We have all experienced moments of thirst, when nothing sounds more satisfying than a refreshing iced green tea matcha—or the beverage of your choice—to quench it. Or have you gone to a local Starbucks or coffee stand to grab a steamy hot cup of coffee on the go to help wake up on those early mornings? However, each sip of coffee, or your preferred beverage, may also contain something you did not order: microplastics. Many disposable cups, including those used by large coffee chains such as Starbucks, have been found to contain microplastics. 

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as contaminants which are plastic particles less than 5mm. According to Jkai Plastic Technology Co., the two main types of plastic in disposable cups are Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP). These most common plastics which are found harming our bodies. There are many ways these microplastics can contaminate our food, drinks, skincare and even our soil! These itty-bitty pieces of plastic can come into contact with our bodies through ingestion, inhalation and through skin contact. Microplastics are most commonly ingested from the plastic packaging our everyday food and drinks are in states PennState Institute of Energy and the Environment.

Starbucks, along with many other coffee chains and or independent stands, use lined paper cups to keep the hot liquids from seeping through the cup. However, the inner lining, which is often a thin layer of PET, can release MPs when touched with those hot cappuccinos with its frothy crown and rich aroma. A 2022 study published in the journal “Science of the Total Environment” found that disposable cups can release thousands of microplastic particles into hot beverages. This research was led by Chuier Chen who found nearly 6,000 microplastic particles per litter in drinks. These MPs tend to be released through hot beverages, with the plastic lining decomposing into the beverage. Additionally, acidic carbonated beverages may also enhance the releasing of MPs in beverages compared to water. However, it is important to note that water, such as plastic water bottles, will contain these microscopic pieces of plastic. According to the National Institute of Technology a bottle of water contains approximately 240,000. 

There is currently not a lot of information on the true negative effects MPs have on the human body. However, scientists around the world are currently studying the effects of it and research has found evidence of plastic particles in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, and reproductive tissues like the placenta and testes, according to the National Insitute of Tecnology. It is hard to detect and study due to the small size of the microplastics and nanoplastics. In Microplastics: Pervasive Pollution and Their Impact on Human Health, Oceanic Preservation Society, produced a study which showed the negative effects of MPs, “Laboratory studies on animals and cell cultures have shown that microplastics can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and even interfere with cellular function.” Furthermore, the harmful chemicals in MPs are known to, “interfere with hormone regulation, potentially affecting reproductive health, growth, and development.” If that is not concerning enough, scientists are associating MPs with a range of health issues including: neurological concerns, cardiovascular and respiratory issues, reproductive health and digestive disorders. Not only is MPs harmful to the human body and health, but it is also harmful to the environment. 

Disposable cups are advertised as environmentally, nevertheless 500, making approximately one million single-use coffee cups are sent to landfill every minute. The issue with these plastic-lined disposable cups, is that they are not recyclable, unless it is recycled by a specialized recycler. 

There are many alternatives to ridding these harmful cups, such as bringing your own stainless-steel tumbler. This is the most effective and efficient solution to rid disposable cups. Not only will it reduce the amount MPs ingested, but it will also help reduce the amount of waste. At UW Bothell, can take part as a sustainability-driven community, either on campus at our local Starbucks (GoldBrew or Village Cafe), or a coffee shop near you, bringing your own stainless-steel cup can help prevent MPs affecting your health. It is important to try to reduce using products with a lot of plastic wrappings or in the product, such as many foods or beverages. Also, never be afraid to bring your own, some coffee shops even offer discounts if you bring in your own tumbler or mug. 

Microplastics are our generation’s version of lead poisoning, dangerous, and for now, the health problems are not completely discovered; however, current research shows it can be detrimental. Coming into contact with MPs cannot always be preventable, but with these poisonous plastics to ensure the best chance for health. Together, we can reduce waste and try to prevent further damage from the poisonous plastics that have already been damaging our health. If you want to take action and or learn more about how you can improve not only your health, but the world we live in, perhaps consider joining the Alliance for Sustainability (A4S) club, here on campus. Action can also be taken by doing your own research, and or taking classes UW Bothell provides on sustainability and the environment. One person cannot change the world, but we can, together as a community.