(NC) We all know that plastic harms the environment. Despite many Canadians’ attempts to limit the number of plastic products they use – it’s a part of everyday life.
Environmental expert Dr Bruce Lourie shares, “Plastics have become one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the globe. In some cases, the plastic is very obvious, as seen by the huge quantities floating in our oceans, washing up on our shores and harming wildlife. What we can’t see are the tiny microplastics that break down and end up inside our own bodies.”
Here are five everyday items you may not expect to contain microplastics:
1. Chewing Gum
Many modern chewing gums have a plastic base made from synthetic rubber. For a plastic-free alternative, look for plant-based gum brands next time you’re out.
2. Coffee cups
To-go coffee cups are often lined with plastic to keep the cup light and disposable without leaking liquid. But converting to reusable travel mugs is worth it. Not only will also keep your beverage warmer longer, on top of reducing your plastic use – but you may also get a discount at your local coffee shop.
3. Bandages
Many common adhesive bandages contain some form of plastic. However, with a little research, you can find plastic-free alternatives such as bamboo adhesive bandages. You can find them at health food stores and increasingly at standard drugstores.
4. Premium ‘silken’ tea bags
Premium ‘silken’ tea bags are sometimes made of PET or Nylon. This makes them non-compostable and puts your body at risk of ingesting microplastics with each sip. Using loose leaf teas with a metal steeper is an easy way to avoid these plastics.
5. Disposable cleaning wipes
Many disposable cleaning and disinfecting wipes on the market are made with plastic, but non-plastic options are increasingly available. In fact, Lysol has launched a new plant-based disinfecting wipe that is biodegradable in home and municipal composts; check locally as appropriate municipal composting facilities may not exist in your area. They’re shown to be just as effective as their traditional wipes at killing viruses and bacteria.
Find more information at www.lysol.ca/en/biodegradable/biodegradable-wipes/
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