Every day we eat, drink and breathe in tiny plastic particles and the invisible chemicals they release. Scientists have found microplastics in placentas, lungs and even human brains. More than 16,000 chemicals are added to plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, that enter our bodies and mimic our hormones. They have been linked to infertility, diabetes, heart disease and neurodevelopmental problems.
The problem is, plastic is impossible to avoid. Our food touches it at nearly every step of the food chain, from the farm and packaging to our lunch boxes and frypans. While some people can choose unpackaged fresh foods or buy stainless steel saucepans, many Australians, especially in rural and remote areas, have little choice but to rely on plastic-wrapped foods. We need policy change to cut our exposure to plastic chemicals in food.
My research is helping everyday Australians reduce plastic chemicals in their lives by providing low-plastic foods, drinks, cleaning and personal care products, tracking changes in their health over time. We’re working with over 100 farmers and producers to cut plastic contact from paddock to plate. Next, we’re investigating whether reducing plastic exposure can improve fertility in Australian couples. As a dietitian and nutritionist, I translate evidence into simple steps Aussies can take to eat fewer plastics to protect their health and our planet.