Did you know that nothing in nature can completely break down plastic on its own? Instead, plastics split into smaller and smaller pieces until they become “microplastics” that end up in the air, seafood, the soil our veggies are grown in, and yes, even our bodies. Luckily, you can limit your exposure and start clearing them from your body with a few simple tricks. That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide on how to avoid microplastics. Keep reading to enjoy a healthier body and planet!

Use Plastic-Free Water Bottles

When you’re away from home, it can be tempting to reach for a plastic water bottle, or a reusable glass or stainless steel bottle that contains plastic hidden in the lids, straws, spouts, or elsewhere. Unfortunately, the plastic can leach into your water, especially on hot days and with repeated use. That’s why we recommend always bringing along a 100% plastic-free water bottle instead — like the amazing options we carry at Pura Stainless!

Drink Filtered Tap Water

In addition to what holds your water, you also need to know what’s in it! While there are far less microplastics in tap water than bottled, these pesky particles still make their way into our water supply. Be sure to opt for tap water whenever possible and use a carbon block or distillation filter to keep microplastics out!

Avoid Plastic Food Packaging

The plastic your food and drinks come in don’t just hold your food, they get into it too! This happens when you microwave your food in plastic containers, run tupperware through the dishwasher, brew coffee in a plastic machine, or pour hot water on a tea bag. That’s why we encourage making the switch to loose leaf teas, skipping plastic coffee machines and pods, and heating and storing your food in plastic-free containers. When on the go, we recommend stashing your lunch in our favorite containers, made entirely of food-grade stainless steel and silicone.

Use Wood Cutting Boards

Just like you should try not to heat or store your food in plastic, you should also avoid it when making your food too! For example, using a sharp knife against the surface of a cutting board slices into the plastic creating tiny pieces that get into your food. When you wash the cutting board with hot water, you are continuing to break it down. That’s why we recommend ditching them altogether and switching to natural, wood cutting boards.

Eat More Produce

With the world dropping and washing plastics into the water supply, they get into the ocean and inside the bellies of sea life — which we consume! Not to mention, microplastics cling to animal fat. So, to avoid microplastics and keep your intake to a minimum, limit your seafood and red meat consumption. Instead, you can prioritize fruits and veggies in your diet over fatty foods.

Dust and Vacuum Often

Microplastics make their way into the air from things like microfibers in synthetic clothes. Luckily, you can reduce your exposure by keeping your living space tidy. Dust around your home regularly, then use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up the fibers and ensure small particles stay trapped in your vacuum rather than getting blown back into the air. This is especially important when you have little ones at home!

Opt for Eco-friendly Products

Whenever you can, choose materials for your personal care products, clothes, and other day-to-day items consciously. Many sustainable brands avoid plastic materials to help you keep your routine clean. If you have kids, rethink plastic toys and try to make the switch to items made of organic materials. Things like wooden blocks, cotton stuffed animals, stainless steel paint tins, and biodegradable glitter are just as fun for little ones and a lot more fun for their health!

At Pura Stainless, we are deeply passionate about your health and the planet’s. That's why we believe in helping others reduce plastic use by embracing eco-friendly products and a sustainable lifestyle. As a part of this mission, we are the only company that offers bottles for all ages, from infant to sport, that are 100% plastic-free and Made Safe® Certified free of over 80,000 toxins! We hope these solutions on how to avoid microplastics in your daily life inspire you to begin your journey going plastic free. To start your switch with new, 100% plastic-free water bottles and food storage containers, visit our website and shop today!