Microplastics in the World Today

Know what's in your tea bag

In today’s world, we are now having to deal with an overabundance of microplastics in our environment.  Plastics were a vital part of our daily lives and let’s face it, it made our lives easier.  The origins of plastics allowed for easy manufacturing and costs being reduced with no impact on our daily lives.  Or so that was the thought.  Now it has been discovered that plastics have become a nightmare for our environment and our health.  Not only is plastic being discarded in landfills across the globe, but it has now become a significant threat to our oceans and wildlife.  Just when you thought things were under control, we got hit with the impact of plastics in our own bodies.  That’s right, plastic has now invaded our own systems and it’s causing a real threat to human survival.  It seems that plastic sheds microscopic particles that are being absorbed into our bloodstreams. Plastics are now causing health related problems to heart function and clogging our arteries, wreaking havoc on organ function.  So, are we doomed?  Not If we act now and do something about it.  So, what can we do to save ourselves?  It’s time to shed the plastics from our diet.  Just because we don’t swallow that plastic fork, doesn’t mean we aren’t swallowing plastic.  Just using plastic objects means we are taking in microscopic amounts, and they do add up over time.  Heating is also a major factor in plastic breakdown.  Now for the scare that will affect all the tea drinkers out there.  Many tea bags are made of microscopic filter screens that are entirely made of you guessed it, plastic.  If the screen is already microscopic and plastic, every time you brew a cup of tea you are actually brewing a cup of plastic fibers.  All of a sudden that delicious cup of Earl Grey is not tasting quite so good.  Is there anything that can be done or has the human race officially doomed itself?

There are ways to get back on track if we are willing to give it a go.  People must begin to look for alternative ways to store and consume food and beverages.  The avoidance of plastic bottles will not only be a great way to save the environment, but a healthy one as well.  Let’s all agree that when we see pictures of piles of plastic floating against a beach, no one wants to jump in for a quick, refreshing dip.  I cannot think of anyone who would enjoy rolling around in a landfill either.  It is just gross to even think about it.  As an avid tea drinker, my hackles are up whenever anyone messes with my morning go to.  That is when I decided it was time for action.  I researched teas that did not contain plastic filter bags and was surprised to find that there are alternative ways to brew tea.  Organic cotton bags were an excellent choice, but I would only use the unbleached cotton because who do you know would add bleach to their tea.  I have also utilized the stainless-steel tea balls, but I have noticed that there are residual amounts that get through the screen.  My ultimate decision has been the organic paper bags, much like the coffee filters of old that were used in the home coffee machines.  I have also changed my regimen of tea storage as well, preferring a large glass receptacle instead of the plastic container I usually used.  It’s just little things that can make a huge difference and by starting now, we could all be around to enjoy that wonderful cup of tea just a little bit longer.