10 Non-Toxic Food Storage Containers for Safe and Sustainable Living

Non toxic food storage containers are the best way to keep your leftovers and meal prepped foods fresh and safe without the chemicals. Constructed from non-toxic materials such as glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic, these food storage containers keep harmful toxins from seeping into your meals.

Whether meal prepping, storing leftovers or packing on-the-go snacks, these time-tested containers bring durability and non-toxic safety together. Shop bold colors and patterns to liven up your kitchen interior.

Visit to chronicle healthy, non-toxic food storage containers, and find the best alternatives to suit your healthy and sustainable lifestyle!

What Are Non Toxic Food Storage Containers?

All in all, sustainable kitchenware like non-toxic food containers is a terrific and environmentally-friendly choice for any contemporary kitchen. Constructed from safe, food-grade materials, these glass food storage containers are made to prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into your food. With the rising awareness of toxins in everyday products, non-toxic options have gained momentum for their role in protecting health and fostering sustainability.

1. Define Non-Toxic Food Storage

You deserve to feel safe in your home. Non-toxic food containers are produced using materials that avoid toxic chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals. Unlike traditional plastics that may contain Bisphenols (e.g., BPA and BPS) or phthalates, non-toxic options rely on safer alternatives like glass, stainless steel, and silicone.

For example, Glasslock sells these freezer-safe containers that are FDA-approved as safe for food storage and non-toxic in general. In the same way, companies like U Konserve are making high-quality, long-lasting tupperware out of stainless steel and silicone that don’t leach harmful chemicals.

Being food-safe may not mean that a product is non-toxic, and it’s important to understand the difference. Food-safe certifications guarantee that a material is safe for direct food contact. Non-toxic materials, however, go a step further to fully eliminate the risk of chemical leaching. This difference underscores the necessity of choosing containers clearly marked as non-toxic.

2. Why Choose Non-Toxic Options?

By opting for non-toxic food containers, you can minimize your exposure to these harmful substances, protecting both your health and well-being. These containers are good for the environment, as they help eliminate single-use plastics through the use of renewable materials.

Case in point,” says Caraway, the certified B Corp that provides non-toxic food storage while offsetting over 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions and using 100% recyclable packaging. Non-toxic materials such as glass and stainless steel are extremely durable, routinely lasting for many years with the proper care.

The initial investment can be an obstacle, but the future cost savings and less waste created overall makes them a good investment. In addition to quality protection from contamination, non-toxic containers keep your meals tasting fresh.

3. Common Toxins to Avoid

Plastics with recycling codes 3 (PVC) and 7 (other) frequently release toxic chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. These substances are endocrine disruptors, contributing to health problems such as hormonal abnormalities.

Exposure to heat, like when microwaving food in plastic, can make chemical leaching happen even faster. By choosing non-toxic options, you take these dangers out of the equation.

4. Benefits of Using Non-Toxic Containers

Non-toxic food containers provide several advantages. They reduce the risk of harmful chemicals, facilitating healthier lives. Stainless steel and glass materials are significantly more durable than plastic, with some products exceeding a durability mark of two years.

Environmentally, they cut down on plastic pollution and promote recyclability. Their versatility makes them the perfect companion for meal prep or storing leftovers.

5. Identify Misleading Marketing Claims

Just because your containers have “eco-friendly” labels doesn’t mean it’s safe. Avoid certifications that lack transparency. Look for certifications such as FDA approved or BPA free claims.

The best transparent brands, like Glasslock and U Konserve, do tell you where their materials come from and how they are made. Doing brand research and steering clear of the fine-print marketing lingo will lead you to make better, healthier choices.

Explore Non-Toxic Material Options

It’s not just a matter of convenience; choosing sustainable kitchenware, like glass food containers, protects your health and the environment. From traditional glass to innovative bamboo materials, here’s a look at the best and worst materials to choose today.

Glass Containers: Benefits and Drawbacks

Recyclable glass containers are the gold standard of consumer safety. Unlike plastic, glass won’t leach PFAS and other harmful chemicals into your food. This makes it great for leftovers, meal prep, or pantry staples.

Plus glass is way more durable and recyclable, making it more likely to live longer than plastic, keeping waste down in the long run. Borosilicate glass, specifically, is an excellent choice for any sort of thermal shock resistance, oven-to-freezer being one of the most common.

However, glass containers can be heavier and break more easily. This can be a concern for households with young children or people who just have an overall hectic schedule.

Stainless Steel: A Durable Choice

Stainless steel provides superior strength and durability, handling steaming hot soup or frigid deli salad equally as well. Its non-reactive surface is particularly ideal for cooking acidic foods such as tomato-based recipes, so there is no risk of leaching toxic chemicals.

With lightweight designs, stainless steel is an ideal choice for lunch to go. When it comes to cleaning, it doesn’t get any easier—just detergent and water will do!

This material is known for its extraordinary scratch resistance, keeping it looking new even after years of use.

Silicone: Flexible and Safe?

Food-grade silicone is a formable, resilient alternative that is growing in popularity. It’s free of harmful chemicals including BPA and phthalates. The EPA and CDC have directly connected these substances to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.

Silicone is microwave, dishwasher, and freezer-safe, making it even more versatile. It’s crucial to make sure silicone products are of the highest quality, because lower-grade silicones can fail to abide by safety standards.

Bamboo: An Eco-Friendly Alternative

Bamboo may be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and biodegradable materials. Treated with food-safe finishes, bamboo containers are a great way to introduce some natural elements into your kitchen while being kind to the environment.

Their sustainability credentials are through the roof, but they can be more limited in use for even moist or hot foods.

Other Emerging Materials

Recycled plastics, beeswax wraps, and bio-based composites are continuing to open the door to more non-toxic storage options. Beeswax wraps are another example — they’re a natural, reusable alternative that helps prevent single-use plastic waste.

New research is developing materials alternatives, aiming to improve both safety and sustainability in the process.

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Airtight Storage for Bulk Food

Airtight storage is the most effective way to protect food’s quality. It keeps air and moisture from getting into the container. This method is especially important when storing bulk foods. It prevents food waste and maintains the quality of your pantry staples for years.

By creating a protective shield from outside forces, airtight containers help maintain the taste, feel and deliciousness of your stored food. In addition to providing an airtight storage method, they help reduce food waste, saving you money in the long run.

Benefits of Airtight Containers

Airtight containers provide a multitude of benefits, particularly when using glass food storage containers. They double or triple shelf life for products like grains, nuts, and snacks while effectively keeping out contamination from pests, bacteria, and other microorganisms. This protects your valuable food from premature rotting or spoilage, making them a great food storage solution.

From a functional standpoint, storing bulk food in matching, stackable, airtight containers helps keep things organized and ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Our glass food storage containers with bamboo lids form an airtight seal to preserve all of your food’s flavor and nutrients.

Don’t forget, they add to your kitchen with a stunning, rustic look! Labeled containers improve pantry organization, making it easy to see what you have on hand and making meal preparation a faster process.

Best Materials for Airtight Seals

In choosing airtight containers, glass and stainless steel are perfect choices due to their long-lasting, non-toxic nature. Companies like Glasslock and Klean Kanteen offer clear glass and stainless steel vessels that are all FDA-approved for food storage.

These products are dishwasher, freezer safe and microwave safe. This is just the thing for putting up bulk food. Silicone gaskets, often found in bulk containers like Stasher bags, make a vacuum-tight seal.

They contribute to sustainability efforts as well with their reusable designs. Secure lids are key since they help prevent leaks while ensuring airtightness. This is crucial in ceramic-coated versions such as Caraway’s.

Maximize Food Preservation

To maximize food preservation, fill containers to leave minimal air space, which reduces oxygen exposure. Providing the right environment is essential. Additionally, it’s important to store foods at the appropriate temperatures—grains should be stored in cool, dry environments.

Regularly look through your inventory to rotate items and use up soon-to-expire items. Eco-friendly storage solutions utilizing reusable storage products, such as Beeswax Wraps, from SuperBee, is an easy way to incorporate sustainability into your bulk storage.

Organize Your Pantry

Non-toxic, BPA-free airtight containers make pantry storage a breeze. Categorize your food by group, use clear containers when possible to see contents, and label everything for easy identification.

An organized, natural pantry not only makes meal preparation a breeze, but it encourages a more productive kitchen environment.

Non-Plastic Food Container Alternatives

Making the switch to non-plastic food storage containers is an easy way to put health and the planet first. As people learn more about the environmental and health impacts of plastic, they are looking for alternatives. Materials such as glass, stainless steel, silicone, and bamboo are becoming more and more common.

These alternatives eliminate toxic substances, such as those released from plastic. As water bottles, lunch boxes, takeout containers and everything else that make them super versatile, convenient and sustainable!

Glass vs. Plastic: A Detailed Comparison

Apart from their sturdiness and versatility, glass containers are particularly notable due to their sustainability. For example, borosilicate glass is extremely durable when it comes to sudden temperature shifts, and as such is oven- and microwave-safe.

Glass jars are a more economical choice that’s easy to maintain, as there’s no chance for food odors or stains to seep in. Plastic containers warp with increased heat and tend to keep smells even after washing over long-term use.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Glass Containers	Plastic Containers
Durability	Long-lasting; resists scratches and discoloration	Prone to wear and tear over time
Safety	Free from harmful chemicals like BPA	May leach chemicals into food
Heat Resistance	Safe for ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers/td>	Limited heat tolerance; may melt or warp
Environmental Impact	100% recyclable; reduces single-use waste	Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally

Stainless Steel vs. Plastic: Which is Better?

Cafeteria-style stainless steel containers, especially high-quality ones made from 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, are another great long-lasting non-toxic option. They’re rust-proof, dishwasher safe, and oven-safe up to 425°F.

Unlike plastic, they’re built to last and don’t break down over time, creating far less waste. Their lightweight design and availability in multiple sizes makes them ideal for on the go meals.

Silicone vs. Plastic: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Silicone containers are flexible, stackable, and lightweight. They’re non-toxic, reusable and extremely temperature resilient, allowing them to hold up in the freezer and reheater.

In contrast to plastic, which cracks and breaks under stress, silicone isn’t an issue. Beeswax wraps are a great companion to silicone bags. They help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for weeks, so you don’t need to cover them in plastic wrap.

Bamboo vs. Plastic: Eco-Friendliness Matters

Bamboo introduces a new, wholly biodegradable alternative. Bamboo fiber containers or wraps break down organically, so they don’t leave anything toxic behind.

In the same vein, reusable cotton bags and beeswax wraps promote the practice of composting, a much more environmentally friendly alternative than recycling your plastic sandwich bag.

Regulatory Standards and Certifications

When selecting sustainable kitchenware, particularly non-toxic food storage containers, it’s important to know the regulations and certifications that protect consumer safety. These certifications and standards offer guidance and transparency regarding materials like glass food containers and silicone food storage containers, empowering you to make astute decisions. So, let’s unpack that a bit.

Understanding Food Safety Regulations

Food safety regulations are vital to maintaining public health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rigorously reviews materials that come in contact with food, including sustainable kitchenware. Even your microwave – they make darn sure all these materials don’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.

In 2012, the FDA responded to public pressure and banned Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups. This decision followed mounting evidence of the serious health risks posed by the toxic chemical. BPA-free products soon became the norm, but it’s crucial to look beyond what’s touching your food, especially when considering glass food containers.

The grades of plastics used in containers are important as well. High-density polyethylene (HDPE, grade 2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, grade 4), and polypropylene (PP, grade 5) are excellent options for food storage. For better or for worse, they are as safe as it gets.

These materials are less likely to leach harmful chemicals, making them a safer, more reliable choice for everyday use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a stark reminder of the dangers presented by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These toxic chemicals are often found in plastic-based surface treatments.

PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease. Staying informed of these hazards is an important step toward healthier communities.

Look for Relevant Certifications

Certifications by third party organizations, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), greatly ease consumers’ search for safe food storage containers. To illustrate, take FDA-approved products, which are put through extreme testing just to ensure that they are safe for food contact.

In Europe, the LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) certification provides comparable assurances. Containers marked with these certifications offer assurance because they are tested to rigorous safety standards.

In addition, look for certifications for glass and stainless steel products. When used properly, these materials are naturally non-toxic. They’re free from any harmful materials, including cadmium that the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified as a carcinogen associated with kidney damage.

Certifications for these materials typically attest that they are free of lead or other harmful substances.

Researching Brands and Products

Finally, if you do your research on brands, it can really pay off. Seek out companies who are open and honest about the materials they are using and how they are made.

Consumer reviews, forums, and expert-tested guides—such as those found on Garage Tested—are invaluable resources. Brands that prioritize sustainability and health-conscious production tend to be more in tune with consumer safety.

Maintaining Non-Toxic Containers

This simple move will protect the food you eat and help shield you and your family from dangerous toxins, including unhealthy microplastics. Without proper care and maintenance, sustainable kitchenware cannot deliver the full value of their investment. Here, we’ll look at best practices for cleaning, storing, and prolonging the life of glass food storage containers.

Cleaning and Care Tips

Properly cleaning these non-toxic containers prevents equipment contamination with residues and even preserves the containers’ quality and reuse potential. Stainless steel and glass containers are naturally stain and odor resistant, which makes for simpler upkeep years after initial purchase.

Soap them down with warm soapy water and a gentle sponge to get things spick-and-span without marring the finish. Hard to remove stains and odors are no match for a simple combination of baking soda and vinegar. This nature-based powerful combo safely breaks down residues without the use of harsh chemicals.

Silicone containers, like those made with platinum-grade silicone, are another great alternative. They’re dishwasher safe, though if you wash by hand, I recommend steering clear of abrasive scrubbers which can scratch up the material over time.

I found this out the hard way when I first made the switch to plastic-free alternatives. Being mindful of each manufacturer’s instructions helps to protect your investment, which can be expensive but should last for many years.

Extending Container Lifespan

Non-toxic containers like the Glasslock Assorted Oven Safe Set, priced at $54, can serve you well for years with proper care. Glass and stainless steel options are particularly durable, often outlasting their plastic counterparts.

To avoid thermal shock, never expose glass containers to sudden temperature changes—let them cool before refrigerating or washing. Silicone containers with locking lids are durable, true, but can lose their shape if stored folded or crushed.

Try to stack them with care or keep lids stored apart to avoid warping. Even small measures like these go a long way to keeping their integrity intact, so you aren’t constantly having to get new ones.

Proper Storage Practices

Properly storing these containers is as essential as cleaning them. Reusable Stasher bags, which are made of BPA-free silicone, are an eco-friendly option for packing lunches or storing leftovers safely. They won’t leach toxic additives such as BPA or PFAS into food.

Store empty containers dry and upside down to avoid mold formation. When organizing your kitchen, designate a dedicated space for glass or stainless steel containers, as they’re heavier and prone to chipping if mishandled.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

By knowing the environmental impact of food storage containers, such as plastic lids and silicone food storage containers, we can all make educated, conscientious decisions. Choosing non-toxic options, like glass food containers, protects our health while working to reduce waste and create a more sustainable, environmentally friendly economy.

Life Cycle Assessment of Materials

Equally as important is the types of materials used to make food storage containers, which are major contributors to their environmental footprint. Our glass jars don’t leach harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. They have a relatively long useful life.

They are cleanable, easily customizable, and versatile. Their durability and flexibility makes them a safe, sustainable, cost-effective option. No cutting corners—reduce the use of virgin resources. Unlike single-use plastics, glass can be recycled over and over again without loss of quality.

Beeswax Wrap provides a cool solution to your plastic wrap woes. Made with responsibly harvested, pesticide-free beeswax, organic coconut oil, and tree resin on a GOTS-certified organic cotton base, it’s both biodegradable and durable.

Even with frequent washing, the coating is able to resist wear, giving it a sustainable quality that is perfect for the use of food storage daily.

Reducing Plastic Waste

Yet plastic food storage solutions are a major part of the waste and pollution problem. Hard plastics often contain Bisphenols, like BPA and BPS, which can leach into food under heat or acidity, while softer plastics, such as Ziploc bags, often use phthalates.

These chemicals impact more than just our health, they’re an environmental hazard. A growing body of research has begun to connect plastics to wildlife health impacts and microplastic contamination across the environment, underscoring the need for alternatives.

Transitioning to reusable materials such as stainless steel containers significantly lowers reliance on plastic. For example, Climate Neutral Certified brands such as Klean Kanteen create reusable products that reduce waste.

Specifically, their ongoing pledge to donate at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental nonprofits gives powerful momentum to the move towards sustainability.

Choosing Sustainable Brands

Supporting brands that are transparent and have ethical practices further amplifies the positive impact individual choices can provide. As a female-founded company and a Certified B Corp, U Konserve is committed to ethical production and packages all of its products in recyclable or compostable materials.

Emissions the company offsets are the equivalent of burning 4.7 million pounds of coal each year. In much the same way, Klean Kanteen and other 1% for the Planet members prove that businesses can and should take a leadership role in sustainability.

Recent Research and Studies

Non-toxic food storage containers, such as glass food containers and silicone food storage containers, have become more popular as worries about the health risks of toxic plastics increase. Recent scientific studies highlight the need for safer alternatives, connecting harmful microplastics found in common kitchenware with cancer and other major health concerns.

Health Benefits of Non-Toxic Storage

Making the switch to non-toxic food storage helps eliminate food contamination from harmful chemicals such as phthalates and PFAS. These hazardous chemicals can often be found lurking in plastic bottles. Phthalates, which are used as plastic softeners, are especially worrying.

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found another alarming result. Prenatal exposure to these nasty chemicals can permanently reduce children’s IQ and increase risk of attention deficit disorder. In a 2019 report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP), the NTP found four selected phthalates to be “reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.

PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals,” are the other big environmental story. According to the CDC, 97% of Americans have PFAS detected in their blood. This exposure is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and nephrotoxicity.

Chronic exposure to these substances, often found in food packaging, highlights the need for safer storage solutions like glass, stainless steel, or silicone-based containers.

Scientific Validation of Material Safety

Research has demonstrated that glass food storage containers and stainless steel are inherently free from these toxic additives. This move towards safer alternatives, such as sustainable kitchenware, is enjoying powerful bipartisanship. In contrast to plastics, these materials release no harmful chemicals into food, even under heat or high-pressure cooking.

Silicone food storage containers, another popular choice, are heat-resistant and do not contain any phthalates or BPA either. This means that they are more effective for reheating food or freezing food.

According to a 2024 update, 921 of these chemicals were deemed possibly carcinogenic, 642 of which are known to interrupt hormone production. Such strong associations indicate that reducing exposure by using safer storage materials can substantially improve health.

Products that are better for health, created with non-toxic materials such as borosilicate glass or medical-grade silicone provide parents peace of mind without sacrificing performance.

Evolving Understanding of Food Storage

Emerging research continues to highlight the hidden risks in everyday containers. For instance, flame retardant chemicals, banned in some regions, were found in 85% of analyzed products, with concentrations exceeding safe limits by up to 1,200 times.

This underscores the importance of transparent manufacturing processes and stricter regulations to ensure consumer safety.

Future Trends in Food Storage

The landscape of food storage is evolving rapidly, driven by innovative materials, smart technologies, and the growing demand for sustainability. As consumers prioritize eco-friendly solutions and businesses adopt smarter systems, the future of food storage looks set to balance convenience with responsibility.

Here’s a look at these trends leading the path to innovation.

Innovative Materials and Technologies

Moving away from plastic to sustainable materials is the crux of this change. Not only are traditional plastics—which can take 400 years to decompose—making way for glass and stainless steel, but for biodegradable, plant-based materials.

Glass containers, for example, have the dual benefit of being non-toxic while providing a more permanent solution when taken care of (and thus creating much less waste over time). Stainless steel storage options provide unmatched durability coupled with easy care and cleaning.

Fully recyclable, it’s no wonder these are favored by the environmentally friendly user. These everloops™ materials go straight to the heart of the environmental concerns associated with single-use plastics.

Companies are delving into advanced biodegradable polymers as well as innovative, plant-based alternatives that decompose naturally, without releasing toxic byproducts. Cloud ERP systems like Acumatica are helping to transform how the production and packaging are managed.

They allow businesses to design more sustainable products with greater precision and speed. The global food packaging market is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2025. This tremendous increase draws attention to the critical need for innovations in meeting consumer demand.

Smart Food Storage Solutions

Technology is leading the way to making food storage more intelligent and interactive. Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for products with QR codes, NFC chips, or smart labels.

These solutions provide consumers with instant access to up-to-date information on product origin, expiration date, and recycling instructions. These features empower users to more easily track their food storage, leading to better informed food choices.

Using a container with a smart label lets you monitor the shelf life of your product. It can even recommend recipes that will help you avoid food waste!

The Role of Consumer Education

Consumer awareness, advocacy, and demand for change will propel change. Now that 67% of consumers are looking for recyclable packaging, teaching consumers how to adopt sustainable practices is more urgent than ever.

Clear labeling, accessible information, and practical guidance empower individuals to make eco-friendly choices, bridging the gap between innovation and everyday use.

Final Thoughts On Non Toxic Food Storage Containers

By choosing non-toxic food storage containers, you’ll ensure that your food is stored both safely and deliciously—with no nasty chemicals. Glass, stainless steel, and silicone are all fantastic reusables that hold up over time and help minimize food waste. Airtight designs protect sensitive bulk items, and NSF-certified containers are tested to rigorous safety standards you can count on. With regular cleaning and proper care, you can prevent scratches and damage to your containers, ensuring optimal performance for years to come.

Making the switch to non-plastic alternatives takes a big step toward protecting our environment. You take action against plastic pollution and adopt more eco-friendly practices. Studies reflect an increasing public demand for safer, environmentally friendly storage, and there’s reason to believe that more innovative and improved solutions are still on the way.

Looking to improve your kitchen’s sustainability? Shop non-toxic food storage containers now and make a positive change for your storage — and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are non-toxic food storage containers?

Food storage containers that are non-toxic, such as glass food containers and silicone food storage containers, aren’t made from harmful plastics that leach toxins into your food. Their applications help improve food safety, enhance public health, and reduce the use of toxic storage solutions.

Why should I use non-toxic food containers?

Non-toxic containers, such as glass food storage containers, guard your food against harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. They improve the safety and quality of food, decreasing health risks associated with toxic plastics, and are typically better for the environment. This decision benefits not only our health but the planet!

What materials are considered non-toxic for food storage?

If you want to be sure you’re using safe materials, look for glass food containers, stainless steel, food-grade silicone, and some BPA-free plastics. These alternatives are non-toxic and don’t absorb stains, smells, or degrade as the years go by, making them ideal for sustainable kitchenware.

Are non-toxic storage containers environmentally friendly?

Yes, many non-toxic options, particularly glass food storage containers and stainless steel, are reusable and recyclable. Unlike disposable plastic food containers that create unnecessary waste, these sustainable kitchenware solutions help overcome this problem and are perfect for eco-friendly customers.

How do I maintain non-toxic food storage containers?

Mild soap and warm water is all you need to quickly wash your sustainable kitchenware, including glass food containers and silicone food storage containers, after use. Steer clear of any harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges! For silicone and glass, ensure they’re thoroughly dried to avoid mold or smells.

What certifications should I look for in non-toxic containers?

Look for FDA approval, BPA-free labeling, and other food-grade standards on the packaging or product description. These ensure the container meets safety regulations and won’t harm your food or health.

Are there non-plastic alternatives for storing bulk food?

Non-plastic alternatives like glass food storage containers, stainless steel containers, and silicone food storage bags are not only safe and durable but also provide an effective way to store bulk food without the risks of unhealthy microplastics.