What are Microplastics? Microplastics have been in the news quite a bit lately, but it may still be useful to clarify some things about them. Microplastics are minute plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters—roughly the size of a sesame seed or smaller. These particles originate from a variety of sources, including degrading plastic bottles, bags, and fishing nets. Because oil-derived plastic does not truly biodegrade, it continues to break down into increasingly smaller pieces, leading to a continuous accumulation in our environment, including in the bodies of animals and humans. Consequently, microplastics are now found everywhere, from our oceans and rivers to rainfall and even common household products like toothpaste.
Environmental and Biological Impact The danger microplastics pose to wildlife is well-documented, often illustrated by tragic images of marine life that have consumed plastic debris. Beyond visible wildlife, these particles negatively impact broader ecosystems and microorganisms.
Equally concerning is the impact on human health. A 2025 Stanford Medicine Newsletter highlighted that the average adult ingests the equivalent of one credit card’s weight in microplastics every week. Furthermore, a Stanford Medical team discovered that these particles can penetrate human cells and cause significant changes in gene expression. While research into long-term health effects is still developing, the pervasive and persistent nature of microplastics makes them a significant threat to all living organisms.
Actionable Steps at Home Although we cannot eliminate microplastics entirely, the Stanford Medicine Newsletter suggests several practical steps to reduce your daily exposure:
- Kitchen Habits: Avoid nonstick and plastic cookware. Whenever possible, purchase food in bulk or non-plastic packaging and store food in glass jars. (Complete the Cleaner Contra Costa action "Skip the Packaging."
- Food Habits: Use aluminum foil, parchment paper, or waxed cloth wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap. Use non-plastic cutlery, such as bamboo, for on-the-go meals. (Complete the Cleaner Contra Costa action "Ditch Plastics at Mealtime.") There are plant-based plastics being developed, for cutlery, cups, and other products, but more study needs to be done on their impact and their ability to truly decompose.
- Cleaning: Handwash plastic items rather than putting them in the dishwasher to prevent heat-induced degradation.
- Child Safety: Choose metal or wooden toys for babies and small children.
- Holistic Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle—including quality sleep, a balanced diet, and stress reduction—to support your body’s resilience.
Political & Legislative Action The organizations working on the plastic pollution issue stress the importance of political and legislative action, in addition to household behavior change, especially around single-use plastics. Manufacturers must be required to develop and implement biodegradable alternatives to existing plastic packaging and single-use plastic products. Many see this as our only hope of stemming the tide of global plastics. These alternatives DO exist and there is momentum growing! The following groups are at the forefront of this effort:
Beyond Plastics
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Break Free From Plastic
Green Movie Night: “The Story of Plastic” Save the date for a screening of the powerful film “The Story of Plastic” at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church on April 17. This free Earth Month event is part of the Green Movie Night series, and co-presented by the Interfaith Climate Action Network and Sustainable Walnut Creek. More information and a registration link will be available soon.
Addressing this crisis requires a coordinated global effort involving governments, regulatory bodies, industry, and academia, alongside individual actions to reduce plastic waste.
Replies