How to avoid microplastics in your food

Want to avoid microplastics? Ditch the Tupperware and stop washing plastic containers in the dishwasher

What you probably already know: Microplastics are everywhere, and they’re showing up more and more in our bodies. There have been numerous studies done linking the presence of microplastics to everything from heart disease to infertility. While avoiding microplastics is nearly impossible — buying food that doesn’t have any plastic in the packaging is an exercise in futility, even in the most natural of food stores — there are ways to avoid the worst of it. The New York Times took a look at some tips on how to keep microplastics out of your food.

Why? Tiny particles of plastic slough off plastic containers and wraps as it degrades, making their way into our food supply. They’ve even been found in human breast milk. Experts suggest that there are some steps to avoid microplastics, though, including not microwaving food in plastic containers, which can increase degradation of the plastic and result in larger concentrations of plastic in your food.

How do I avoid it? Other suggestions include not re-using plastic take-out containers for food storage. These plastics tend to be lower quality and are more likely to introduce microplastics to your food when you continue to reuse them. Experts suggest using ceramics or glass food-storage containers instead. Other tips include avoiding bottled water and using a glass or metal tumbler instead, and getting an NSF-certified water filter for your tap water, which often contains microplastics.

Any other tips? Use wood or bamboo cutting boards instead of plastic and, if you do re-use plastic containers, don’t run them through the dishwasher, as that only increases the degradation of the plastic. Also, making sure your home is free of dust and is kept clean can help, as microplastics float around in the air and end up in our respiratory system.