It's no secret that plastic is everywhere. It's in our homes, offices, and even the clothes we wear. But , were you aware of the fact that there are  many hidden sources of plastic lurking in some of the most unlikely places?

This blog post will allow us to introduce  you to six items that contain hidden plastics. We'll discuss where these items come from, what risks they pose to our environment, and what we can do to reduce their usage. Stay tuned for more information!

 

1. Chewing Gum: Approximately 25-30% of it usually made up of a mix of various chemicals and plastics such as polyethylene, which also has a use in the manufacturing of plastic bags and bottles. Unfortunately, these materials do not biodegrade and and can stay in the environment for centuries without breaking down. If you're looking for a healthier and more environmentally-friendly alternative to chewing gum, try opting for brands that use natural ingredients instead.

 

2. Disposable wet wipes: common item that contains hidden plastics. Most wet wipes are made from a type of plastic known as polyester, which is not biodegradable. In addition, when these wipes are flushed down the toilet, they can clog sewage systems and cause environmental problems. Instead of disposable wet wipes, try using reusable ones available here and here.


3. Tea bags are another common source of hidden plastics. Most tea bags are made from a type of plastic known as polypropylene, which is not biodegradable. In addition, when tea bags are steeped in hot water, they can release microplastics into the beverage. If you love drinking tea, try opting for loose leaf varieties instead or try looking for companies that sell compostable tea bags and sachets they come in. We have completed this research for you and you can purchase both loose leaf tea from us here and the same flavors in compostable tea bags and sachets here. 

4. Glitter : Although it is fun and it may add a touch of sparkle to arts and crafts projects, but did you know it's  made of a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and that as such they are a major source of microplastics also a major source of microplastics? Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic (can only be seen by a microscope) that are  found in oceans. They are a big problem for the environment because that are very difficult to remove. Unfortunately, their presence is widespread across all bodies of water and they pose a physical and toxicological risk to all organisms. If you're looking for a safer glitter alternative for the environment, try using biodegradable options made from materials like bamboo or eucalyptus.


5. Sea salt may be necessary for cooking, but did you know it can also contain plastic? That's because many brands use microplastics to add color and texture to their products. If you're concerned about your exposure to plastic, try using Himalayan pink salt instead. This type of salt is naturally pink and contains no added microplastics.

6. Aluminum cans: often have a plastic lining that contains bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a synthetic compound that has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer. The best way to mitigate the exposure to BPA is to avoid canned foods and beverages completely. 

 

Now that you are aware of these hidden sources of plastic world, you can take steps to reduce your reliance on them. Try swapping out some items on this list for more sustainable alternatives. Your health and the environment will thank you!  Which one of these items surprised you the most? Please share with us in the comments below!