New Year’s Address 2026
24. December 2025
A Little Helps a Lot: 11 Everyday Tips Against Microplastics
Microplastics are everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. But instead of resigning ourselves to this fact, we can take action. With our new guide, we show you eleven concrete measures you can take to significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics.
The Invisible Danger in Our Everyday Lives
Scientific studies have now detected microplastics in almost all human organs—including the brain, lungs, and bloodstream. The threat to our health is real: although the long-term effects are still being researched, the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) states there is sufficient reason to assume potential health damage.
The good news: it's in your hands. With simple everyday decisions, you can significantly reduce your personal exposure to microplastics—without having to completely turn your life upside down.
A Quick Overview: What You Can Do Immediately
Tip 1: Tap Instead of Bottle
The simplest and most effective first step: drink tap water. A groundbreaking study in the journal PNAS showed that one liter of bottled water can contain an average of 240,000 nanoplastic particles. People who drink bottled water exclusively ingest up to 20 times more microplastics than tap water drinkers. By the way: even beer can contain microplastics—another reason to pay attention to packaging.
Our Tip: Invest in a high-quality glass or stainless steel bottle for on the go.
Tip 2: Hot? Only in Glass!
When heating food in plastic containers, significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastics are released. Heat massively accelerates the release of plastic particles and additives like Bisphenol-A.
Our Tip: Use glass or ceramic dishes for the microwave and stainless steel containers for storage.
Tip 3: Fresh Instead of Ready-made
Highly processed foods contain significantly more microplastics than fresh products. Our detailed article on microplastics in our food shows storing food in plastic packaging leads to the migration of particles into the food.
Our Tip: Visit the weekly market or zero-waste stores and cook for yourself.
Tip 4: Nature Against Your Skin
About 60–70% of all textiles consist of synthetic fibers. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane release thousands of microfibers every time they are worn and washed.
Our Tip: Choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, or wool for new purchases.
Tip 5: Open the Windows!
The inhalation of microplastics occurs primarily indoors, not outdoors. Household dust binds plastic particles from synthetic textiles and furnishings.
Our Tip: Ventilate your home for 10–15 minutes daily (cross-ventilation) and wipe surfaces regularly with a damp cloth.
Tips 6 & 7: The 70% Formula for Washing
Washing synthetic textiles is responsible for about 35% of the microplastics that enter the marine environment annually. However, three simple adjustments can reduce microfiber shedding by up to 70%:
- Lower the temperature: Wash below 30°C.
- Reduce the spin cycle: Fewer rotations = less abrasion.
- Reduce detergent: Half the recommended amount is often sufficient.
Bonus: Hang your laundry to dry instead of using a dryer—this protects both the material and the environment.
Tip 8: Plastic-Free Kitchen
Did you know that a single plastic tea bag can release billions of nano- and microplastic particles at 95°C? Plastic cutting boards also shed particles during use.
Our Tip: Use loose tea or paper bags; use wooden cutting boards and spoons.
Looking Beyond Your Own Horizon
Tips 9 to 11 of our guide show how you can have an impact beyond individual measures:
- Spread the Word: Inform those around you, become involved in schools and education projects, and participate in citizen science projects.
- Apply Pressure: Use your democratic opportunities – EU regulations on microplastics show that political pressure works.
- Fund the Change: Support non-profit organizations that research innovative solutions.
Fact Check: The Credit Card Lie
You may have heard the claim: "We eat one credit card a week." This striking statement makes its rounds in the media—but is it true? In our article "Microplastics and the Credit Card Lie," we analyzed the scientific background. Conclusion: The actual load is difficult to quantify, but the need to act remains undisputed.
Every Step Counts
Completely avoiding microplastics is unrealistic in our modern world. However, research shows that our bodies have mechanisms to excrete plastic particles. The goal is not perfection, but conscious action.
Measures 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 can be implemented immediately and show a fast impact. Socio-political measures take longer to manifest their effect but are essential for systemic change.
Start today – a little goes a long way.
Download our free guide
Our detailed handout, “11 Tips Against Microplastics,” explains all the measures in detail—with impact assessments, concrete implementation tips, and scientific background information.
On a personal note, because water concerns us all: Become a River Savior – Project Danube 2850
2,850 kilometers. That’s the length of the Danube – the second-longest river in Europe, a lifeline for ten countries and millions of people. But it too carries an invisible burden: microplastics.
With our project Danube 2850 – Microplastic Mapping, we are systematically mapping microplastic pollution along the entire Danube for the first time. We measure, analyze, and create the scientific basis for effective protective measures.
💡 Your donation makes a difference: Every contribution brings us closer to the goal: clean water for everyone.
The Danube knows no borders—and neither do microplastics. That's why we need people like you who think and act beyond their own horizon.
