Practicality of the teabags can not be denied, but they can really have effects and burdens not only on people but the environment as well.
The scientists found that one plastic tea bag releases around 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion smaller nanoplastic particles into the cup. Those, in turn, end up in the drinker's digestive system. The findings were published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Technology.
It is better using loose tea instead of teabags. In addition to cell damage, regular consumption of microplastics may cause immune disruption, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity in the body.
A previous study from the Netherlands shared its results in March 2022, as it indicated that microplastics were found in human blood for the first time. In the study, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic widely used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and clothing production, polystyrene used in packaging food and household products, and polyethylene used in a plastic bag were detected in blood samples.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are teeny tiny pieces of plastic, less than 5mm in size, that break down from larger pieces of plastic. While plastic doesn’t biodegrade, it does break down into smaller and smaller pieces that can enter the environment and cause a threat to the ocean, the land, and all life on earth. Microplastics are everywhere – in the food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe. However, there are best practices to minimize exposure, such as minimizing consumption of food and drinks that contain plastic in the packaging.
When it comes to the earth, microplastics enter the environment through human plastic waste that breaks down and contaminates the soil, waterways and ocean with chemicals and harmful microorganisms. Fish and other aquatic life, even ocean predators like seals, can be harmed by these microplastics, which may cause abnormal behavior, changed feeding patterns, cell damage or developmental issues.
Plastic-Free Alternatives
A good place to start is to look for companies that do not use plastic in their tea bags. We recommend to choose loose teas and use your own stainless steel or silicone tea strainer instead of purchasing bagged teas. COSMIC DEALER TEAS do not contain plastic, and are made naturally.
With love,