Microplastics are everywhere. From Antarctic ice to the deepest parts of the ocean, and increasingly, inside our homes. Defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, microplastics come from a wide range of sources, such as synthetic clothing, packaging, tires, cosmetics, cleaning supplies and even dust. And while they’re invisible to the eye, their impact is increasingly clear.
Research suggests that humans ingest and inhale thousands of microplastic particles each week. Some estimates say that it’s the equivalent of a credit card’s worth. Another study suggests that Americans consume over 70,000 plastic particles annually. They’ve been found in bottled water, table salt and produce. Just as concerning, they’re circulating through the air in our homes, clinging to fibers, furniture and food prep surfaces. For something we cannot see, their reach is remarkably vast.
Exposure to microplastics has been linked to inflammation, hormone disruption and respiratory issues, particularly in children. Many of these particles act as carriers for other toxins such as pesticides, flame retardants and heavy metals, that attach to plastic in the environment and enter our bodies more easily. Reducing microplastics in the home is not about eliminating all plastic overnight. It’s about slowing the stream, understanding where it shows up and choosing healthier materials when and where we can.
1. Watch Your Fabrics and How You Wash Them
Synthetic bedding and textiles, like polyester, nylon and acrylic, are one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution. Every time you wash them, they shed tiny fibers into the water supply. Choose natural fibers when possible, such as cotton, hemp, wool or linen, and wash only when needed. A microfiber-catching laundry bag or filter can help reduce the number of particles released with each cycle. Invest in a filter system for your washing machine, such as those developed by PlanetCare, that will take out up to 98 percent of microfibers from your laundry. Filters are also available for your dryer’s exhaust vent.
2. Address Air and Dust
Microplastics settle into dust and circulate in indoor air, especially in homes with wall-to-wall carpeting, synthetic upholstery, and plastic-based decor. Regular damp dusting, HEPA-filter vacuuming, and proper ventilation can help reduce what lingers in the air. Avoid dry sweeping, which stirs up dust without capturing it. Opening windows regularly and using a high-quality air purifier can also support cleaner air indoors.
3. Rethink Food Storage and Surfaces
Plastic containers can leach microplastics, especially when scratched, heated or exposed to acidity. Swap plastic wrap, utensils and storage containers for glass, stainless steel, silicone or beeswax alternatives. Even chopping boards, dish sponges and tea bags can contain plastic components. Start with simple swaps, and over time, the cumulative impact adds up.
Microplastics may be small, but they represent a much bigger conversation about material health, consumer habits and our connection to the systems around us. Reducing them at home is one way to care for our own health, and take part in a broader shift toward a cleaner, more transparent future.
Photography: Eric Dale Creative/Adobe
