Hey Lykkers, did you know we might be swallowing plastic every single day without even realizing it?

Sounds wild, right? But research shows that microplastics — those tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size — are quietly sneaking into our food, water, and even the air we breathe. Let's break down what's really going on and why we should care.

Where Do Microplastics Come From?

We often think of plastic as something solid and visible — bottles, bags, wrappers. But as these items break down over time, either from sunlight, friction, or natural wear, they release microplastics into the environment. Even when we wash synthetic clothes like polyester, nylon, or acrylic, thousands of microfibers shed and make their way into water systems. Everyday products like toothpaste and body scrubs used to contain microbeads too, though many countries have now banned them.

How Do Microplastics Get Into Our Body?

Here's where it gets a bit unsettling. We take in microplastics in three main ways: through what we eat, what we drink, and what we breathe. Seafood is a big one — fish and shellfish often ingest microplastics from polluted oceans, and when we eat them, those particles enter our systems too. Tap and bottled water, salt, honey, and even vegetables have been found to contain microplastic particles. And let's not forget the dust in our homes, which can carry plastic fibers from furniture, electronics, and clothes.

How Much Plastic Are We Eating?

Ready for a shocker? A study by the World Wildlife Fund suggested that we may be consuming up to 5 grams of plastic a week — that's roughly the size of a credit card! Over a year, that adds up to more than 250 grams of plastic. That's like eating a small plastic bowl — and it's not something we signed up for. Even more recent research shows plastic particles turning up in human blood and lungs, which suggests they're circulating inside our bodies more than we ever thought.

Can Microplastics Affect Our Health?

Scientists are still studying the full impact, but the early signs are worrying. Some types of plastics carry harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which may mess with our hormones or immune system. And while our bodies are pretty good at getting rid of some unwanted stuff, there's concern that the tiniest plastic bits — especially nanoplastics — might stay around and cause inflammation or damage our organs over time.

What Can We Do About It?

We can't completely escape microplastics, but we can reduce our exposure. Here are some things we can start doing today:

• Use a water filter: Many filters can reduce plastic particles in drinking water.

• Cut down on plastic packaging: Go for reusable containers, and avoid individually wrapped items when you can.

• Air out your home: Keep dust down with regular cleaning, and consider an air purifier.

• Choose natural fabrics: Cotton, wool, and linen shed fewer microplastics than synthetics.

• Eat lower on the food chain: Less seafood and more plant-based meals can help reduce plastic intake.

Why It Matters for All of Us

This isn't just about the environment anymore — it's about what's happening inside us. When we throw away a plastic wrapper or toss out an old t-shirt, we're not just polluting nature; we're creating tiny plastic threats that could end up in our own bodies. This issue connects us all — rich or poor, young or old, we're all breathing the same air and drinking the same water.

Let's Talk, Lykkers

Have you ever thought about how much plastic you take in each day? It's scary, but the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and make smarter choices. If you've found a clever way to cut down plastic in your daily life, share it with us — let's learn from each other. Because in the end, we're all in this together.