--- title: Easy Ways to Cut Down on Microplastics in Everyday Life description: Learn easy, everyday swaps to help you cut back on microplastics—from food containers and water bottles to clothing, skincare, and more. image: https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hubfs/AFD%20Blog/Blog%20Articles/Blog%2070%20-%20Microplastics/Challenges_Microplastics_Feature.png --- [![Company Logo](https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hub/8124098/hubfs/Logo/white-logo.png?width=442&height=208&name=white-logo.png)](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/) [![Company Logo](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AF%20Branding/Active%26Fit_RGB_1.jpg?width=300&height=62&name=Active%26Fit_RGB_1.jpg) white-logo](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/) Search Site Search # Easy Ways to Cut Down on Microplastics in Everyday Life [Envelope](mailto:?body=https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/tag/challenges/microplastics) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/tag/challenges/microplastics) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/tag/challenges/microplastics) Oct 26, 2026 ### Learn easy, everyday swaps to help you cut back on microplastics—from food containers and water bottles to clothing, skincare, and more. You’ve likely heard the talk about microplastics, along with advice to steer clear of all plastic. But what exactly are microplastics and where should you start making these changes…and why?   #### What are microplastics? Microplastics are here to stay. They are tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters. There are even smaller, undetectable-to-the-eye fragments of plastic, or nanoplastics. These are smaller than 1 micrometer. Because plastic doesn’t degrade naturally, it breaks down very slowly over time into such tiny pieces that have made their way into just about everything. This includes into our food, water, soil, and bodies. This means that your exposure to plastic particles occurs without you knowing it’s happening. You may be drinking, eating, or inhaling them without even realizing it.  However, while you can’t avoid them completely, you can make changes to limit your exposure to them.  ![Magnifying glass revealing small plastic particles and fragments on an open hand, illustrating the presence of microplastics in the environment.](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AFD%20Blog/Blog%20Articles/Blog%2070%20-%20Microplastics/Challenges_plastic%20fragments.png?width=510&height=288&name=Challenges_plastic%20fragments.png) #### What the research says about microplastics There is a lot of information online about microplastics. Much of it can spark fear. And while everyone has been exposed to microplastics, often without even knowing it, research on its effects is still limited. We don’t have enough direct evidence to know the full extent of the dangers posed by microplastics. There are a few reasons for this. Researchers can’t do randomized controlled trials in which some participants are exposed to microplastics while others are not. Researchers are also unsure how microplastics are influenced by factors such as the environment or genetics. And they don’t know how long microplastics stay in the body. All of this makes it hard to gather causal evidence. Researchers also don’t know whether certain types of plastic or forms of exposure are worse than others. No single method has been found to reliably characterize the wide variety of microplastic particles. They vary in size, density, and composition. For results across studies to be reliable, researchers need an agreed-upon method. What we *do* know about microplastics is that they have essentially been found everywhere. They’re in the environment. They’re in the air. They’re in our bodies. They’ve been detected in human blood, saliva, liver, kidneys, placenta, and elsewhere. While this exposure may be linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues, this cannot be said for certain. There is no direct evidence linking microplastics to these or other harmful health outcomes in humans. That said, there’s one thing scientists do agree on: We should aim to lessen our exposure to microplastics. Doing so can likely lower any health risks they may pose. ![A woman selecting a reusable shopping bag from a display of cloth totes, highlighting an alternative to single-use plastics.](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AFD%20Blog/Blog%20Articles/Blog%2070%20-%20Microplastics/Challenges_reusable%20shopping%20bag.png?width=510&height=288&name=Challenges_reusable%20shopping%20bag.png) #### Habits you can form now to limit your use of microplastics While there are big steps for corporations and regulators to take, you can also learn to limit your plastic use. Take steps to avoid:  - Single-use plastics. These are plastics that you use once, then throw away. Think plastic grocery bags, take-out food and drink containers, plastic storage bags, produce wrapping, etc. You can find ways to avoid their use. When you go to a coffee house, bring your own stainless-steel tumbler and ask if they can fill it, instead of a cup with a plastic lid. When you go out to eat, bring your own glass food container for your leftovers rather than asking for a takeout box. When you go grocery shopping, bring your own reusable bags rather than using the store-provided plastic bags. - **Microplastics in food.** There are other ways to limit plastic use. Try to avoid microplastics in your meals at home by steering clear of: - **Nonstick and plastic cookware.** Use stainless-steel pots, pans, and utensils. For cooking utensils, choose wood or metal rather than plastic. You don’t need to throw away your whole set, but even replacing your plastic spatula can make a difference. - **Plastic cutting boards.** Each slice of your knife into a plastic cutting board exposes you to more microplastics in food. Swap them out for bamboo or wooden cutting boards, instead. - **Plastic food wrap.** Over time, it can break down into microplastics. Opt for reusable material covers for your glass leftover containers, instead. Some examples? You can find elastic covers made from beeswax or cotton to cover glass food containers. - **Ultra-processed foods.** A 2024 study found microplastics in commonly consumed protein choices, such as fish, shellfish, pork, beef, chicken, and even plant-based protein like tofu. It also found that [highly processed foods](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/tag/nutrition/ultra-processed-foods) had the most microplastics. - **Heating food in plastic.** Even if it’s a store-bought meal that instructs you to heat it up in its single-use packaging—don’t. Move the contents of frozen or refrigerated packaged meals into a microwave-safe glass bowl and heat it up in that, instead. #### ![Fresh vegetables, including carrots and zucchini, arranged on a wooden cutting board for meal preparation.](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AFD%20Blog/Blog%20Articles/Blog%2070%20-%20Microplastics/Challenges_wooden%20cutting%20board.png?width=510&height=288&name=Challenges_wooden%20cutting%20board.png) - Clothing made with synthetic fibers. Start by checking product labels more closely. The next time you go shopping for new clothes, look for clothing made of natural cloth. This includes cotton, linen, wool, hemp, cashmere, and silk. Avoid clothing made with polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex, or acrylic on the label. Also, consider buying bed sheets that are made of cotton, bamboo, or linen, too. - **Microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products.** Some cosmetic products on the market intentionally use microplastics. Certain face scrubs, foundations, lipstick, mascara, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen fall into this camp. To avoid them, you’ll want to check product labels. Look for and say no to these ingredients: - Polyethylene (PE) - Polypropylene (PP) - Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) - Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - Nylon (polyamide) - Polyacrylates and acrylate crosspolymers Keep in mind that you don’t have to take all of these steps to avoid microplastics at once. Even starting with small changes—one or two at a time—can help reduce your exposure. #### Other steps to eliminate microplastics Avoidance is just one way to limit your exposure to microplastics. If you’d like to take it a step further, there may even be a way to help remove microplastics from the gut: eating kimchi. [A recent study](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260517211451.htm)  found that a probiotic in kimchi can cling to nanoplastics in the gut. The kimchi then helps rid the body of these plastic particles through waste. Although more research is needed to confirm these results, kimchi may help lessen the buildup of microplastics in the gut. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also pick up plastic on the ground when you see it and recycle it. While regulations are needed to cut microplastics in the environment and the ocean, you can still make a difference by picking up trash from the ground—no matter how small the amount.  #### ![Volunteers collecting litter in a grassy outdoor area and placing waste into bags during a community cleanup effort.](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AFD%20Blog/Blog%20Articles/Blog%2070%20-%20Microplastics/Challenges_plastic%20cleanup.png?width=510&height=288&name=Challenges_plastic%20cleanup.png) #### Final thoughts Plastic isn’t going away. It’s part of everyday life and side-stepping it entirely just isn’t realistic. But cutting back where you can will have real, meaningful benefits. You just need to be mindful of how you currently use plastic. Then look for simple ways to reduce it. As you become more aware of your plastic use, you may find it easier to spot plastic in the things you buy, too. And that can lead to more opportunities to choose natural options. This is a great step forward for your health and the planet’s health, too.   ##### Thanks for reading this article! Ready to take your next step toward an active and fit lifestyle? The Active&Fit Direct™ program (offered through sponsoring organizations and employers) can get you moving! [Learn more and check your eligibility](https://www.activeandfitdirect.com/?&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=af_blog&utm_content=article_widget). If you are a Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, or Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) enrollee, your health plan may provide a subsidized fitness program. Be sure to discuss program availability and eligibility requirements with your health plan. *The information in this and other Active&Fit® blog articles is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any fitness or self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Active&Fit Direct program.* References Howard, L. (2026, May 13). Microplastics: 10 easy ways to reduce your exposure. UC Davis Health. [https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/microplastics-10-easy-ways-to-reduce-your-exposure/2026/05](https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/microplastics-10-easy-ways-to-reduce-your-exposure/2026/05) Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Microplastics. [https://hsph.harvard.edu/department/environmental-health/research/microplastics/](https://hsph.harvard.edu/department/environmental-health/research/microplastics/) Milne, M. H., De Frond, H., Rochman, C. M., Mallos, N. J., Leonard, G. H., & Baechler, B. R. (2024). Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins. Environmental Pollution, 343, Article 123233. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123233](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123233) National Research Council of Science & Technology. (2026, May 18). This popular fermented food may help flush microplastics from the body. ScienceDaily. [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260517211451.htm](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260517211451.htm) Ririe, A. K., Fatema, N., Dina, T. J., Devi Kuchipudi, J., Tamanna, P., Libriansyah, L., Akter, T., & Kaderi, N. (2025). Impact of microplastic exposure on human health: A systematic review of mechanisms, biomarkers, and clinical outcomes. Cureus, 17(12), Article e100295. [https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100295](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100295) ScienceInsights. (2026, March 21). How to reduce exposure to microplastics at home. [https://scienceinsights.org/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-microplastics-at-home/](https://scienceinsights.org/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-microplastics-at-home/) Savchuk, K. (2025, January 29). Microplastics and our health: What the science says. Stanford Medicine. [https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/01/microplastics-in-body-polluted-tiny-plastic-fragments.html](https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/01/microplastics-in-body-polluted-tiny-plastic-fragments.html) Stanford Report. (2025, September 29). Tracking microplastics from sea to body. Stanford News. [https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/09/microplastics-environment-human-health-impacts-research](https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/09/microplastics-environment-human-health-impacts-research) United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2026, March 19). Microplastics research.  [https://www.epa.gov/water-research/microplastics-research](https://www.epa.gov/water-research/microplastics-research) *This article was written by Stephanie Ruiz, edited by Gail Olson, CMT, HHP, and clinically reviewed by Elizabeth Thompson, MPH, RDN, on August 12, 2026*   *![AF\_ColorBar\_RGB\_Large](https://blog.activeandfitdirect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/00_AFD%20Branding/Color%20Bars/AF_ColorBar_RGB_Large.png?width=800&height=13&name=AF_ColorBar_RGB_Large.png)*   *[![Blog Homepage](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4313304/c162df1c-f3df-400b-ae56-be2b638aaeff.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4313304/c162df1c-f3df-400b-ae56-be2b638aaeff)*   About the Author The Active&Fit® Blog Team at American Specialty Health **The Active&Fit® Blog** is brought to life by a seasoned team of professionals at American Specialty Health (ASH), an organization with nearly 2 decades of experience in fitness and wellness programming. 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