Plastic pollution and microplastics have become common topics in conversations about both the environment and human health. From food packaging, personal care products, and clothing, plastic has a way of making an appearance into nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Navigating the conversation around the plastic issue and trying to reduce your exposure to microplastics can feel super overwhelming. So…where do we start? 

We sat down with Plastic Pollution Researcher and Young Leaders alumnus, Dr. Win Cowger to learn how he approaches plastic use in his everyday life. From the products he chooses for his home, what he wears, and how he packs his lunch, Dr. Cowger shares five practical things he is doing to reduce his exposure to microplastics.

Rethinking What’s in the Kitchen

“I try not to use plastic containers for my food. So, especially the stuff that's going to be contacting the food, like my lunch container, will be glass or metal.” 

Everybody eats and the kitchen is perhaps one of the most practical places to start when thinking about reducing plastic use. Food storage containers, tea bags, water bottles, and utensils are all common sources of plastic that are a part of many people's daily routines. For Dr. Cowger, one of the first considerations is what will be coming in direct contact with his food and beverages. Rather than using plastic containers, Dr. Cowger opts for alternatives like glass and stainless steel. 

His approach also extends beyond the kitchen and into his professional life. In the lab where he and fellow researchers are studying plastic pollution, certain materials can become sources of contamination and not the most sustainable options. Dr. Cowger mentioned that his team is exploring using glass pipette tips that they can wash and reuse as an alternative to the common disposable plastic ones. Reducing plastic use and exposure doesn’t require dramatic lifestyle changes. It can start with small steps and simple swaps like rethinking how you pack your lunch or opting for reusable products over disposable ones. 

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Choosing Natural Fibers

Plastic isn’t just found in food packaging and the products we buy…it is also in many of the clothes we wear. Synthetic textiles such as polyester and nylon are plastic-based materials that are commonly found in both the closet and landfill. As the clothes are worn and washed, they shed tiny little plastic fibers (microfibers) that then make their way into wastewater and the environment. Fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and hemp are some natural fibers that are alternatives to synthetic materials. 

Dr. Cowger also explained that his clothing choice is also an important consideration in his professional environment. Because his work is studying plastics, Cowger has to be mindful of what he brings into the lab. He explains, “Our lab requires that I can’t go into the lab with synthetic clothing. Since we are looking at microplastics, we can’t contaminate our own samples.” One thing I noticed during my conversation with Dr. Cowger is how intentional and practical he is about reducing plastic in his everyday life…rather than making drastic changes, he takes a more thoughtful approach to the products he uses and how he can incorporate these things into his day to day life.

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