How to avoid plastics when shopping and eating

Microplastics, the tiny pieces of plastic waste that permeate everything from the water we drink to the air we breathe, have a detrimental effect on human health and the environment. Busy, budget-conscious consumers can choose affordable ways to reduce the amount of plastic they consume and throw away.

“These particles are increasingly recognized as endocrine disruptors, capable of disrupting our hormonal systems,” writes Forbes contributor Dr. Christopher Thompson, a medical professor at Harvard University. “By mimicking hormones such as estrogen and cortisol, microplastics can contribute to weight gain, metabolic problems, fertility and other serious health problems.”

In addition to gaining weight faster and reproducing more slowly, Forbes Science associate Leslie Katz writes that research published earlier this year shows that microplastics may be linked to increased risks of heart attack and stroke.

When it comes to the planet as a whole, the overwhelming amount of plastic production and plastic waste we generate has widespread consequences. According to the United Nations Environment ProgrammeEvery year, people produce 400 million tons of plastic waste, which pollutes the water supply.

Here are a few tactics that do that Forbes contributor Dr. Jesse Pines, a practicing physician and professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University, recommends reducing microplastic consumption at home:

• Avoid heating plastic bowls or cups, including steaming takeaway food served in plastic containers.
• Vacuum your home, including sofas and curtains, regularly and follow that cleaning with wet mopping to reduce the microplastic particles you would otherwise inhale.
• Triple-check that you have thoroughly cleaned your food before cooking it, especially seafood like shrimp.

Drinking from a copper or glass bottle, not plastic water bottles, and washing dishes with powder or liquid soap, rather than plastic pods, can also help families avoid ingesting plastic particles.

And, like Forbes Olivia Pinnock, who contributes to sustainability, points out that using products like Cora Ball or GUPPYFRIEND when washing your clothes at home can reduce the amount of microplastics released into the water during washing.

As many consumers know, single-use plastic bags are on the go. A dozen US states and a growing number of municipalities in other states have banned them. Don’t forget that you can stash cloth canvas bags in your car or bag so you have them on hand the next time you go grocery shopping.

“The US plastic bag ban has proven effective in reducing plastic litter and ocean pollution,” writes Forbes Daniela De Lorenzo, sustainability officer, added: “The European Union has set a target for citizens to use a maximum of 40 plastic bags per year.”

Wherever you live and what type of shopping you do, there are affordable ways to reduce the amount of plastic you consume. With these simple tips, you can avoid plastic when shopping and eating, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle that’s better for both you and the environment.