Submitted by Sarah Neal, Haddam Sustainability Committee
(June 26, 2025) — As we go into the hot summer months, keep in mind that heat and plastic do not play well together. When exposed to high temperatures, plastic degrades, releasing tiny and sometimes microscopic particles of plastic, called microplastics. These are found everywhere on our planet – from our air, water, and food, to our soil, lakes, rivers, oceans, and mountain tops. They are even found in our bodies.
Here are three tips to reduce your exposure to microplastics:
1) Use tap water instead of bottled water. Bottled water, and other drinks bottled in plastic, are found to contain varying levels of microplastics. Water bottled in plastic and left in a hot place, such as your car, is a major concern. Carry your own water bottle made of stainless steel or glass.
2) Microwave food in glass or ceramic dishes, not plastic containers. When you microwave food in plastic containers or packaging, the heat from the microwave causes microplastics and harmful chemicals to be released into your food. If you don’t yet have glass storage containers, use a glass or ceramic bowl with a plate as a lid. This combination will work just fine.
3) Consider replacing plastic items in your kitchen with better alternatives. For example, swap a plastic cutting board for a wooden one. Gradually replace your plastic cooking utensils with stainless steel, wood, or even silicone ones.
For more suggestions on how to reduce your exposure to microplastics, visit the website for the Natural Resources Defense Council at nrdc.org.
