Q. Did I see something from AgeSpan on social media about microplastics? I’d love to learn more about this issue. I want to do more to reduce the problem in my home – especially when my grandchildren are visiting. What’s your advice?
A. Yes, you did see this issue on our social media. Our nutrition team recently created a presentation on microplastics and shared some of their research on AgeSpan’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages. With microplastics receiving increased attention, Registered Dietitian Leigh Hartwell and Nutrition Intern Jose Zuniga put together this information to share with the community.
Microplastics are tiny fragments that can be created when plastic is worn down through friction (like when you twist a bottle cap), changes in temperature (like freezing or heating), or natural forces (like wind or sun). They can enter our bodies in many ways – including from storing or microwaving food in plastic containers, food packaging, synthetic clothing, makeup, and smoking. In fact, some estimates suggest that we consume and inhale the equivalent of 50 plastic bags per year in microplastics. They can affect many different systems in our bodies.
It’s a big problem that doesn’t have a simple solution, but there are things you can do to reduce your exposure to microplastics. Here are some products that can be used as replacements for plastics:
- Metal or bamboo straws
- Beeswax wraps, silicon storage bags, a plate on top of food in the refrigerator
- Reusable metal utensils
- Stainless steel water bottle
- Loose leaf tea or plastic-free tea bags
- Reusable grocery bag
- Loose, unwrapped produce, items that come in glass jars
If you want to learn more about this issue, or want to join the discussion, Leigh will be presenting on microplastics at the North Andover Senior Center on January 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
Remember, you don’t have to make all of the changes on this list, but every small change can make a big difference for your health and the health of your grandchildren.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
