5 surprising sources of plastic consumption

If you have been following along in the health debates these last many years, abbreviations such as BPA, PFAS and words such as micro plastics won't be foreign to you. Still, let me clarify what these mean and where they are found.

BPA: Bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical used mainly to make certain hard plastics (like some polycarbonate containers - hard, clear plastic containers) and epoxy resins that line some food and drink cans. The main health concern with BPA is that it acts as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormone systems, potentially causing issues like fertility problems, altered development, and increased blood pressure or risk of type 2 diabetes.

PFAS: Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large family of human‑made chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and can build up in the environment and in living organisms (such as humans and animals). Studies show that certain PFAS can accumulate in the blood, liver, kidneys, and other tissues over time, which is one reason they are considered a health concern.

Micro plastics: Tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimetres that come from two main sources. Primary micro plastics are manufactured small plastics directly used in products like micro-beads in cosmetics, plastic pellets used in manufacturing, and synthetic fibres in textiles. Secondary micro plastics are formed by the breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles, bags, fishing nets, tires, and road markings through natural weathering and wear. Micro plastics are a growing environmental and human concern as they are found everywhere—in water, food, air, and even inside humans and animals. They are persistent, have a widespread presence, and potential for long-term subtle health effects. Much of micro plastic intake comes from drinking water (especially bottled water) and seafood.

I think it's safe to say that avoiding plastic where we can would be prudent. There are obvious ways of doing this, such as avoiding plastic bottles (get yourself a reusable stainless steel bottle), installing a water filter that removes micro plastic (the Berkey is excellent), replacing plastic tupperware with glass tupperware, getting rid of plastic toys (so many amazing wooden second-hand options out there) and buying clothes that are made of breathable, natural fabrics (such as cotton, wool, linen and silk - again, consider browsing vinted.com for second-hand or go to charity shops) rather than plastic, for which there are many names, so read the labels (polyester, nylon/polyamide, acrylic, polypropylene, spandex/elastane).

Then there are the less obvious places plastic shows up, and below I have listed 5 of these, that might surprise you:

1. Paper take-away cups: Have a thin plastic lining on the inside to make them waterproof and heat resistant. The plastic lining (usually polyethylene) degrades when exposed to hot liquids, releasing micro plastics and various hazardous chemicals including phthalates, heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel), endocrine disruptors (like styrene and vinyl chloride), and other toxic additives into the beverage within minutes. Solution: Bring your own reusable glass or stainless steel cup and ask the barista to use it instead - sometimes this even takes down the price of your beverage slightly! Win-win.

   
   

2. Tea bags: Plastic is present in many tea bags primarily as a heat sealant made from polypropylene, a type of plastic used to bind the bag’s seams and keep it intact during brewing. Some are entirely made from plastics (like nylon or PET). Steeping plastic-containing tea bags in hot water can release billions of micro plastic and nano plastic particles into the tea, which then enter the drinker’s body. Solution: Go for loose tea and/or do your research and purchase tea from brands who use plastic-free tea bags, such as the brand 'Hampstead'.

   
   

3. Cans for food and drinks: Aluminium and “tin” cans are usually lined with a thin plastic-based resin on the inside to stop corrosion and keep the contents from reacting with the metal. Solution: Eat real food and stay away from drinking your calories. Avoid anything tinned/canned: Pre-make what you need instead (boiled beans, lentils, tomato sauce etc.) in large batches and freeze them in your glass tupperware.

   
   

4. Receipts: Many till receipts use thermal paper with a plastic-containing coating. Solution: Say no when you are asked whether you would like the receipt or ask for it to be emailed to you when possible.

   
   

5. Wipes: Most baby wipes, makeup wipes, and cleaning wipes contain synthetic fibres like polyester or polypropylene, so they’re basically thin plastic cloths rather than paper, and they shed micro plastics when used or flushed. Solution: Choose wipes made from natural, biodegradable materials such as cotton and bamboo or go one step further and consider reusable cloth wipes made from cotton or bamboo flannel that you can wash and reuse, eliminating plastic entirely and reducing waste.