Last night, I watched the documentary Plastic Detox on Netflix… and it shifted something in me. I’ve always considered myself fairly mindful when it comes to plastic. I avoid plastic water bottles. I try not to store food in plastic containers. But it made me realize something important:

There are still small, everyday exposures that quietly add up. And more importantly… this isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness.

A quick (gentle) reality check

Microplastics are exactly what they sound like: tiny particles of plastic that end up in our environment… and eventually, in our bodies. They can come from things like:

  • food packaging
  • cooking tools
  • synthetic materials
  • everyday household items

Over time, these particles (and the chemicals often found in plastics, like BPA and phthalates) can interfere with different systems in the body, including hormones. The documentary explored this through many lenses, including fertility. But what stood out to me was broader than that.

As the couples reduced their exposure to plastic in their daily lives, many of them shared noticing shifts in how they felt: things like improved sleep, less brain fog and a greater sense of overall well-being. And notably, among the 6 couples who had been struggling with fertility for years, 3 finally conceived during the course of the experiment (you see photos of their beautiful healthy babies at the end of the film which is quite touching).

Of course, it’s impossible to attribute these changes to one single factor. But it does raise an interesting question about how our everyday environment might be impacting us in ways we don’t always notice.

My philosophy: progress over perfection

If there’s one thing I want this post to be, it’s that you don’t need to throw everything out and start over. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend that. A much more sustainable approach is → replace as you go

When something breaks… when it reaches the end of its life… that’s your moment to choose differently. No pressure. No overwhelm. Just small, intentional upgrades.

The swaps I’ve already made (and a few I’m adding)

Here are some of the changes I’ve made over the years:

  • Glass containers instead of plastic for food storage
  • Reusable water bottles (no more single-use plastic) made of glass or stainless steal
  • Avoiding food wrapped in plastic packaging when possible (not storing my food in plastic cling wrap AKA “Saran Wrap” or in Ziplock bags)
  • Coconut or plant based sponge  + plastic free brush to wash dishes
  • Never heating food in plastic (I’m honestly a bit horrified when I see meals being microwaved in plastic containers—heat can cause some of the plastic’s compounds to leach into the food)

And after watching the documentary, I’m now looking at:

  • Wooden or stainless steel cooking utensils (still have a few to replace)
  • Replacing my plastic blender over time
  • Switching out plastic ice cube trays
  • Being mindful of handling receipts in store (many thermal paper receipts contain plastic-based coatings that can transfer onto our skin)
  • Reflecting on other, less obvious sources of exposure (including things like my breast implants, which I’ve been thinking more about lately, but that’s a much bigger conversation for another time)

Nothing extreme. Just more awareness in the choices I make daily.

If you want to go further

If you’re curious to explore more ideas, I found the article 31 Ways to Go Plastic-Free a great place to start. It’s practical, realistic and easy to approach at your own pace.

A documentary worth watching

If this topic speaks to you, I highly recommend watching the documentary that inspired this reflection. It follows several couples as they reduce plastic exposure in their daily lives, and the results are… eye-opening in a very human, relatable way.

 

A few other documentaries you might want to explore

If you want to go deeper into the topic, these documentaries could be relevant:

Each one looks at plastic from a slightly different angle (environmental, health, systemic).

A softer way forward

This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about becoming a little more aware… a little more intentional… and making choices that support your well-being over time. Because these small, quiet changes truly add up – for our planet and our body.

I’m curious… Have you ever thought about reducing plastic in your daily life? Or is there one small swap you feel ready to make? Come say hello on Instagram or Facebook and let me know if you watch any of these documentaries + they impact they had on your consumption of plastic.