Unseen Invaders: How Microplastics are Infiltrating the Food We Eat

Plastic is infiltrating the food you eat – and you may not even realize it. Microplastics, or tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5mm in size, are making their way into our food and drinks in several ways.

Source: NowThis Earth/Youtube

Microplastics can be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the salt we use to season our food. They can also be found in the seafood we eat, as fish and other marine life can mistake microplastics for food and ingest them. But how exactly are microplastics getting into our food and drinks? One source is plastic packaging, as microplastics can be released when the packaging breaks down over time. Microplastics can also be found in personal care products such as toothpaste and exfoliating scrubs, which can release the particles into the water supply when they are washed down the drain.

The health implications of consuming microplastics are not yet fully understood, but research is ongoing to determine any potential risks. Some studies have suggested that microplastics may harm human health, as they can contain chemicals that can leach out into the body.

So, what can reduce our exposure to microplastics in our food and drinks? One solution is to reduce our single-use plastic packaging and switch to more sustainable options such as glass or metal containers. We can also be mindful of the products we use and opt for those that are microplastic-free.

Another solution is to Support companies that are working to reduce their use of plastic and minimize the release of microplastics into the environment. Many companies are now removing plastic from their supply chains and using more sustainable materials in their products. Microplastics are a widespread problem that requires a collective effort to address. By making small changes in our lives and supporting companies working towards a more sustainable future, we can all play a role in reducing the microplastics in our food and drinks.

So, the next time you sit down to a meal, remember that the food on your plate may have a hidden ingredient you didn’t expect – microplastics. Let’s work together to reduce our use of plastic and protect our food and drink from this insidious pollutant.

Sign this petition to tell Congress and the EPA to work together to reduce microplastic Pollution in our environments from the source!

Related Content:

• New Study Finds Microplastics in Monterey Bay Water, Seabirds and Anchovies
• Petition: Demand Congress Provide Funding to New Technology That Could Clean Microplastics Out of Water
• Petition: Tell Congress and the EPA to Protect Us Against Microplastics
• Microplastics are Disrupting the Ocean’s Biological Carbon Pump
• German Company Creates Technology that Makes Whirlpools to Remove Microplastics from Water

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!