Are You Drinking Plastic? Here’s How to Stop It.
Did you know you might be drinking the equivalent of a plastic spoon every day? No, we’re not talking about chewing on utensils—we’re talking about microplastics, tiny plastic particles that have been found in our water, food, and now, even inside the human brain. Scientists recently discovered that the average person has about seven grams of plastic in their brain, with even higher amounts in people diagnosed with dementia (Smithsonian Magazine). Yikes.
How Do Microplastics Get in Your Water?
Microplastics come from everything—bottled water, plastic packaging, clothing fibers, and even the air. Over time, these tiny plastic particles break down and contaminate our drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged the risks, noting that advanced filtration methods are needed to remove them.
How Do You Get Microplastics Out of Your Water?
Here’s the good news: Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration is one of the best ways to remove microplastics from your tap water (Polymers Journal). RO systems work by forcing water through a super-fine membrane, trapping 99% of contaminants, including:
✅ Microplastics
✅ Lead & Heavy Metals
✅ Pesticides & Chemicals
✅ Bacteria & Viruses
Is Reverse Osmosis Healthy?
Absolutely! RO water is clean, refreshing, and free from harmful contaminants. While some people worry that it removes minerals, keep in mind that the minerals in tap water aren’t your main source of nutrition—you get most of your minerals from food! If you want a boost, many RO systems come with remineralization filters that add back essential minerals like calcium and magnesium for taste and health benefits.
Other Ways to Avoid a “Plastic Diet”
While filtering your water with reverse osmosis is a great start, here are a few more ways to cut down on microplastic exposure in your daily life:
✅Eat Fresh, Less Processed Foods – Many packaged and processed foods contain microplastics from their plastic containers. Opt for fresh fruits, veggies, and whole foods whenever possible.
✅Ditch Bottled Water – Studies show that bottled water contains twice as many microplastics as tap water (yes, really!). A reusable glass or stainless steel bottle with filtered water is a safer choice.
✅Switch Up Your Cookware – Nonstick pans can release microplastics when scratched or overheated. Try using stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware instead.
✅Reduce Plastic Packaging – Bring your own reusable bags, choose glass or paper packaging, and avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
✅Use Natural Fibers – Synthetic clothing sheds microplastics in the wash. Opt for cotton, wool, or linen to reduce shedding into the environment (and your laundry water).
Every small step helps lower your plastic intake—starting with clean, microplastic-free water! Want to protect your home’s water? Let’s talk about getting you set up with an RO system today!