Everywhere you look lately, the word microplastics seems to be popping up. And for good reason—scientists are finally connecting the dots on how deeply plastic has worked its way into our daily lives. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, microplastics are showing up in places they should never be—including inside our own bodies.
As the founder of BYOB, this alarms me on a personal level. I started this project because I care about reducing waste, but the truth is, the urgency has grown far beyond just environmental impact. Now, it’s about protecting our health too! Do you agree that this problem got out of control right under our noses?
When Were Microplastics First Discovered?
Microplastics may sound like a new buzzword, but they were actually first identified in the 1970s, when scientists noticed small plastic fragments in ocean samples. Back then, it was seen as more of a marine pollution problem.
Fast forward to today: microplastics are no longer just an ocean issue—they’re in drinking water, food, soil, the air, and yes, even in our bloodstreams. Research published in 2022 confirmed the presence of microplastics in human blood for the very first time. That means plastic particles are circulating inside of us.
The Dangers We Know (And Don’t Know Yet)
Here’s the hard truth: we don’t fully understand how dangerous microplastics are to human health. But here’s what we do know:
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They can carry harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and flame retardants into our bodies.
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They’ve been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and inflammation in animal studies.
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Their tiny size allows them to lodge in organs and tissues, and scientists suspect they could contribute to long-term health issues we haven’t fully mapped out yet.
For me, that’s enough reason to say: Why wait for the science to catch up? Let’s reduce our exposure now.
Main Sources of Microplastic Exposure
If you want to start a microplastic-free routine, the first step is knowing where they come from. Some of the biggest culprits include:
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Plastic food containers & packaging – Heating plastic, even "microwave safe" types, can release microplastics into food. 🤢
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Single-use water bottles – A recent study found that bottled water can contain tens of thousands of plastic particles per liter. The industry really tricked us into thinking that bottled water was the cleanest water available!
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Synthetic clothing – Every load of laundry sheds thousands of microfibers into our water systems. I wish people were more aware of the dangers this causes!
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Plastic utensils & straws – They break down quickly, especially in hot foods and drinks. YUCK!
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Dust – Yes, household dust often contains tiny plastic fibers from carpets, furniture, and packaging. I'm currently researching the impact air purifiers and high-quality HVAC filters can have on this exposure - stay tuned.
How to Reduce Microplastics in Daily Life
Here are a few simple swaps and habits that can make a big difference in lowering your daily exposure:
1. Switch to Non-Toxic Food Containers
Plastic containers are one of the biggest culprits of microplastic exposure, especially when used with hot foods or in the microwave. Instead, choose safer options:
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Glass containers – Perfect for leftovers, oven use, and long-term storage. Just heavy and breakable.
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Stainless steel – Durable, lightweight, and plastic-free. Not microwave-safe, but excellent for lunches or dry storage.
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Platinum silicone – My favorite swap (which is why I created BYOB). It’s safe, flexible, oven- and microwave-friendly, and it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals.
2. Filter Your Drinking Water
Bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap water. Using a quality water filter is one of the most effective ways to cut your exposure.
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Activated carbon + membrane filters can catch many microplastics.
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Reverse osmosis filters are even more effective for removing tiny particles. I'm installing an undersink system in our kitchen next week.
👉 Here’s a guide to water filters that remove microplastics.
3. Wash Smarter
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed tiny plastic fibers every time they’re washed. These end up in waterways and, eventually, our food. I don't think this is discussed enough but I'm glad word is getting out.
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Use a Guppyfriend bag or Cora Ball to catch fibers.
👉 Learn about the Guppyfriend washing bag. -
Wash clothes less frequently, on a gentle cycle, and with cold water to reduce shedding.
4. Say No to Plastic Straws & Utensils
Single-use plastics are quick to break down into microplastics, especially in hot drinks or foods.
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Carry a reusable straw and utensil set made from bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone. I use Conscious Cutlery.
👉 National Geographic explains why single-use plastics are such a big problem.
5. Keep Dust at Bay 🤧
Believe it or not, household dust is a major source of microplastic exposure—tiny fragments from furniture, packaging, and fabrics settle in the air and on surfaces.
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Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
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Dust with a damp microfiber cloth instead of dry dusting.
👉 Read more about indoor microplastics in dust.
Start Small, But Start Now
I know this can feel overwhelming. Microplastics are everywhere. But the good news is that even small changes add up—especially when they replace something you use every single day.
Your kitchen is a great place to start. Swap out one plastic container for a safe, reusable one. Bring your own container to a restaurant instead of using Styrofoam or plastic. Each step is a step toward less exposure.
Microplastics aren’t going away anytime soon. But by choosing healthier habits now, we can reduce the risks for ourselves and set a better example for the next generation.
And thank you for the swamps you've incorporated into your daily life to help us community-wide.
👉 Ready to cut back on hidden plastics? Click here to shop BYOB and make your first microplastic-free swap today.
