r/PlasticFreeLiving

I'm an environmental engineer who dedicated his research into all things microplastics, from developing inexpensive fluorescence based methods to science education curriculum (Plastic Panic!). And I want to hear what you're genuinely curious about.

Is there something you've always wondered, but never found a clear answer to? Maybe it's about:

Drinking water

Human health

Food and seafood

Recycling and plastics

Clothing and laundry

Oceans and wildlife

Scientific studies you've seen in the news

Whether a claim you've heard is actually true

Leave your question in the comments. Over the next few weeks, I'll research the evidence, dig into the scientific literature, and answer as many questions as I can in future posts.

No question is too basic or too technical. If you're wondering about it, chances are someone else is too.

This came about after reevaluating my plastic cutting board and if I’m eating microplastic when cutting on it, but then went down a rabbit hole of well is everything in my kitchen feeding me microplastics? I use silicon utensils, plastic mix bowls, etc. What harm exists to me if I continue using these items? Or am I just overthinking!

Hey guys, currently doing pour over for myself with a glass chemex and a kettle, my husband is still too lazy and using an automatic plastic brewer, still holding out hope one day someone will make an affordable completely plastic free automatic brewer. Right now the only options I've heard of are ratio eight and the simply coffee plastic free one that's fairly new and seems to have mixed reviews. Both of these are pretty expensive. I believe I heard also that one version of those commercial bunn automatic brewers is plastic free ? Not sure which. Thanks for any recommendations or reviews on the above.

We all put a plastic toothbrush in our mouths twice a day, every single day. With all the emerging data on nanoplastics and microplastics infiltrating human tissue, it seems crazy that our primary tool for oral hygiene is made of petroleum-based plastic. I’m looking at this from a product and business perspective: the demand for a genuinely "zero-plastic" toothbrush is going to skyrocket as health consciousness peaks.

Before anyone says "bamboo toothbrushes exist"—almost all of them still use nylon (plastic) bristles. The few that don't use animal hair, which consumers hate. There is a massive, untapped market gap for someone who can engineer a soft, durable, 100% plant-based or food-safe bioplastic bristle that doesn't shed micro-fragments into the user's mouth. The consumer base is already there, terrified of plastics, and practically begging for this. What materials or manufacturing hurdles are currently stopping us from cracking this design? If someone figures out the bristle problem, they win a multi-billion dollar everyday market. Let’s discuss.

Hello looking for some new flip flops after my old (plastic) ones broke but I want to go for a plastic alternative that will hold up for the beach, pool, walking, whatever

Or if is it better to just buy a single plastic pair ? I reuse mine over and over again until they literally break past the point where super glue can fix them so idk, I want some advice please

I should know, I'm old. But I never paid attention when growing up. You know the deal, parents take care of everything, so kids don't care. We had Arrowhead water delivered in 5-gallon bottles. They used to be glass. Then they became plastic. But I can't remember how water was sold in the stores. Maybe it was gallon glass jugs with a deposit. But just guessing.

Does anyone know?

I do remember the milk man delivering milk in glass bottles. So, there is that. As far as taking water on the road for outings. I guess we just used to drink at the water fountain or buy sodas. No one had personal drinking containers back then.

I've been thinking just getting a water filter would be enough to get microplastics significantly down but I keep hearing of so many microplastics sources like clothes and even the air we breathe. Obviously we can't deal with everything but since we drink water so much I thought it might be what I should focus on.

I’ve been trying hard to find my kids a play mat for their cars, however everything seems to be polyester or nylon! Are there any Australian mums that can suggest a good one to get that isn’t made of plastics?

Taking baby to beach. Need UV protection but want to do zero plastic. Can’t find any options.

Is there such thing as a zero plastic swim diaper? Any tips will help!

Sorry this article is in Dutch, but it revealed to me that most chewing gum has plastic, something I had no idea about before. The Dutch government wants to ban it because so much gum ends up on the street where it lets microplastics go into the environment. I’m thinking about all those plastics going into the gum chewer! Have others heard this about chewing (or bubble) gum? Do you know of natural brands?

How can I freeze A LOT of something without plastic or low plastic waste? My husband and I have a small homestead and have quite the large garden, we are currently harvesting 72 heads of broccoli that we need to blanch and freeze, so far we have (some of) them froze on a single layer but I can’t stand the thought of putting them all in cheap ziplock bags just to throw away the ziplock bags, I know I could try to keep the bags and wash and reuse them but I’d rather upgrade to a better quality item that’s meant to be reused and wash. Plus I don’t want to give money to a company that plans on you throwing away plastic. Any advice or help?

** this will be one of 6 or so crops we will need to blanch and freeze so I will need a lot of storage

I have been buying glass Tupperware, specifically the Bayco brand for a while. Im not sure if i am just clumsy or unlucky,but they keep breaking.

This morning I pulled out some salsa I made and I set it on the counter and it just split in half 😮‍💨 not sure if it is the brand or is it just me haha.

caption speaks for itself, im a baker so it's a big problem for me to even try to think about any alternatives :( im already using silicone one instead of disposable ones, but maybe there is even better alternative somewhere? the only parchment i saw in my area was silicone-coated/im afraid cellulose one would affect taste of the cream, so disposable parchment one is not an option too, probably (tho i still may look into that)

i have thoughts about maybe sew something from wax wrappers, but it sounds a little bit.. non-washable? i don't know to word it, sorry

so, any ideas or maybe there's a solution already?

I've recently decided to try and go as plastic free as possible but it feels so overwhelming. I've started with simple things in the kitchen- chopping boards and utensils etc but eliminating plastic completely feels like such a huge thing to do and I don't really know where to begin.

Any recommendations? Where are the best places to start?

I'm currently a college student thats going to being moving into an apartment on campus. I've been learning more about eco living and sustainability. I really want all the products I need to get to not pollute the environment.

Are there any recommendations off of amazon that are not too expensive that you guys might have? It's so difficult to tell what are good products and what companies are just eco washing.

Hi, I’m looking into non toxic mugs for herbal teas and I’m wondering what material is best? I know some ceramics have a toxic glaze that contains lead and cadmium so I’m kinda stuck on what I should use? I’m thinking glass? Is there any specific type I should get or any better options? Thanks :)