In a world where plastic is as ubiquitous as the air we breathe, Wake County Government is calling attention to the insidious infiltrators known as microplastics. Less than 5mm in size, these tiny fragments are practically omnipresent—in our oceans, air, even within the food we consume and the clothes we don. A recent social media post from the Wake County Government underscored the gravity of the issue with studies hinting that microplastics may be the culprits behind inflammations, tissue damages, and possibly increased risks for a slew of health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and reproductive problems.
The Wake County Government—through their online platforms—didn’t just stop to alarm, but also to empower citizens with practical advice. Although eliminating plastic entirely from our lives is a task easier said than done, they suggest proactive steps to mitigate exposure. They say to “Filter your water,” “Choose natural fibers,” and “Ditch single-use plastics,” while further advocating for the use of “glass or stainless steel containers” as opposed to those made of plastic. And let’s not forget the oft-repeated warning to “Avoid microwaving in plastic,” which sounds almost as basic as remembering to breathe these days…