10 ways to reduce your microplastic intake at home

Sep 20, 2024

By: Ankush Banerjee

Credit: iStock

The food we eat, the water we drink

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can infiltrate our water, food, and even the air we breathe, posing risks to both our health and the environment. By making small lifestyle changes at home, we can significantly reduce our exposure to these harmful particles.

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1. Install a water filter​

Use filters like reverse osmosis or activated carbon to remove microplastics from your tap water.

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2. Avoid bottled water​

Bottled water contains more microplastics than tap water; switch to filtered tap water.

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3. Cook at home more often​

Reduce reliance on processed and takeout foods, which can have more microplastic contamination.

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4. Use reusable bags and containers​

Switch to glass or stainless steel containers and reusable cloth bags instead of plastic ones.

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5. Switch to natural fiber clothing​

Choose clothes made of cotton, linen, or wool, and avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester.

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6. Use a microfiber laundry filter​

Attach filters like the Guppyfriend bag or microfiber catchers to your washing machine to trap synthetic fibers.

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7. Choose personal care products without microplastics​

Avoid products containing polyethylene or polypropylene, especially in skincare and toothpaste.

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8. Avoid heating plastic in the microwave

Use glass or ceramic containers for heating food to prevent microplastic release from plastic containers.

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9. Reduce household dust​

Vacuum with HEPA filters and dust regularly to minimize microplastic accumulation in your home.

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10. Switch to eco-friendly tea bags or loose leaf tea​

Some tea bags release microplastics; choose natural fiber bags or loose tea instead.

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