topic Re: concerns about microplastics in Wellness

concerns about microplastics

Trailrun23 — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:08:33 GMT

Have been seeing many articles and interviews with doctors on tv about the danger of microplastics; people with dementia have 10 times more microplastics in their brains than others....also those who have heart attacks have elevated amounts, microplastics also are effecting fertility since they build up in the endocrine system. The biggest sources of microplastics that we are ingesting are plastic water bottles, tea bags, and microwave dinners...there were several other things listed but couldn't write them all down.

They now recommend never drinking water from plastic water bottles especially if. it has been heated, like sitting in your car; throw it away instead. The shipping process which for sure would cause some heating when trucks are moving cases of this across the country. Tea bags release microplastics as soon as the bag contacts hot water.

I assume the microwaveable dinners are like Lean Cuisine, etc.

They recommend switching to buying glass-bottled water, I guess like Perier, etc.

Use only loose tea.

Put frozen dinners into glass bowls or plates before heating.

Do any of you use a water filter on your kitchen faucet or a filtering system like Brita?

We buy lots of cases of bottled spring water....but buying glass bottles...don't know if I have seen regular spring water in glass. I am concerned.

Re: concerns about microplastics

kaydee50 — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:32:32 GMT

Have to admit that "microplastics" are not high on my list of things to worry about!

Re: concerns about microplastics

hkrgrl — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:36:58 GMT

i have been seeing and reading about Microplastics and how concerning they are.

i stopped buying bottled water years ago. we both have yeti's for our water. we installed a water filter on our pot filler which we use to cook, fill our glass water pitchers for the fridge etc... i just hope the filter filters out the m.p.!!!

i read that the our county water system cannot filter out the m.p.'s since they are well micro. so its up to us to do the best we can.

our food and water supply is not ideal, to say the least.

and now with less regulation on Big Ag etc.. it will only continue to worsen..

Bring nature home, plant native species to your area

Re: concerns about microplastics

Nightowlz — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:20:36 GMT

We have been using a reverse osmosis system for over 40 yrs. The one we have right now says it removes 99% of microplastics plus a lot of other stuff. It has 9 stages of filtration.

It also has a blacklight that removes bacteria, fungus, germs, viruses, microorganisms.

It has a remineralization system that adds back in calcium & magnesium.

An RO system uses water to make water so our water bill is higher. It's worth it. We would have to lug home some other form of drinking water. We would be spending that money on our water bill or some other form of water to drink.

I forgot to say I drink my water out of a S'well insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps my water cold.

Re: concerns about microplastics

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:13:53 GMT

I never undestood why people bought water...why not invest in a good filter? All the uproar about trash, and people not recycling...just adds to the huge amount of trash in this country.

I bet I have not purchased 5 bottles of water in my life...I will admit to drinking pop from plastic, but not a lot...I might have to switch to glass bottles if they even exist.

Re: concerns about microplastics

ahoymate — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:17:06 GMT

FYI..............we will NEVER be rid of microplastics. Every step you take in your shoes with rubber, plastic etc., soles are contribruting.

Read for more /latest info. Can't post link but Google is a good reference.

Re: concerns about microplastics

Cakers3 — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:26:25 GMT

Microplastics in water bottles are just one issue.

Look at the depletion of quality produce. Microplastics cause severe decreases in photosynthesis. Without it our crops are diminishing in size and quality.

When quality organic (or non organic) produce can be difficult to find at Whole Foods - there's a problem.

There are plenty of research articles out there and have been for decades.

Not only farm crops but fish.

While some push for eliminating plastics is about the environment, and should be, plastics are not the only concern when it comes to food and our health.

Remember in the 80's when paper grocery bags were the cause of our forests being depleted and therefore the ozone? And plastic bags were replacing paper bags?

As though manufacturing plastic is clean and unharmful.

It will always be something because often the cause du jour is about..... economics, to put it politely.

Re: concerns about microplastics

SilleeMee — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:00:30 GMT

Microfiber/polyester fabrics are some of the worst offenders. The fibers breakdown into microscopic pieces and eventually end up in the water supply and oceans. If you eat fish or shellfish from the sea then you're getting a dose of the plastic.

Re: concerns about microplastics

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:32:50 GMT

1. We don't buy bottled water unless it can't be helped (at an event or hotel, for instance). I have my own stainless steel insulated tumbler that I use daily and carry it with me.

2. I store food in glass mason jars and Anchor Hocking pieces - no more Tupperware, Snapware, Rubbermaid, or Lock-n-Lock.

3. We don't eat microwave meals , but no microwave reheating of leftovers in plasticware. I don't own any anyway. I transfer the food to glass. Our dishware is basic white Corelle so I'll use that or an Anchor Hocking dish.

4. Pitched the plastic cutting board and replaced it with titanium.

5. If I send leftovers home with guests, I have plastic bento boxes, but I line them with unbleached parchment paper before the food goes in.

Re: concerns about microplastics

Carmie — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 01:08:48 GMT

I am very concerned about microplastics. They are now everywhere.

One concerning big microplastic bomb is polyester clothing. When it is washed, tiny particles break off into the water.

This water is where fish and other marine life live. In turn, these animals are now full of microplastics and when we consume them, we are filled with them as well.

Plastics are ruining our earth. It's in our water, our land, in the air and in our bodies.

Re: concerns about microplastics

skatting44 — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:35:35 GMT

AS some have pointed out, the microplastics are every where and have invaded our bodies and brains.

Am aware to try to do as I can to avoid additional , but it way to late to protect our selves and loved ones

Re: concerns about microplastics

Desertdi — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:48:03 GMT

You can Google the places where people LIVE THE LONGEST. (They are NOT in the U.S.)

Re: concerns about microplastics

avid shopper — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:58:22 GMT

I think that people who are interested in this topic have known about the plastic issue for years. I am not sure what can be done. Major corporations only care about the bottom line. When I was a kid nothing was plastic and life went along and we had milk, bread, meat, water etc.without plastic packaging. Appliances were made of wood and metal. I blame corporation who are in huge competition to again, increase the bottom line. At this point we can only take care of our individual selves. I will not live long enough to see it but this planet is headed towards destruction in more than one way.

I have bottled water on hand as I live in an apartment complex and there always seem to be some reason to turn off the water.

There are many documentaries that can explain this issue much better than I can convey.

Re: concerns about microplastics

hkrgrl — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:57:08 GMT

@Cakers3 wrote:
Microplastics in water bottles are just one issue.

Look at the depletion of quality produce. Microplastics cause severe decreases in photosynthesis. Without it our crops are diminishing in size and quality.

When quality organic (or non organic) produce can be difficult to find at Whole Foods - there's a problem.

There are plenty of research articles out there and have been for decades.

Not only farm crops but fish.

While some push for eliminating plastics is about the environment, and should be, plastics are not the only concern when it comes to food and our health.

Remember in the 80's when paper grocery bags were the cause of our forests being depleted and therefore the ozone? And plastic bags were replacing paper bags?

As though manufacturing plastic is clean and unharmful.

It will always be something because often the cause du jour is about..... economics, to put it politely.

i do remember the push to go to plastic bags b/c of the forests depletion.
i read an article years ago that that narrative was used by the petroleum lobbists so they could make more $$$$$$$.

as always Follow The Money!!!

i was telling my DD, we used to go the butcher shop and everything was wrapped in butcher paper.. no more, its all styrofoam and shrink wrap now. UGH!!!

agree, very hard to avoid, but again, we do the best we can.
sad what is happening in & to our enviroment.
the only way to make some impact is through our wallet and voice.

when is enough enough???? how much $$ do the billionaires need????????

Bring nature home, plant native species to your area

Re: concerns about microplastics

Still Raining — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:41:55 GMT

The other day I again noticed that the brand of peanut butter I buy is in a glass jar. I wash them out and reuse. Used to be so much more common.

Re: concerns about microplastics

mrshckynut — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:05:24 GMT

@Trailrun23 wrote:
Have been seeing many articles and interviews with doctors on tv about the danger of microplastics; people with dementia have 10 times more microplastics in their brains than others....also those who have heart attacks have elevated amounts, microplastics also are effecting fertility since they build up in the endocrine system. The biggest sources of microplastics that we are ingesting are plastic water bottles, tea bags, and microwave dinners...there were several other things listed but couldn't write them all down.
They now recommend never drinking water from plastic water bottles especially if. it has been heated, like sitting in your car; throw it away instead. The shipping process which for sure would cause some heating when trucks are moving cases of this across the country. Tea bags release microplastics as soon as the bag contacts hot water.
I assume the microwaveable dinners are like Lean Cuisine, etc.
They recommend switching to buying glass-bottled water, I guess like Perier, etc.
Use only loose tea.
Put frozen dinners into glass bowls or plates before heating.
Do any of you use a water filter on your kitchen faucet or a filtering system like Brita?
We buy lots of cases of bottled spring water....but buying glass bottles...don't know if I have seen regular spring water in glass. I am concerned.

@Trailrun23 i am too old to concern myself with the lastest daily study my plan is to live my life as always irregardless of coffee is good for you no it's bad for you studies

mrshckynut

Re: concerns about microplastics

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:18:53 GMT

I forgot to include:

We quit using K-cups due to the very hot water passing through aluminum and plastic.

I'm also looking at plastic free tea bag brands or maybe getting loose leaf tea and a stainless steel tea ball or diffuser/strainer. We don't drink a lot of tea anymore but it's something to think about.

I have a sibling who has been diagnosed with dementia & memory loss and another who had a stroke who now has some cognitive impairment. In addition to concerns about ingesting microplastics and aluminum, it's my belief that the Standard American Diet and the multitude of low quality processed food and junk additives our society consumes, without regard for ingredients, has significantly contributed to the decline in brain health. I'm sure there are likely many holes in our armor, and eventually we'll die anyway, but my DH and I are doing what we can in diet, supplements, and lifestyle to keep our brains as healthy as possible.

Re: concerns about microplastics

Cakers3 — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:30:41 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Great post 👍

Re: concerns about microplastics

Cakers3 — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:34:00 GMT

@mrshckynut wrote:
@Trailrun23 wrote:
Have been seeing many articles and interviews with doctors on tv about the danger of microplastics; people with dementia have 10 times more microplastics in their brains than others....also those who have heart attacks have elevated amounts, microplastics also are effecting fertility since they build up in the endocrine system. The biggest sources of microplastics that we are ingesting are plastic water bottles, tea bags, and microwave dinners...there were several other things listed but couldn't write them all down.
They now recommend never drinking water from plastic water bottles especially if. it has been heated, like sitting in your car; throw it away instead. The shipping process which for sure would cause some heating when trucks are moving cases of this across the country. Tea bags release microplastics as soon as the bag contacts hot water.
I assume the microwaveable dinners are like Lean Cuisine, etc.
They recommend switching to buying glass-bottled water, I guess like Perier, etc.
Use only loose tea.
Put frozen dinners into glass bowls or plates before heating.
Do any of you use a water filter on your kitchen faucet or a filtering system like Brita?
We buy lots of cases of bottled spring water....but buying glass bottles...don't know if I have seen regular spring water in glass. I am concerned.

@Trailrun23 i am too old to concern myself with the lastest daily study my plan is to live my life as always irregardless of coffee is good for you no it's bad for you studies

mrshckynut

@mrshckynut Live as you please. Certainly your choice.

Choices still affect others in terms of waste, toxins, health, food, and even death.

Re: concerns about microplastics

Jo1313 — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 22:10:25 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I never undestood why people bought water...why not invest in a good filter? All the uproar about trash, and people not recycling...just adds to the huge amount of trash in this country.

I bet I have not purchased 5 bottles of water in my life...I will admit to drinking pop from plastic, but not a lot...I might have to switch to glass bottles if they even exist.

We have to keep bottled water..We have well water if the power goes out... NO water for humans or pets.