSTEAD: eat predominantly fresh foods.

DON’T: put off cleaning carpets and surfaces.

→ INSTEAD: vacuum and dust regularly.

DON’T: use plastic-based sponges or microfiber/polyester towels for dishware and kitchen cleaning.

→ INSTEAD: use 100% cotton towels or compostable sponges, like the ones in our online store

DON’T: keep this new information to yourself.

→ INSTEAD: spread the word and work with your community and loved ones to make a bigger change.

Real environmental changes start with widespread information. Use the knowledge you gained from this post to start a conversation with your friends, peers and loved ones. We guarantee that many of them are unaware of the risks of microplastics in our kitchens and our bodies! If we all do our part, we can make our world a better place for ourselves and future generations.