How to reduce exposure to microplastics

These ideas come from the wonderful newsletter, Earth Friendly Tips by Kristen: HERE. Another good website is Life Without Plastic. 

Microplastics are everywhere, even in our bodies and those of newborn babies. It can seem like such an overwhelming and impossible problem that we get paralyzed or we choose to ignore it.

How about choosing a different way: pick one new, doable habit from the list below and get started. When that habit is established, choose another.

So, here is Kristen's list, with some comments and ideas from me:

1. Slowly switch from synthetic fabrics to natural ones: cotton, linen, wool, hemp, bamboo. Don't try to do it all at once if you can't afford to, simply make your new purchases in a sustainable fabric.

2. Use a microfilter in your clothes-washing machine, or a laundry bag that catches microplastics and fuzz. (Easy to search on Google, or Bing, or whatever search engine you use.)

3. Switch to plastic-free food storage: glass or silicone. For example, Pyrex or Stasher.

4. Phase out single-use plastic like grocery bags (get a tote or four), plastic wrap (I love using beeswax wrap), and straws (google it, you'll find plenty of choices).

5. Switch (HERE) to shampoo bars, conditioner bars, body lotion bars; toothpaste tablets (for transparency, I'll note that I have sensitive teeth and had to switch back to Sensodyne); body washes without microplastics and in non-plastic containers.

6. Look at food packaging like teabags: many teabags are called silk-like or another phrase with silk in it, but are actually made of plastic. Even paper tea bags can be sealed with plastic. Try loose-leaf tea. And try not to buy food in plastic at the grocery store (yes, this is hard, so begin small and learn as you go).

7. Dust and vacuum regularly. Your dust cloth does better at trapping microplastics if it's damp; also, your vacuum cleaner should have a HEPA filter.

8. Support microplastic-free brands. Kristen has a great list HERE. 

REMEMBER: don't try to do this all at once, you'll only get discouraged and stop. Choose one doable item, make it a habit, then try another.

Have a well day.

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