11 Everyday Habits That Flood Your Body With Microplastics

3. Chewing Gum

Here’s a genuinely surprising one: many popular chewing gums get their chewy texture from plastic-based polymers, not natural chicle as in decades past. According to Futurism and several scientific studies, those long-lasting sticks can be made with food-grade plastics like polyvinyl acetate or polyethylene. This means that each chew brings a dose of microplastic, which can ultimately be ingested. Does this mean you have to give up all your favorite minty treats? Not quite. Many brands now offer chewing gums made with natural bases such as chicle or tree sap—just check ingredient lists for substances that sound less familiar (or Google brands committed to plastic-free recipes). If giving up gum entirely isn’t on your wishlist, even reducing how often you reach for it is a self-honoring choice.

4. Washing Synthetic Clothing

Your cozy fleece sweater and workout leggings might be releasing something extra into your water system: microplastic fibers that shed from synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic every time you do laundry. Research shows that a typical wash load can release hundreds of thousands of these fibers, which can find their way back into our homes through water, air, and eventually, the foods we eat. Don't feel pressured to toss your synthetic favorites—comfort and budget matter. Instead, washing full loads (which reduce shedding), using gentle cycles, and adding a microfiber-catching laundry bag can all help. Choosing natural fibers like cotton or wool for new purchases is another incremental step. Every bit counts, especially when taken out of compassion for yourself and care for the environment.