How To Avoid Microplastics In Water Bottles: The Harms & Fix

Plastic has revolutionized modern life, but it has also introduced a hidden threat: microplastics. Found in water bottles, tap water, and even the air, microplastics have become a growing concern for most health-conscious people in society.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what microplastics are, why they’re harmful, and how to avoid microplastics in your drinking water to safeguard your health and the environment.

Because awareness is key in curbing this not-so-micro microplastic problem.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. These particles are ubiquitous and can be found in oceans, soil, and even our drinking water. Microplastics can originate from several sources, including:

• Primary Microplastics: These are intentionally manufactured small plastics, such as microbeads in cosmetics or industrial pellets.

• Secondary Microplastics: These form when larger plastic products, like water bottles and packaging, degrade over time due to environmental exposure.

Their microscopic size allows them to infiltrate ecosystems and enter the food chain, ultimately affecting human health. Understanding the origins of microplastics is the first step toward addressing their pervasive presence in our lives.

What Is The Main Concern About Microplastics?

Recent studies have identified microplastics in fish, shellfish, and even table salt, raising questions about long-term exposure.

For humans, the ingestion or inhalation of microplastics could lead to:

• Toxic chemical exposure: Microplastics often carry harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and other health issues.

• Physical harm: Tiny plastic particles can cause inflammation or tissue damage when they accumulate in the body.

• Bioaccumulation risks: Persistent microplastics can accumulate over time, potentially leading to chronic health issues.

These risks underline the urgency of minimizing microplastic exposure in everyday life. Let’s explore the composition of these particles to understand their potential dangers better.

What Chemicals Are Microplastics?

• Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in many plastic containers, BPA is a known endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormone function. If you’re out shopping for plastic anything, please look for BPA-free labels.

• Phthalates: Used to increase plastic flexibility, phthalates are linked to reproductive issues and developmental problems.

• Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP): Common in packaging and water bottles, these materials break down into harmful particles. Ever heard of PET bottles with sodarizers? PET stands for “polyethylene terephthalate” — and it’s not exactly good for you or the environment.

• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Microplastics can attract and carry these toxic substances, increasing their potential harm when ingested.

The goal is buy materials and support businesses that say no to all these harmful chemicals, like Carbon8. There’s nothing more important than your health and safety.

And while these chemicals pose significant health risks, they are also preventable with conscious choices and better alternatives.

How To Avoid Microplastics In Your Drinking Water

1. Ditch Single-Use Plastic Bottles

Single-use plastic bottles are one of the largest sources of microplastic contamination. When exposed to heat or light, these bottles can release microplastics into the water.

Switching to reusable stainless steel or glass bottles is a sustainable and safer alternative. Not only do these materials eliminate the risk of leaching plastics, but they also help reduce environmental waste.

2. Use A High-Quality Water Filter

A reliable water filtration system is essential for removing microplastics and other contaminants from your drinking water.

Filters with activated carbon can effectively trap larger microplastic particles, while reverse osmosis systems provide even greater filtration by targeting particles as small as 0.0001 microns. 

The added benefit of a filter is their ability to remove other impurities like chlorine and heavy metals, improving both the taste and safety of your water.

For example, the Carbon8 Sparkling Water Maker has a built-in Activated Charcoal Filter to completely eliminate microplastics and chlorine from tap water, which also means no more plastic bottles.

3. Choose Bottled Water Carefully

If purchasing bottled water is unavoidable, opt for brands that actively test for microplastics and utilize BPA-free packaging. This includes carbonated water that comes in flimsy packaging — just because sparkling water hydrates you doesn’t mean you should undo the health benefits by picking packaging that may harm you.

However, it’s important to remember that bottled water is not a fail-safe solution, as studies have shown it often contains higher levels of microplastics than tap water.

4. Boil Tap Water

While boiling water is effective for killing bacteria and pathogens, it won’t remove microplastics. However, combining boiling with a filtration system can provide a more comprehensive solution.

Again, using a system like Carbon8 ensures that your water is both microplastic-free and safe from microbial contamination. That said, it doesn’t hurt to be extra safe for you and your family.

5. Reduce Plastic Use Overall

Reducing your overall plastic consumption can help address the problem at its source.

Avoid single-use plastics, recycle responsibly, and support sustainable packaging options. This not only limits your personal exposure to microplastics but also contributes to a broader reduction in environmental pollution.

People are free to enjoy what they enjoy, whether it’s bottled juices, flavored sparkling water (yum!), and many other beverages, but it’s crucial to consider how your temporary experience permanently impacts the environment and your overall wellness.

Implementing these strategies can significantly decrease your microplastic intake.

But which filtration systems work best? Let’s delve deeper.

What Is The Best Water Filter For Microplastics?

• Activated Carbon Filters: These are excellent for adsorbing chemicals and larger microplastic particles, improving the taste and safety of your water. This is the built-in filter in all Carbon8 products, and it is highly reliable in filtering impurities.

• Reverse Osmosis Filters: These filters use a semipermeable membrane to remove particles as small as 0.0001 microns, making them highly effective against microplastics.

• Multistage Filters: Combining reverse osmosis and carbon filtration offers the best of both worlds for comprehensive microplastic removal.

When selecting a filter, ensure it meets NSF/ANSI standards for contaminant reduction and suits your household’s needs. These filters, while effective, are just part of the solution. 

The Role Of Carbon8 In Fighting Microplastics

Featuring a built-in activated charcoal filter, Carbon8 not only eliminates microplastics and chlorine from tap water but also enhances its taste. This means you can carbonate clean, filtered water directly from your tap, eliminating the reliance on bottled water, which is notorious for containing microplastics.

Not to mention, drinking sparkling water is good for you, as it keeps you feeling full, helps relieve gas and bloating, and gets you to the same hydration levels that flat water does. Now you can enjoy all these benefits in a pure, clean way, as nature intended.

By upgrading to Carbon8, you’re not just protecting your health but also contributing to a more sustainable planet. It’s a win-win for you and the environment, making it easier than ever to avoid microplastics in your drinking water.

How Do Microplastics Enter Bottled Water?

• Manufacturing process: Plastic bottles shed tiny particles during production and filling.

• Degradation over time: Exposure to heat, light, and wear causes plastic bottles to break down, releasing microplastics into the water.

• Environmental contamination: Water sources used for bottling may already be contaminated with microplastics.

Avoiding bottled water whenever possible is a simple yet effective way to reduce microplastic intake. Rely on filtration systems for pure and clean water. Anything bottled in plastic that isn’t BPA-free, PET-free, and phthalate-free should raise suspicion.

Are Microplastics Found In Tap Water?

Yes, studies have shown that microplastics are present in tap water worldwide. A 2017 global study by Orb Media found that 83% of tap water samples contained microplastic particles. Factors contributing to tap water contamination include:

• Runoff from urban areas: Microplastics from roads and waste enter water supplies through rain and drainage systems.

• Water treatment limitations: Many municipal water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out microplastics effectively.

Investing in a home filtration system, like Carbon8’s built-in activated charcoal filter, can significantly reduce your exposure to these particles and provide peace of mind.

The Environmental Impact Of Microplastics

1. They disrupt marine life: Fish and other marine animals often mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and potential harm.

2. They alter habitats: The accumulation of microplastics can alter sediment properties, affecting plant and animal life.

3. They (problematically) enter the food chain: As microplastics move up the food chain, they ultimately end up on our plates, compounding human exposure.

Addressing these impacts requires global efforts, but individual actions can also make a significant difference. Let’s talk about the ways we as human beings can solve this problem and protect our personal wellness.

How Can You Contribute To The Solution?

1. Support sustainable brands

Choosing sustainable brands like Carbon8 not only ensures you’re reducing your microplastic exposure but also promotes eco-friendly business practices. Carbon8’s focus on sustainability and innovation provides a tangible way to contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.

2. Recycle properly

Proper recycling is key to keeping plastics out of landfills and oceans. Ensure you’re familiar with your local recycling guidelines to maximize effectiveness. Avoid wish-cycling, where non-recyclable items are tossed into recycling bins, as this can contaminate entire batches.

3. Advocate for change

Supporting policies that limit single-use plastics and encourage better waste management systems can make a broader impact. Participate in community cleanups, sign petitions, or engage in discussions about reducing plastic use in your area. Your voice matters in creating a sustainable future.

4. Educate others

The most important step.

Raising awareness is a powerful tool. Share information about the dangers of microplastics and practical solutions with your family, friends, and community. Encourage others to take steps like reducing plastic use, investing in quality water filters, and opting for sustainable brands.

The more people understand the impact of microplastics, the greater the collective action toward minimizing their presence in our environment and daily lives. Small conversations can spark big changes, contributing to a healthier planet for everyone.

Every small change in your habits can help reduce the proliferation of microplastics, ensuring a cleaner environment for future generations.

Final Thoughts: A Microplastic-Free Future

Understanding how to avoid microplastics is vital for protecting both your health and the environment.

By adopting sustainable practices, investing in high-quality water filtration, and supporting innovative brands like Carbon8, you can significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful particles.

Small changes in your daily habits can lead to a big impact, ensuring cleaner water and a healthier planet for generations to come.