There is much more information about plastics related to pollution than there is about harmful microplastics in food and water, but resources are becoming available and awareness is building.
Food storage is a difficult area. We are inundated with plastic from stores and in our kitchens. We're told to reuse things like plastic forks, but it's unsafe because they break apart into microplastics. It's best to avoid them altogether. Glass and...
Microplastics are released when you cut on plastic cutting boards and mats. Unfortunately, plastic boards were the preferred NSF choice for commercial kitchens. Epicurean is changing that.
Microplastics are released from the typical scrubbers we use in our kitchens. Here are some wonderful options to help you ditch the plastic - non-biodegradable options. These sites have great alternatives.
Microplastics are small plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in size, that are intentionally added to a variety of cosmetic products. These microplastics can be found in products like exfoliating scrubs, toothpaste, and makeup, where they serve...& Gray LLP) (COSlaw EU). Concerns and Regulatory Actions Environmental Impact: Microplastics do not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for centuries, contributing to pollution in oceans and waterways. These particles can be ingested by m...& Gray LLP) (COSlaw EU). Health Concerns: Research indicates that microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, which can pose risks to human health. These risks have led to increased regulatory scrutin...& Gray LLP) (COSlaw EU) (CTPA). Regulatory Measures The European Union has implemented significant regulations to phase out microplastics in cosmetics. As of October 2023, the EU has banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics, with addit...& Gray LLP) (COSlaw EU). Industry Guidance To help the cosmetics industry comply with these new regulations, organizations like Cosmetics Europe and the European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI) have published detailed guidance. This inc...
Another essential area to address is our water. There are some great, highly-rated options here.