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Where our research stems from

We base our recommendations and insights on scientific journals and peer-reviewed studies to bring you the latest in microplastics and plastics research.

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We source, read, and review the latest in microplastics and plastic research to make recommendations based on current science.

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When studies are from small sample sizes or could have inherent bias, we do our best to flag this in each article.

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Why microplastics matter

Columbia University researchers tested three popular U.S. bottled water brands and found an average of about 240,000 plastic fragments per liter, roughly 90% of them nanoplastics. That is 10 to 100 times more than earlier estimates, and much of it appears to come from the bottle itself and the filters used in processing. Source: Qian et al., PNAS, 2024.

An analysis of 2016 data by Pew and Systemiq estimates that about 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. Ocean Conservancy puts that at more than a garbage truck’s worth every minute. Source: Ocean Conservancy fact sheet, 2021.

In a University of Nebraska–Lincoln study, some plastic baby food containers released as many as 4.22 million microplastic and 2.11 billion nanoplastic particles from a single square centimeter of plastic during three minutes of microwave heating. Heat speeds up shedding. Warm food in glass or ceramic instead. Source: Hussain et al., Environmental Science & Technology, 2023.

Toothpaste, shampoo, cleaning sprays, food containers and even tea bags all have plastic-free versions. Start with what you heat or eat from, because heat makes plastic shed the most.