Plastics & your health
Beyond the Bin: Why Using Less Plastic Is Good for You (and the Planet)
We’ve long been told that if we just recycle, we’re doing our part.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: recycling was never enough—and now it barely makes a dent.
Less than 5% of plastic is actually recycled today. The rest? It’s either landfilled, incinerated, or slowly breaking down into micro- and nano-plastics that end up in our food, water, air—and bodies. Read about the 6 R’s of Mindful Consumption.
Yes, Plastic Ends Up in Us!
Plastic doesn’t disappear. It just gets smaller. Over time, even everyday plastic items—cutting boards, food packaging, synthetic fabrics—shed tiny particles. These microplastics are now found in human blood, lungs, and even placentas. And while we’re still learning exactly how they impact us, early research shows they can interfere with:
Hormone regulation
Immune function
Reproductive health
Gut health
Links to sources: Mayo Clinic; National LIbrary of Medicine
These plastics often carry toxic additives like phthalates, bisphenols (like BPA), and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known to disrupt our endocrine system. So this isn’t just about the planet—it’s about our personal well-being. And while you may feel good about your “BPA-free plastic bottle” you’re holding- it may have BPS or another similar chemical that is a “regrettable substitution”… but that’s for another post!
Recycling Is the Band-Aid. Reducing Is the Cure.
The truth is, most plastic was never meant to be recycled. It’s often cheaper for manufacturers to produce new plastic than to recycle old, and the infrastructure to recycle effectively in the US just doesn’t exist at scale. (U.S. EPA)
So if we want to protect our health and our environment, the real solution is simple: use less plastic in the first place.
5 Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic in Your Daily Life
You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight.
Here are 5 small swaps that have a big impact—on your body and the planet:
1. 🌱 Switch to a Wood or Bamboo Cutting Board
Plastic cutting boards shed microplastics directly into your food as they wear down. Opt for hardwood or bamboo—safer, longer-lasting, and naturally antimicrobial. (Just keep them out of the dishwaser and oil regularly with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax)
2. 🧻 Buy Paper-Wrapped Toilet Paper & Paper Towels
Skip the plastic packaging! Many brands now offer rolls wrapped in recyclable paper instead. I use Who Gives a Crap for toilet paper and they donate to provide access to clean water and sanitation across the world! I don’t use paper towels- I use Swedish dishcloths, or “reuseable paper towels,” and just throw them in a load of laundry I’m already doing.
3. 🛒 Use Reusable Produce Bags—or None at All
Skip the flimsy plastic (non-recyclable!) produce bags at the store. Bring your own cloth ones, or just let your apples and oranges roam free in the cart. It’s fine- I’ve been doing it for well over a decade. They’re washable.
4. 👚 Choose Natural Fibers Over Synthetics
Every time you wash polyester, nylon, acrylic, or spandex, plastic fibers shed into waterways. Look for clothing made of cotton, linen, wool, silk, or hemp instead—and wash less often. Natural fibers are more breathable for your skin anyway.
5. 💧 Ditch Plastic Water Bottles for Good
You probably already own a reusable water bottle. Use it. And when guests come over? Offer them a drink in a real glass instead of handing them plastic. Got kids or an outside party? Use metal cups.
Progress, Not Perfection
Going plastic-free isn’t realistic for most people (even me- and I’m actively trying!).
But being plastic-aware is absolutely doable. Every time you opt for a reusable or plastic-free choice, you’re reducing your exposure—and contributing to less plastic in our collective ecosystem.
You’re also sending a message with your wallet- and setting an example for your kids, and others around you.
We can’t recycle our way out of this problem. But we can rethink how we consume, and take steps to protect our bodies while caring for the planet.
Which of these swaps could you try this week? Which ones have you already made? I’d love to hear what small changes are working for you.
I love hearing that small changes make ripple effects. When my son was taking sandwiches to school in paper sandwich bags, his friends made note. Within a month, his group of friends swapped plastic sandwich bags for paper bags as well!
Let’s keep the conversation going!
👉 Want to share this message with someone? Pass it along or forward the blog link—and help others start thinking beyond the bin.