Let’s Talk Trash! MAY-JUNE 2022 ©2021-2022 The Keenan Group, Inc
23
aaron@usstn.com c: (615) 982-2998 w: (615) 227-2275 f: (615) 746-5211 Project Manager AARON WOLFE
Some easy ways to keep plastic out of your diet (and the environment) include: • Avoid drinking bottled water • Filter your tap water • Don’t heat or reheat food in plastic containers • Definitely avoid plastics with known toxins (such as BPA) • Eat fresh food instead of processed or packaged items (where possible) • Shop more sustainable by emphasizing zero waste options Make your beauty regime zero-waste (or close) Avoiding artificial microbeads is better for both you and the environment, and many modern brands now use natural alternatives such as oats, sugar, and husks. In addition to exfoliating products, microplastics are sometimes used as
As with fish, humans typically do not consume terrestrial animals’ digestive systems, but other internal organs have also been found to contain microplastics. Studies indicate that the packaging used for meat products — particularly extruded polystyrene trays — also contributes to microplastic ingestion. Overall, eating fresh, unprocessed, plant-based, whole foods as much as possible could help to reduce exposure to microplastics via food. And cutting out seafood such as shelfish, in particular, will minimize microplastic consumption. Microplastics are everywhere, and the sheer scale of this issue can feel intimidating. But there are plenty of ways to mitigate both your own exposure and your contribution to microplastic pollution. Join recycling and zero-waste groups to help create community support networks based around reducing pollution and improving personal and environmental health.
emulsifying agents or cheap fillers, or for aesthetic reasons in glittery items. Swap unsustainable for biodegradable and be aware of Beat the Micro Bead’s “Look for the Zero” logo. Keep a clean home
Cleaning might not be very exciting, but it could significantly reduce your overall exposure to microplastics. A study from last year published in ScienceDirect found plastic particles in household dust across 12 different countries, indicating that they are global indoor pollutants. It also found that ingestion rates were higher for infants, and that overall household dust is a key exposure route for
microplastics in humans. Cut out animal products
Seafood and fish are other key sources of microplastic ingestion in humans, and a single portion of consumer-grade mussels in the EU contains up to 90 pieces of microplastic. But other animals also contain microplastics, including pigs, sheep, and cows.
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker