Do you know that plastics don’t fully breakdown? Over time, plastics become smaller and smaller in size until pieces about the size of a sesame seed are labeled “microplastics”. Microplastics can come from larger plastic pieces, plastic in our synthetic clothing, and other sources. These microplastics are so small that they easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in our air, water and soil. Animals consume the plastic and end up sick and become a health risk for predators (including humans), to consume.
A team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire have found microplastics in the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) in Minnesota. Plastics, and in particular fibers, have been found in water, soil and worms collected during a two week field study. The knowledge that microplastics have infiltrated even the sacred space of the BWCA has motivated me to continue to live a zero waste lifestyle.
It is also a sad truth that most plastics are used just one time. Plastic bags, straws, and cups, are common single-use items that litter our planet for generations to come after only being used for a matter minutes. Do what you can by avoiding plastics and think twice before you grab that plastic bag at the grocery store.
How can you avoid plastics in your life?
- Purchase clothes that are made of natural materials, like cotton, linen, wool, etc.
- Shop in your store’s bulk with your own containers. Need some tips? Check out my blog post on this topic.
- Bring your own reusable produce bags to the grocery store. This way you can avoid having to grab plastic ones in the produce aisle. I like this set from Tare Market.
- Utilize Terracycle when you can. Terracycle is a company that partners with major product companies to collect and recycle their items, often at no extra cost to the consumer. Terracyle is a great way to find recycling options for items not recyclable in your curbside bin.
- Avoid plastic by always having a set of reusable cutlery in your bag. I like this reusable bamboo fork, spoon, and knife set.