Microplastics Are Everywhere

STEWARDS OF OUR EARTH

All of God’s Creation

Social Justice Committee, Holy Cross Parish, Mt. Airy, June 7, 2026

“Ten trillion plastic pellets enter our world's oceans every year (ref). Though small, these pellets are a serious threat to our health and environment.” (U.S. PIRG - Public Interest Research Group, 5/21/26)

“Exposure begins in utero and continues throughout the lifespan, with microplastics detected in everything from placentas to breast milk…. The literature suggests that microplastics affect nearly every organ in the body…. While everyone is at risk of health harms, children may be the most vulnerable.” (A. Yousuf, U. Gately, F. Yousuf, and S. Karthik, MedPage Today, 4/21/26)

Right now, there is a bill in Congress that would prevent some microplastics from entering our water. The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act would ban the discharge of plastic pellets into waterways by companies that make, use, or transport them (ref). It has broad bipartisan support. (U.S. PIRG, 5/21/26)

Tell your U.S. House representative to support the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act today.

TIPS to AVOID EXPOSURE

While it is nearly impossible to avoid all sources of plastics, here are some reminders to help limit your exposure.

* Reduce the amount of plastic in your day-to-day life. Take an inventory of your home and workplace and see if you can replace or eliminate anything.

* Don’t heat food in plastic, and store leftovers in glass or metal containers.

* Clean frequently as dust in homes can contain microplastics.

* Reduce consumption of processed foods as microplastics have been found in a higher concentration in such foods.

* If you are buying food in cans, make sure you avoid cans which have BPA or other harmful plastics in the lining.

* Shift to reusables. Using reusable coffee mugs, water bottles, takeout containers, and grocery bags can help reduce your use of single-use plastic and therefore reduce your potential exposure to microplastic.

* Don’t buy bottled water. Because bottled water is packaged in a plastic bottle, there’s a risk that the plastic will degrade and flake off into the water.

* Install a microfiber filter on your washing machine. Our clothing often contains plastic such as nylon, polyester, and elastane. Filters prevent plastic microfibers from entering our water systems. (U.S. PIRG, 10/9/25)

* Pick up your most-used lotions, cosmetics, face wash, toothpaste, or other personal care products and scan the ingredient list for added microplastics. Look for polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, acrylates, polymers, and microbeads. (Natural Resources Defense Council, 5/26/26)

Right now, there are no laws regulating microplastics in our food or water. The EPA recently took a step in a positive direction by acknowledging microplastics as a drinking water contaminant. Now we need regulations to enforce that direction. (U.S. PIRG, 5/28/26)

Comments on this column may be directed to the Social Justice Committee at socialjustice@holycrossphl.org.  To access current and past columns and to act on any of the topics via clickable links, go to holycrossphl.org and click on Social Justice Committee – Stewards of Our Earth.