Everyday Microplastics :)

 Last time we talked about sustainable fashion brands that love the earth and your skin, today we are changing the conversation to microplastics; what counts and how to avoid it in your everyday! But why microplastics? You've probably heard a lot online about microplastics and how its bad for us, but its likely never been explained that much. 

Standford Medicine did a study about this and its overall impact on our health and the results are shocking. They estimated that there is 10-40 million metric tons of microplastics released into the environment a year, and this is seen in items like tea bags, seafood, meat, bottled water, tooth brushes and so much more! And don't read that as enthusiasm, because the study also found possible links between microplastics ingested and cancer or heart attacks. If you want to do more research regarding the specific health impacts that micro plastics have, be warned, you won't look at your everyday the same...

In an effort to avoid everyday microplastics, here are somethings that you could change in your daily!

Clothing  

We have discussed this before, but just to reiterate, clothes that are made out of polyester are seeping microplastics into your system everyday. If you want some alternatives have a look at my blog about shopping sustainably and skin safe! (https://benefittingyouandearth.blogspot.com/2026/04/an-organic-wardrobe.html)

Dishware/ Containers

This is another big side to microplastics, as these things are helpful, but not sustainable. Think about every time you make a meal or your lunch and the container is plastic, that is heaps of microplastics going into your food and then you digest that food. Same goes to plates, cups, and even dish brushes. 

 

The options for these vary, so for containers and lunch boxes (even children's dishware), silicone is a good way to go. Granted its not the perfect option but its impacts are much less dire to our environment and our bodies. (Have a look at this article about the best ways to use silicone products in the best way: https://www.microplastx.com/blogs/news/silicone-microplastics-analysis?srsltid=AfmBOoqNjo4C_lyCkWnC388ykb4vctbLDrjW9MZAruX7uQ3a1PRWusi0) 

If not, stainless steel is also a good alternative as well as glass. 

 

For things like kitchen utensils, common alternatives would be bamboo alternatives, ecowarehouse has so many good options for things like this and many more things on their website! (Link: https://ecowarehouse.nz/)

Cleaning products

Some cleaning products are in plastics bottles, but also have harsh dyes that should not be in our systems, and since this acts as a continuation of  the previous section, I will keep this brief. 

Looking at the same brands like ecowarehouse (linked above) and another brand called Reshine earth. Reshine earth makes dishwasher sheets without the microplastics or the dangerous dyes. 

Skincare/ Hair-care

As well as the chemicals that are in the skincare we use, there are also many microplastics in the bottles that our skincare is stored in. My recommendation is that you look into the long term effects of microplastics and harsh chemicals for our bodies!

Brands like loreal and cetaphil are often pushed down our throats for proper skincare, but there are sustainable options like beef tallow and shampoo and conditioner bars that are much better for us. (Free from microplastics and chemicals that are bad for you! 

Some brands I recommend looking into if this is something that interests you (and it should) are ethique and primal pantry.

 

That's all for today, I hope you enjoyed the read and are able to implement these products in your daily! One final reminder from me, I know its hard to go from 0 to 100 with your sustainability journey and cleansing your palette is a hard thing to do; so take the journey in your own pace!

~ Rose :)