- Eat organic food and food that is high in antioxidants that may help in ridding the body of plastic toxins including red beans, blueberries, kidney beans, pinto beans, cranberries, artichokes, blackberries, dried plums and prunes, strawberries, pecans, cherries, plums, Russet potato, black beans, and walnuts.
- Coenzyme Q10 in liquid, pure powder supplement pill, and found in nuts, fish and meat is a powerful antioxidant -- check with a doctor to discuss interaction with other medication.
- Avoid line caught fish that have been found to contain high levels of plastic including anchovies, cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, herring, mackerel, red snapper, rockfish, salmon, sardines, sea bass, swordfish, trout, and tuna.? A recent study showed 66.67% (20 out of 30) of farmed fish samples had microplastics in their digestive system, while 88.4% (23 of 26) of wild fish samples presented microplastics.
- Don't wash polyester or acrylic clothes in hot water or place them in a hot dryer – the heat breaks down and releases airborne particles.? Stay abreast of new washer/dryer filters that remove plastic particulate before contaminating water sources.
- Don’t wash plastic items in the dishwasher – the heat breaks down and releases plastic particulate.
- Remove, recycle, replace, and avoid plastic in the kitchen including water bottles, cups, plates, bowls, utensils, cutting boards, storage containers, plastic wrap, and plastic bags.
- Use metal or glass water bottles instead of plastic ones.
- Since plastic particles have been found in plastic bottled water, in glass bottled water, and in reverse osmosis systems due to plastic tubing, boiling water seems to be most effective to purify water.? Stay abreast of new water filtering systems that are emerging to specifically remove plastic particulate.
- Cook with cast iron and ceramic cookware.
- Most coffee makers leak plastic into coffee from plastic parts and tubing. Use a French coffee press, pour over or devices without plastic parts.
- Avoid drinking hot coffee from paper cups that are lined with plastic polymer linings and polylactic acid plastic lining.? Bring a stainless-steel metal travel mug when buying coffee to go.
- Use a reusable coffee cup instead of disposable plastic ones.
- Avoid plastic mesh tea bags: Use loose leaf tea with a metal infuser.
- Use Lotus produce bags, wax paper, and beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap for food storage.
- Store food in glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic ones.
- Avoid having hot food delivered in plastic containers or, minimally, ask to have the container lined with aluminum foil. Bring a glass bowl to replace take out containers.
- Replace single-use plastic items like fast-food or take-out cups, containers, cutlery and bags with biodegradable or compostable materials made from plant fibers, such as cornstarch or sugarcane.
- No one is sure why chicken nuggets are filled with MP -- e.g., according to a 2024 Consumer Reports study, Wendy's chicken nuggets contain nearly 34,000 nanograms of microplastic per serving.
- Remove, recycle, replace, and avoid buying synthetic clothing, blankets, carpet and flooring that recirculate particulate in the home.? These chemical-based fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic, Spandex, Lycra and Elastane, Rayon, Viscose, acetate, model, microfiber, polypropylene Olefin, and aramid including Kevlar and Nomex.
- Synthetic shoes materials release microplastics through wear and tear.? Opt for natural materials including leather, cotton or wool in footwear.
- Dust often to remove particulate floating in your home.
- Buy clothing, blankets, and carpet in natural fibers such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, bamboo, jute, ramie, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, camel hair, and milk, pineapple and soy fiber.
- Remove and replace laminate flooring that releases plastic particulate from the melamine resin added to the top wear and backing layers.
- Replace plastic shopping bags with reusable cloth bags.
- Bring paper bags and reusable cloth bags for fruits and vegetables when shopping.
- Use bar soap and shampoo bars instead of bottled liquid versions.
- If you must use a straw, opt for metal, bamboo, or silicone straws instead of plastic ones.
- Carry a reusable cutlery set, or disposable utensils made from metal or bamboo.
- Use cotton cloth napkins instead of polyester ones.
- Use sponges made from natural fibers like coconut fiber instead of plastic-based sponges.
- Use compostable trash bags instead of plastic ones.
- Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging.
- Choose toys made from wood, metal, or other sustainable materials instead of plastic.
- Include a wish list of your own or from Target or Amazon that includes non-plastic gift ideas for birthdays, especially kid birthdays.
- Purchase secondhand items to reduce demand for new plastic products.
- Make your own simple cleaning products and store them in glass containers.
- Use glass or metal spray bottles for cleaning solutions.
- Use refill stations for products like laundry detergent, dish soap, and personal care items.
- Switch to toothbrushes, razor handles, hairbrushes, dental picks, Q-tips, and combs, and soap dishes made with bamboo instead of plastic.
- Find alternatives to plastic dental floss.
- Select eco-friendly shaving cream: Avoid aerosol cans and plastic packaging.
- Avoid inhaling air fresheners, synthetic perfumes, non-soy candles, synthetic fire logs and most commercial cleaning agents.
- Filter indoor air with HEPA air filters.
- Avoid synthetic or Mr. Clean “Magic” erasers and sponges that emit millions of particulates. Use natural or biodegradable sponges.
- Select non-plastic feminine hygiene products that are cotton or paper based.
- Avoid plastic bath sponges; use natural loofahs.
- Find alternatives to chewing gum: Many gums contain plastic.
- Many paints contain plastic polymers -- opt for natural paints made from plant oils or water-based alternatives when possible.
- Most garages are not temperature-controlled -- Don’t leave plastic items including holiday decorations in garages, especially in the summer when toxic chemicals from plastic are released from the intense heat.
- Plastics are ubiquitous in modern homes but can be relatively?easily identified and replaced,?often with new or used?items made of glass, wood, cotton, coconut, leather, bamboo, metal, cork, stone, wool, silk and hemp.
Containers and Utensils: Food storage containers, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, cutting boards, cooking utensils (spatulas, spoons, tongs) and scrubbing sponges
Appliances: Refrigerator interiors and shelves, microwave oven components, blender and food processor parts, coffee makers are typically made with a lot of plastic, dishwasher racks
Packaging: Bottles for water, soda cans, and condiments, wrappers for snacks and food items, plastic bags for groceries and produce
Furniture: Upholstery materials, cushion foam, TV stands and entertainment centers
Electronics: Remote controls, television and monitor casings, gaming consoles and controllers
Decor: Picture frames, lampshades, artificial plants and flowers
Furniture and Fixtures: Bed frames, mattress components (plastic-based foam and springs), closet organizers and storage bins
Textiles: Polyester bedding and curtains, carpets and rugs -- look for cotton blankets, sheets and pillow cases on Marketplace or thrift stores
Personal Items: Clothing hangers, laundry baskets, jewelry and accessories
Personal Care Products: Shampoo and conditioner bottles (bars are great), toothbrushes, razors and shaving cream containers, makeup containers and applicators, including tampons
Fixtures: Shower curtains, bathmats, toilet seats and lids
Storage: Medicine cabinets, organizers for toiletries
Electronics: Computer and printer casings, keyboards and mouse devices, phone and tablet cases
Office Supplies: Pens and markers, plastic folders and binders, desk organizers
Appliances: Washing machine and dryer components, laundry baskets and hampers
Cleaning Supplies: Detergent bottles, spray bottles for cleaners, buckets and brushes
Tools and Equipment: Tool handles and casings, garden hoses and watering cans, storage bins and shelves
Toys and Recreational Items: Children's toys, sports equipment (e.g., helmets, balls), outdoor furniture
Don’t leave plastic items in cars, especially in the summer when toxic chemicals from plastic are released from the intense heat.
Microparticles from road tire abrasion are ‘high concern’ pollutants that contribute to particulate pollution in urban runoff and are a source of particulate inhalation in humans.? Best to keep the windows up in highly trafficked areas.
