You might have heard about “microplastics,” a term that has been in the news in recent years. But, do you know what microplastics are? What damage they can cause? Or, how to help lessen the impacts?

We’ve got you covered.

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles no larger than 5 mm (about 1/5 inch), according to Ask IFAS information. These particles come in two forms: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are plastics intentionally designed to be small, while secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastics into tiny fragments.

Each of these types of plastic particles contribute to environmental pollution and can pose risks to human health. While eliminating microplastics completely is challenging, there are many ways to minimize their presence in your home.

So, what can we do at home to reduce, and potentially eliminate, microplastic pollution?

Review the Products We Purchase

Reducing plastic waste generation can start with a simple step: buy less plastic. That starts with knowing (or learning) how much plastic is in the items we buy.

• Clothing: Our clothes are a major contributor to microplastic pollution. Athletic wear, dry fit, and clothing with polyester and nylon blends all contain plastics. These items, when washed, release microplastics into the drain water. One solution is to consider purchasing natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, or hemp whenever possible. A second, less common solution is to install a microfiber filter in your washing machine to capture microplastics before they enter wastewater systems.
• Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products contain microplastics in the form of synthetic ingredients. Opting for eco-friendly, natural cleaning solutions is a good way to lessen potential impacts. Or, for the “do-it-yourself”ers, mix your own cleaning items from vinegar and baking soda. (NOTE: Microplastics also can accumulate is household dust. You can reduce exposure by vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter and dusting with a damp cloth to trap particles instead of dispersing them into the air.)
• Microbeads: Of note are microbeads in our personal care products. While these have all but been phased out of usage, there might be examples of the products still in circulation. Some products may still contain plastic-based ingredients. Check labels for polyethylene and polypropylene, and choose natural alternatives with biodegradable exfoliants like salt, sugar, or oats.

Consider the End-of-Life of Our Plastics

Recycling is essential, but it’s also important to prevent plastic waste from entering the environment in other ways. Avoid flushing plastics down the drain and be mindful of how you dispose of plastic products.

• Reduce Plastic Packaging: Single-use plastics often break down into microplastics. Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging, buy in bulk, and bring reusable containers to the store when possible.
• Eliminate Plastic Bags: Plastic bags break down into microplastics over time. Switch to reusable cloth bags for shopping and storage to reduce plastic waste.
• Styrofoam: Styrofoam is plastic, too. Consider eliminating the purchase and usage of Styrofoam when possible.
• Outdoor items and trash: Our outdoor items can sometimes unintendedly end up getting into our waterways. Items like children’s toys, yard decorations, and miscellaneous plastic items can blow away, break, or even dry out, ultimately breaking down into microplastic pieces.

Learn More Actions to Take

Reducing microplastics in our homes requires small but meaningful changes. By making conscious choices about the products we buy and the materials we use daily, we can significantly lower our contribution to microplastic pollution while creating a healthier living environment. Start with a few simple swaps and build from there. Every step counts!

We offer an array of classes, year-round, to help find ways to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, including:

• Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution at Home (webinar)
• Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution in Our Waterways (webinar)
• Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution at Home (Shamrock Park and Nature Center, Venice)
• Reducing Plastics (webinar)
• Find all of our upcoming “Smart Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste” events

And, read the IFAS-authored Contaminants in the Urban Environment: Microplastics.

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