Microplastics and plastic avoidance are omnipresent, an issue with an extraordinary impact on our planet. Tips for a life without plastic
Author: Viola Haderlein
Microplastics and plastic avoidance are ubiquitous. We are investigating the question of how harmful Micro plastic and give tips for a life without plastic & live sustainably.
In 1997 a new continent was discovered in the Pacific Ocean. Its discoverer was Charles Moore, a sailing environmental activist. The continent consisted of a plastic garbage carpet the size of India. Meanwhile, more plastic garbage strudel has been discovered in the world's oceans; the public is alarmed.
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What are microplastics?
Microplastics are non-degradable plastic particles with a size between 0,1 micrometers and 5 mm. Even smaller plastic particles are called nanoplastics.
Microplastic emissions are caused by the abrasion or disintegration of larger plastic products such as car tires, plastic bottles, shoe soles or when washing Synthetic fibers. They are added to cleaning agents as abrasives, detergents or as a cosmetic additive in peelings.
How do microplastics get into the environment?
Around 364 tonnes of microplastics get into the sewage treatment plants in Germany alone through rain, household wastewater and the sewage system. A large part of the microplastic part can be filtered out in Germany, but about 000 percent of it is released into the environment. For example, on fields that are fertilized with sewage sludge.
The fine plastic particles also reach groundwater, lakes and seas via soils and rivers. Microorganisms such as mussels and crabs also absorb microplastics. These are food for larger marine animals, which in turn end up on our plates. The food chain closes and the microplastics end up in the human body.
Who is microplastic harmful to?
It has not yet been proven that microplastics are harmful to the human body. Research is active, but is keeping a low profile. According to the WHO, however, it cannot be ruled out that nanoplastic particles that enter the human body through respiration or food can be distributed and deposited there. The majority of microplastic particles are excreted.
However, the harmful effects of the plasticizer BPA (bisphenol A), which has been shown to influence the hormonal system, has been confirmed. The EU has declared BPA a worrying substance, but it is still added to food cans, beverage cans and other food containers.
In the case of cosmetic products, microplastics containing abbreviations such as PET (polyurethane) or PP (polypropylene) can be identified.
Conscious living without plastic and zero waste - How does it work?
The responsibility to reduce the share of microplastics lies equally with manufacturers, retailers and us consumers.
There are now pioneers like Nadine Schubert with their blog “Better life without plastic”, who exemplify the zero waste lifestyle. Unpacked shops can also be found in almost all large cities. The way is worth it.
If you are determined to switch your everyday life to plastic-free, you can do this step by step. All you need is a certain rethink, patience, creativity and our tips:
20 tips to avoid plastic
You can avoid plastic in every area of life by first consuming less and more consciously, this is the first step to a more sustainable lifestyle. Start at home, rethink your everyday life and consumer behavior: take the time to plan your purchases and with your eyes open to make plastic-free purchasing decisions.
Procurement
- Prefer water and other drinks in glass bottles or have a water filter installed at home.
- Avoid food with disposable packaging and transport fruit and vegetables as well as your other purchases in a fabric net or bag. In addition, bring a small container to have cheese and cold cuts filled in at the food counter.
Outdoor
- Take your own water bottle as well as a metal container for snacks with you when traveling.
- Avoid straws and plastic ice cream spoons, as well as coffee-to-go cups and use your own lockable coffee cup instead. Leak-proof aluminum containers are also suitable for take-away meals.
- Less driving protects the environment and also means less plastic abrasion from the tires.
- Become an environmental and animal savior: don't be afraid to pick up plastic on the street, in the park or on the beach and throw it in the next trash can.
Budget
- Bake your own bread.
- For example, use baking soda as scouring powder.
- Prefer bamboo cotton swabs.
- Always choose cosmetics free of microplastics.
- Replace shower gel and liquid detergent with solid soap.
- Reduce plastic tape and use paper rolls instead.
- Do without tea bags and rediscover the tea infuser.
- Switch to ribbons when wrapping gifts
- Children's and animal toys should always be plastic-free.
- Pay attention to the correct waste separation.
Electronics
- Buy used equipment that works properly.
- Headphones are now made from sustainable materials such as wood and fabric.
- Borrow little used equipment instead of buying new one.
Repair
- We live in a throw-away society that we help to shape or not. Therefore, repair items and clothing and use them as long as possible for conscious living.
Use apps for a life without plastic
One key challenge is code check app also determines individual ingredients of products when shopping.
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