Pledge to participate in “Plastic Free July”

Join millions world-wide     

“Baby Johnathon” seems to ask, “How can we prevent microplastics from being parts of our bodies—even before we are born?”

Babies’ cells divide so fast, they are much more vulnerable than adults to anything affecting their growing systems.  Plastics don’t go away, they just degrade to smaller and smaller particles, called nano-plastics.

Numerous international, scientific studies confirm that microplastics are indeed found in every organ of our bodies.  Heart, kidney, liver, brain, testes, placenta and yes, sperm, breast milk and fetus too!

What kind of a start are we giving our children?

We can’t avoid all plastics, but there are many ways we can reduce our family’s exposure to microplastics.  Together we CAN make a difference!  Sign the Pledge, check out the calendars on PlasticfreeJuly.org and start by replacing one plastic item each day.

1.  Use stainless-steel or glass-lined water bottles!  A recent study found a

     single liter of bottled water contained 240,000 microplastics containing all 7 major plastics.

2.  Avoid all beverages and foods in plastic packaging, if we have a choice.

3.  Do NOT microwave plastic.  Transfer food to glass or ceramic before microwaving.

Scientists have found heat releases harmful chemicals.

4.  Check your kitchenware.  Use glass, bamboo, stoneware, ceramic, or stainless-steel.

5.  Choose natural fiber carpets, clothing, furnishings.  Fibers come off during laundry, friction.

6.  Avoid plastic tea bags, and any combination of hot water and plastic food containers.

7.  Bring your own non-plastic reusable cup and containers for take-out.

8.  Do NOT use plastic baby bottles.  Use tempered-glass bottles.

9.  Use stainless steel or cast-iron pans instead of non-stick ones.

10.  Avoid personal care products with added microplastics.  Read labels.

We all know we have a plastic crisis.  Together let’s DO something about it!

Let’s help all our newborn “Johnathons”—and ourselves!

*Sign Plastic Free July Pledge  --http://www.plasticfreejuly.org    

*Read scientific articles  --NRDC.org   NRDC Plastic Deluge: How small plastics harm health      and environment.

*Great ideas and Calendar of suggestions for all of July  --BeyondPlastics.org

   by Ellen Neumaier