Reduce plastic use at home and protect yourself and the environment.

In 2022, it was scientifically proven for the first time that microplastics are present in human blood. Researchers from Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam found polymer fragments in 77% of the analyzed blood samples, which poses potential health risks. Contaminated waters and seas return harm to us, exposing people to a greater risk of developing certain types of cancer, increased insulin resistance, and consequently, the development of type 2 diabetes. Plastic can also negatively affect male and female fertility, as well as the neurodevelopment of children. Finally, microplastics can also be absorbed through the skin.

The amount of plastic we consume in Italy. Data on waste sorting in Italy, presented by ISPRA (the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), shows an increase in percentages, which seems positive. We have gone from collecting 1,273 tons of plastic waste in 2017 to 1,676 tons in 2022. However, these figures hide a bitter truth: we are still producing and using too much plastic, and as the years go by, we are throwing away more of it. From 1950 to 2016, plastic production in Italy increased 200 times and continues to grow because plastic is still widely used in packaging and households.

Where is all this plastic going? Among the waste, in the seas and waters, it does not decompose but becomes smaller and smaller, capable of entering our bloodstream through the consumption of fish that have ingested microplastics. It is a silent and almost invisible killer that returns to us with the waves of the sea. Thus, we complete the cycle; but this cycle is so destructive and far from a circular economy.

How to reduce plastic use at home Reducing exposure to plastic and the use of plastic materials in the home can help change this destructive trend that makes Italy the second largest consumer of plastic in the European Union (almost 100 kg per person in 2020, totaling 5.9 million tons of fossil polymers). Here’s what to do to cut down on its use at home. Research and various national campaigns, such as the campaign to prevent risks from plastic, promote the following recommendations for changing habits at home:

• Prefer purchasing materials, items, and packaging without plastic.
• Get rid of disposable items.
• Always read the labels and pay attention to cosmetics, clothing, and fabrics that contain plastic, especially cheap fast fashion clothing.
• Avoid cosmetics, cleaning products, and clothing that contain the following materials: butylene, ethylene, styrene, polyethylene, nylon or polyurethane, polyester, polyamide/nylon, acrylic, elastane, and other plastic derivatives.
• Also, pay attention to anti-aging creams and sunscreens (one bottle can contain up to 100 trillion microplastic particles). Preference should be given to sunscreens with natural UV filters that do not harm fish and corals, and to avoid anti-aging products with synthetic ingredients.
• Decorate your home with rugs made from natural materials, such as pure wool, cotton, or jute.
• Avoid bottled water and prefer drinking tap water (scientific laboratories have found up to 5 million microplastic particles in 1 liter of bottled water), possibly using a filtering pitcher.
• Avoid single-use plastic cups and cutlery.
• Prefer loose products, as it was in the days of shops, so gradually get rid of accumulation and the purchase of plastic packaging.
• Prefer reusable packaging for food, cleaning agents, and detergents (paper, cardboard, and aluminum work great).
• Do not place plastic food containers in the microwave, as high temperatures can release microplastics and chemicals from which they are made.
• Prefer restaurants that deliver food at home in cardboard containers or use our glass containers.
• Reduce salt consumption in food (besides being harmful to health, it destroys flavor and can contain up to 681 microplastics per kilogram).
• Don't get carried away with consuming fish, shellfish, and mollusks (unfortunately, microplastics are a reality in our seas).
• Use sponges (preferably loofahs) and cloths made from natural materials for cleaning the house (it's important to avoid plastic sponges).
• Washing laundry with a full load and at low temperatures helps save on bills and prevents the release of up to 1 million microfibers with each wash.
• Get used to using reusable cloths and reusable organic or biodegradable pads, as well as compostable tampons and diapers.
• Feed children from glass bottles and give toys without plastic (preferably toys made from natural materials like wood or rubber).
• Decorate your home and choose New Year's decorations made from certified FSC paper (glitter is also banned by the European Union - confetti and various plastic decorations are harmful to the environment and human health).
• Choose eco-friendly souvenirs and holiday decorations, or for any celebration, made from cotton, recycled paper, and jute.
• Finally, properly dispose of plastic by placing it in the appropriate recycling bin, avoiding throwing it into the environment or general waste.