As awareness grows around the dangers of microplastics, many Americans are still unaware of just how deeply these tiny plastics are infiltrating daily lives — and our bodies. Found in everything from drinking water to what we eat, plastics have been linked to inflammation, hormonal disruptions, and even long-term health complications.
The Guardian published an article last year highlighting that recent studies have shown microplastics to be present in “every human placenta” and “all 17 human arteries” tested. These particles are small, but the damage they can do over time is insurmountable. They can disrupt endocrine function, trigger immune responses, and create a toxic burden that your body struggles to process.
That’s why advocacy groups like Food & Water Watch are calling attention to the issue with their Stop Microplastics Now! campaign, helping raise awareness and drive policy change. While eliminating exposure entirely isn’t realistic, there are steps you can take to limit the damage and support your health.
1. Filter your water — even the shower.
One of the most significant sources of microplastic exposure is drinking water. Regardless of whether it’s bottled or from the tap, studies show it often contains microplastic particles.
Investing in a high-quality water filter that is tested for microplastic removal is an easy first step, but don’t forget about your shower and bath water! Your skin is your largest organ, and filtering the water in which you bathe can reduce what’s absorbed through the skin and inhaled as steam.
2. Cut back on processed and packaged foods.
Processed and packaged foods — especially those stored in plastic — are often exposed to microplastic contamination during production and packaging. Heating food in plastic containers only increases the risk.
Choosing fresh, whole foods whenever possible and storing leftovers in glass or stainless steel can reduce this exposure. If a food item has a long shelf life, it likely comes with hidden chemicals you don’t need.
3. Choose natural fibers over synthetics.
Clothing and textiles made from polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed microplastics every time they’re washed. These particles end up in waterways and, ultimately, our bodies.
Opting for natural fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, and wool can significantly reduce your microplastic footprint. You can also use a microfiber-catching laundry bag or washing machine filter to trap the particles before they enter the water supply.
4. Avoid tea bags and plastic-coated coffee cups.
Many tea bags contain plastic and release billions of particles when steeped in hot water. The same goes for to-go coffee cups with plastic linings.
To avoid excess microplastics, choose loose-leaf tea and brew it in a stainless steel or ceramic infuser. Additionally, bring your own reusable coffee cup made from stainless steel or glass to avoid the microplastic lining in disposable ones.
5. Say no to plastic cutting boards and non-stick cookware.
Cutting boards made from plastic wear down over time, releasing particles directly into food. Similarly, non-stick pans often degrade over time as they are used, potentially releasing plastic particles and harmful chemicals. Switching to bamboo or wood cutting boards and using stainless steel or cast-iron cookware can help keep your meals cleaner and safer.
6. Boost your body’s natural detox pathways.
While it’s impossible to eliminate all microplastic exposure, you can support your body’s ability to detox by staying well-hydrated, eating a fiber-rich diet, and supporting gut health with fermented foods and probiotics.
Your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system are designed to filter and remove toxins — but they need regular care. Practices like dry brushing, sauna sessions, and daily movement can also aid detoxification.
7. Choose clean beauty supplies and household products.
Many personal care products, from exfoliating scrubs to toothpaste, contain microbeads — tiny plastics banned in some countries but still found in many others. Cleaning products often come in plastic containers and may contain petrochemicals.
Read ingredient labels carefully and opt for brands that use eco-friendly packaging. A simpler, ingredient-conscious approach to personal care and cleaning can reduce both chemical and plastic exposure.
Small steps have a big impact
Microplastics are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. These tips above aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. By making mindful choices in how we eat, drink, clean, and care for ourselves, we can limit our exposure and support our long-term wellbeing. As organizations like Food & Water Watch raise the alarm, personal action becomes even more critical. Reducing microplastic exposure is not only good for your health—it’s a step toward a cleaner, safer environment.
At the same time, consumer awareness alone isn’t enough. Real change also depends on stronger regulations, corporate accountability, and investment in safer alternatives to plastic. Supporting campaigns like Stop Microplastics Now helps push for those systemic changes.
When individuals and advocacy groups work in tandem, we have a better chance of protecting not just ourselves but also future generations from the invisible threats that surround us. Together, our daily choices and collective voices can turn the tide on microplastic pollution and safeguard our health, our communities, and our planet.
