Today, let's have a chat about something that's been causing quite a stir in the wellness community: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are making their way into our food and bodies without our knowledge, and it's a concern we shouldn't ignore.
Where are these microscopic plastics coming from?
They're surprisingly ubiquitous. From our food packaging to the water we drink, plastic is breaking down all around us, and we're inadvertently consuming it. Some common sources include:
Plastic food containers and water bottles
The plastic can degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, releasing tiny particles into our food and drink. It's not just about single-use plastics either; even reusable containers can be culprits if they're worn or damaged.
Moreover, many plastic containers contain harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or phthalates (also part of the ‘forever chemical’ family), which can leach into our food and drinks. These chemicals have been linked to various health concerns, including hormone disruption and developmental issues in children.
Seafood (fish are ingesting microplastics in the ocean)
This problem stems from the staggering amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans each year. As the plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, it's ingested by marine life, from the tiniest plankton to the largest whales. Fish, in particular, are consuming these microplastics at an alarming rate.
As smaller fish are eaten by larger ones, the microplastics accumulate up the food chain. This means that larger fish, which we're more likely to consume, may contain higher concentrations of microplastics. Microplastics can also absorb toxic chemicals from the surrounding water. When fish ingest these plastics, they're also ingesting these harmful substances.
When we eat seafood, we're potentially consuming not just the microplastics, but also any toxins they may have absorbed.
To help reduce your exposure, opt for smaller fish lower down the food chain, as they tend to accumulate fewer toxins and microplastics. Sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are good choices. And where possible, choose fish from less polluted waters. Your local fishmonger might be able to advise on this.
Table salt (even our seasoning isn't immune)
Studies have found microplastics in sea salt, rock salt, and lake salt. The plastic particles likely come from polluted waters where the salt is sourced. While the amount of microplastics in salt is relatively small, it's yet another way these particles enter our diet so researching where your salt is sourced and ensuring you consider the possible pollution in these areas will start to make you more aware of the potential exposure you may be facing.
Tap water and bottled water
Tap water can contain microplastics that have made their way through the water treatment process. Unsurprisingly, bottled water often contains even more microplastics than tap water, likely due to the plastic packaging itself. You may consider installing a high quality water filter in your home, and only drink from stainless steel or glass bottles.
Material and clothing fibre
The clothes on our backs is another source of microplastics that often goes unnoticed. It's quite eye-opening when you realise how our wardrobe choices can contribute to this issue.
The main culprits here are synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These materials are essentially forms of plastic, and when we wash clothes made from these fibres, tiny plastic particles, called microfibres, are released into the water.
Synthetic fibres are incredibly common in our clothing, especially in sportswear and fast fashion items. Each time we wash these clothes, thousands of microfibres can be released. These aren't always caught by water treatment plants and can end up in our rivers and oceans. Synthetic fibres can also release microfibres into the air as we wear them, contributing to the microplastics we might inhale also, it these microfibres don't biodegrade and can persist in the environment for a very long time.
Why should we be concerned about these tiny bits of plastic?
When we ingest microplastics, they can:
- Interfere with our hormonal balance
- Irritate our digestive system
- Potentially carry harmful chemicals and pollutants into our bodies
- Accumulate in our organs over time
It's certainly not what we want for ourselves or our children.
Some practical tips to reduce our exposure to these troublesome particles
- Replace plastic food containers and water bottles with glass, stainless steel, or ceramic alternatives.
- Invest in a high-quality water filter to remove microplastics from your tap water.
- Choose fresh, unpackaged produce when possible. Local farmers' markets are excellent for this.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers, as heat can cause more chemicals to leach into your food.
- Opt for natural fibre clothing, as synthetic fabrics release microfibres when washed.
- Support brands that are actively working to reduce plastic waste.
In conclusion, the issue of microplastics in our environment and our bodies is undoubtedly complex and, at times, rather daunting. From our food containers to the clothes on our backs, these tiny plastic particles have infiltrated numerous aspects of our daily lives. It's a sobering realisation, but it's crucial that we don't let it overwhelm us into inaction.
Instead, let's view this knowledge as an opportunity, a chance to make informed decisions that benefit both our health and the environment. Every choice we make, whether it's switching to a glass water bottle, opting for natural fibre clothing, or being more mindful about our seafood consumption, is a step in the right direction.
