Microplastics, those tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated our environment, posing a growing concern for both our health and the planet. While many people are aware of the microplastics in single-use plastics and synthetic clothing, there are some surprising sources of these minuscule pollutants taking space in everyday products.
In this blog, we'll briefly talk about four everyday products that contain microplastics and provide sustainable alternatives, as well as an everyday solution to always begin in the know about which products contain microplastics. Best part, is it’s free. Read through to the end of the blog to find out. Okay, here we go.
1. Toothpaste
Microplastics Source: Some conventional toothpaste brands include microplastics as abrasive agents to help scrub teeth. These microplastics can end up in our mouths and down the drain.
Sustainable Alternative: Opt for natural toothpaste or those labeled as microplastic-free. These products often use natural ingredients like baking soda or calcium carbonate as abrasives.
Below is a list of the top toothpaste brands, that were scanned and found to contain the most amount of microplastics of toothpastes on the selves.* 2020:
- Fresh Mint Toothpaste, Aquafresh
- Cool Mint Toothpaste, Prodent
- Tandpasta Classic, Zendium
- Anti-tandsteen Tandpasta, Prodent
- Tandsteen Controle 3-in-1 Tandpasta, Aquafresh
- Fresh Gel Toothpaste, Prodent
- Pro-Expert Intense Reiniging Tandpasta, Oral-B
- Arctic Fresh Whitener Tandpasta, Prodent
- Tandpasta Intense White, Aquafresh
- Gentle Whitening Tandpasta, Sensodyne
Source: https://wesmyle.com/blogs/news/microplastics-in-toothpaste-really-still
*This is a list done as of 2020 and results may be different today.
2. Makeup and Exfoliating Scrubs
Microplastics Source: Many cosmetics and facial exfoliating scrubs contain microplastics in the form of tiny beads. When washed off, they enter the water system and are consumed by fish and other animals, including humans.
Microplastics were more frequent in the following product categories:
- Mascara (90%)
- Lipsticks and lip glosses (85%)
- Foundation (74%)
- Highlighters (69%)
- Face powders (43%)
- Source: https://www.sustainablylazy.com/blog/natural-eco-friendly-beauty-brands-without-microplastics-microbeads
Sustainable Alternative: Look for makeup and skincare products that use natural exfoliants like jojoba beads, apricot kernel powder, coffee grounds or sugar, and stay away from products that contain silicon beads or other non natural particles.
3. Chewing Gum
Microplastics Source: Not sure if gum qualifies as a personal care item for you, but if it does here are some reasons why you shouldn't just chew any gum. Chewing gum is made from a synthetic rubber base, which can contain microplastic particles to enhance texture and flavor. Not to mention, chewing gum today comes in plastic wrapping and containers that can leak out other plastics into the gum.
Sustainable Alternative: Opt for natural, synthetic-free chewing gum brands that use chicle, a natural tree sap, as the base ingredient. Brands such as Simply Gum, Chewy, Pur Gum, and Trader Joes all make excellent products.
4. Cleaning Products
Microplastics Source: Some household cleaning products, especially those designed for abrasion, contain microplastics that can end up in wastewater.
Sustainable Alternative: Choose eco-friendly cleaning products that use natural abrasives like baking soda, vinegar, or citrus-based solutions. We also recommend making your own cleaning products. It’s often much less expensive and much better for you than the store-bought alternative. We have several blogs about the best cleaning products and how to make your own that you can check out if you want to learn more.
Why Make the Switch?
Being conscientious of the products that you use and if they contain microplastics is essential for several simply reasons:
- Environmental Impact: Microplastics pollute our oceans, rivers, and soil, posing threats to wildlife and ecosystems. Choosing products without microplastics helps reduce this pollution and keep forever chemicals from building up further.
- Human Health: Microplastics can enter our bodies through ingestion and inhalation, potentially causing health issues. As mentioned above, they enter the soil, water, and humans. Avoiding products with microplastics is a proactive step for personal well-being and human longevity.
- Sustainable Practices: Supporting eco-friendly products and practices encourages businesses to adopt more responsible manufacturing and sourcing methods. You dollar is you vote. By purchasing items without plastics, you contribute to the greater good. Knowledge is power.
MICROBEAD:
Being mindful of products that contain microplastics and opting for sustainable alternatives is a powerful way to reduce your environmental footprint. But keeping all that knowledge in your head, and spending time constantly researching which products are the best and worst to use can be draining.
One easy solution is MICROBEAD, the free app designed by the Plastic Soup Foundation to help consumers make better choices. The app allows you to scan a product and will tell you if the product contains microplastics, what kind & how many there are in that product. By making informed choices, you contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet and promote a shift towards a more sustainable future for all.
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