Reducing Plastic Use is Important for Your Health – Here’s How

The Plastic Predicament in Outdoor Sports

Plastic use is pervasive in the outdoor industry—from water bottles and energy bar wrappers to synthetic performance apparel and gear. Emerging scientific research reveals that plastic exposure may be affecting our well-being. As microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals infiltrate the air, water, food, the home environment, and even our bodies, we all face a growing risk of exposure.

In this article, we’ll explore why reducing plastic use matters for outdoor athletes, examine the scientific evidence on how plastic may be affecting health and performance, provide practical strategies to minimize plastic exposure—including taking steps to create a plastic-free kitchen—and offer sustainable solutions for outdoor athletes committed to protecting both their health and the natural environment.

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The Pervasiveness of Plastic in Outdoor Sports

Outdoor athletes rely heavily on synthetic materials for performance and convenience. However, many of these products contribute to plastic waste and release microplastics into the environment. Here’s how plastic is embedded in outdoor activities:

• Apparel: Most performance clothing, including base layers, leggings, and jackets, are made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex. These fabrics shed microplastics when washed and worn, contributing to environmental pollution.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Plastic water bottles, hydration bladders, and single-use energy bar wrappers are common among athletes. These materials can contain bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, which can leach into food and drinks.
• Gear and Accessories: Helmets, backpacks, gloves, and other gear are often made from plastic-based composites. Frequent exposure through skin contact or accidental ingestion of plastic particles has demonstrated impacts on the human body.
• Single-use Packaging: Energy gels, protein bars, and electrolyte powders often come in single-use plastic packaging, contributing to trail litter and landfill waste.

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How Plastic May Be Affecting Outdoor Athletes

Plastic exposure isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s increasingly recognized as a health hazard:

1. Microplastic Inhalation and Ingestion

Outdoor recreationalists can be exposed to airborne microplastics, especially in urban and coastal environments. A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimated that humans inhale an average of 16.2 bits of microplastic per hour during outdoor activities in polluted areas (Li et al., 2023). While the long-term effects are still being studied, inhaled microplastics have been found to cause inflammation and oxidative stress in lung tissue, potentially impairing respiratory efficiency—an essential factor for endurance athletes.

Additionally, microplastics are increasingly found in drinking water, seafood, and even salt. A study published in Nature Communications (2019) revealed that bottled water contains, on average, twice as many microplastics as tap water (Schymanski et al., 2019). Athletes hydrating with plastic bottles may be inadvertently ingesting these particles, which could contribute to inflammation and gut health issues.

2. Hormone Disruption from Plastic Chemicals

Plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as BPA and phthalates, which interfere with hormonal balance. According to research in Environmental Health Perspectives (2017), BPA exposure has been linked to reduced testosterone levels and impaired recovery in athletes (Gao et al., 2017). Lower testosterone can hinder muscle repair and reduce endurance capacity—both critical factors for athletic performance.

Furthermore, phthalates, commonly found in flexible plastics, have been associated with reduced lung function in athletes, potentially decreasing VO2 max—a key performance metric for endurance sports (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2021).

3. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Plastic-related chemical exposure may increase oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. A study in Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2022) found that plastic additives such as plasticizers can increase markers of oxidative stress in animal models (Wright & Kelly, 2022). For athletes, chronic inflammation can lead to slower recovery times, increased fatigue, and a higher risk of injury.

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Environmental Impact: The Athlete’s Responsibility

As outdoor athletes, reducing plastic use is not only a matter of personal health but also a form of environmental stewardship. Consider the following impacts:

• Microplastic Pollution in Trails and Waterways: Trail running shoes and synthetic base layers shed microplastics with every step. These particles enter the soil and water, affecting local wildlife and contaminating ecosystems.
• Plastic Waste in Remote Areas: Unfortunately, some recreationalists leave behind plastic packaging in outdoor locations. Unlike urban areas, wilderness environments have limited waste management infrastructure, making plastic waste persistent and damaging.
• Wildlife Ingestion: Plastic fragments and microfibers are increasingly found in fish, birds, and mammals.

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What You Can Do – Work Toward Creating a Plastic-Free Kitchen for Better Health and Sustainability

In order to limit exposure to plastics, we should all prioritize reducing plastic in the kitchen. This minimizes ingestion of plastic chemicals and supports sustainable living.

1. Replace Plastic Storage Containers

• As your containers become damaged, swap out plastic food storage containers for glass or stainless steel containers.
• Use silicone lids or beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling film.
• Store dry goods in glass jars or metal canisters.

2. Cook with Non-Toxic Cookware

• Avoid non-stick pans with plastic coatings (like Teflon), which can release harmful chemicals.
• Use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.
• Skip plastic cooking utensils—opt for bamboo, wood, or stainless steel alternatives.

3. Eliminate Plastic Water Bottles

• Use a countertop water filter with a glass or stainless steel pitcher instead of bottled water.
• Choose reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles for hydration.

4. Shop Sustainably

• Buy produce and grains in bulk using reusable cloth bags.
• Choose products with minimal or plastic-free packaging.
• Bring your own reusable containers to refill bulk items at local bulk food stores.

5. Use Sustainable Cleaning Products

• Ditch plastic dish and hand soap bottles in favor of refillable glass dispensers, or solid bar soaps.
• Use natural fiber sponges or compostable brushes instead of synthetic sponges.
• Make homemade cleaning products using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, stored in glass spray bottles.

By reducing plastic use in the kitchen, you can minimize exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals while creating a healthier, more sustainable home environment.

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How Outdoor Athletes Can Reduce Plastic Exposure Beyond the Kitchen

In addition to a plastic-free kitchen, there are practical steps outdoor athletes can take to reduce plastic use and minimize exposure during their adventures.

1. Rethink Hydration Practices

• Use stainless steel or glass water bottles: Unlike plastic bottles, stainless steel containers do not leach chemicals into your drink.
• Opt for hydration packs with non-toxic bladders: Choose BPA-free or medical-grade silicone hydration bladders instead of plastic ones.
• Refill instead of purchasing bottled water: Bring a portable water filter when adventuring in the backcountry to avoid the need for single-use plastic bottles.

2. Switch to Sustainable Apparel

• Choose natural fibers: Opt for merino wool or organic cotton performance clothing, which do not shed microplastic fibers during wear and washing.
• Use a laundry bag or microplastic washing machine filter when washing synthetics: This laundry bag reduces microfiber shedding, preventing microplastic pollution from entering waterways.

3. Advocate for Plastic-Free Events

• Participate in plogging: This trend combines running or hiking with collecting litter, helping to reduce plastic pollution.
• Encourage race organizers to go plastic-free: Advocate for refillable water stations and compostable cups at trail races.

4. Create Your Own Snacks

• Reduce plastic waste: Bake your own trail snacks to eliminate the need for plastic wrappers, which may be recycled, but more often then not end up in the landfill or natural environment.

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Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact

For outdoor athletes, reducing plastic use is more than an environmental gesture—it’s an investment in personal health and a commitment to protecting the natural spaces we cherish. By creating a plastic-free kitchen and making mindful choices about gear, hydration, apparel, and snacks, athletes can reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals while preserving the outdoor environments.

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References

• Li, L., et al. (2023). ‘Airborne Microplastics and Human Health.’ Environmental Science & Technology.
• Schymanski, D., et al. (2019). ‘Microplastics in Bottled Water.’ Nature Communications.
• Gao, X., et al. (2017). ‘BPA and Testosterone Levels in Athletes.’ Environmental Health Perspectives.
• Wright, S. L., & Kelly, F. J. (2022). ‘Plastic Additives and Oxidative Stress.’ Free Radical Biology and Medicine.
• Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2021). ‘Phthalate Exposure and Lung Function in Athletes.’