Want to know what you can do yourself to minimize the release of microplastics? I've listed some tips for you below:
Cosmetics:
1. Use organic cosmetics that don't contain microplastics. Naturally, none of Saucha's products contain microplastics. Want to check if other products contain microplastics? Here's how to recognize and avoid them:
- Toothpaste: Polyethylene (PE) and/or Polyethylene glycol;
- Liquid soap: Polystyrene/Acrylates copolymer;
- Scrub products: Polyethylene (PE) and/or Polypropylene (PP).
Other microplastics include:
- Acrylate Copolymer, Acrylate Crosspolymer (ACS)
- Dimethicol
- Methicone
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyamide, Nylon
- Polyacrylate
- Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
- Polyquaternium
- Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene glycol, Polythylene terephthalate
- Polypropylene (PP), Polypropylene glycol
- Polystyrene
- Polyurethane
- PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone of polyvidone/ povidone)
- Siloxane
Clothing:
2. Buy as little synthetic clothing as possible and choose natural materials, such as cotton, linen and wool. Other good options are viscose and lyocell.
3. Wash synthetic clothing as little as possible. You can also use a special laundry net to catch the microfibers during washing, such as the Guppyfriend. This will trap about 70% of the fibers.
Transport:
4. Car tires are made of rubber and plastic and as driving wears out the tires, it releases microplastics. So leave the car whenever possible (take the bike or train instead) and change your winter tires on time.
Groceries:
5. Shop at the market, at a package-free store or have your empty jars filled at home.
6. Choose large packs rather than loose-packed products
7. Scan products with the Beat the microbeat app to discover if they contain microplastics.
P.s. Want to be certain there are no microplastics hidden in your shower gel and/or detergent? Take a look at our soaps!