Questions about microplastics?
How to Reduce Microplastics in Your Food
with Registered Dietitian Meridan Zerner on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas (and help from AI condensing my live TV segment)
Last month, I joined Good Morning Texas for "Wellness Wednesday" to bring attention to a hidden hazard affecting our health—microplastics in the foods we eat. Here's what I shared on-air, along with actionable steps you can take today to minimize your exposure.
Why Microplastics in Food Matter
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size—have infiltrated our environment to the degree that they're now found in water, fish, seafood, table salt, and even produce. While the full health impact is still being researched, early findings hint at potential risks like inflammation, hormone disruption, and gut microbiome disturbances.
Simple Strategies to Cut Down Your Exposure
During the TV segment, I emphasized practical swaps that everyone can incorporate into their routine:
Avoid plastic packaging when possible
Opt for fresh produce and bulk bins, using reusable cloth bags instead of plastic.
Skip single-use plastic tableware
Replace disposables (cups, plates, utensils) with reusable bamboo or steel options for picnics and gatherings.
Go glass for food storage
Glass meal prep containers and drinking bottles prevent microplastic leaching—plus, they last longer.
Reduce plastic water bottles. Filter your drinking water
Use high-quality water filters like ones with reverse osmosis or nano-filtration to trap tiny plastic particles.
Rethink your cutting boards
Plastic cutting boards may shed microplastic shavings with every slice, especially over time.
Instead, choose wooden or bamboo cutting boards—they're not only durable and naturally antimicrobial but also safer for food prep in the long run.
Be mindful when cooking
Avoid oiling plastic pans at high heats; choose stainless steel or ceramic cookware instead.
These tips help you actively reduce your plastic footprint.
Bottom Line
Reducing microplastics doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul. It’s about mindful choices:
Bring your own produce bags.
Store leftovers in glass.
Swap your plastic cutting board for wood.
Ditch disposables for durable options.
These easy shifts protect your health and lead to less plastic ending up in our planet and bodies.
📺 Missed the episode? Tune in on the WFAA Good Morning Texas site to catch my full segment on microplastics in your diet.
