Don't let microplastics weigh you down!

Welcome to the first issue of Toasted! We're so excited to bring you a newsletter that aims to provide a mix of practical tips, uplifting news, and personal stories about the fight against climate change.

First up, let's talk about some ways to move towards a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle. Here are a few easy tips to get started:

• Implement “Meatless Mondays”, where every Monday, you avoid meat products and opt for vegan or vegetarian protein options.

• If you are able, try walking or taking the stairs to get somewhere

• Wait until your washing machine is full before starting a load of laundry. This practice ensures that your laundry cycles efficiently and also releases much less microfibers from synthetic textiles.

Now, let's hear from one of our writers about how they are exploring the environment through the lens of science!

One of my biggest fears with our changing climate is how our health could change. I decided to turn my fears into a project and began an exploration of microplastics. I started with TedTalk videos, then moved on to peer-reviewed research, then began my own research in the Belize Barrier Reef. I’ve found comfort in understanding and feel much less doom as I continue my research and solution-seeking endeavors.

As I continue my journey in environmental literacy, I hope to bring the gaps between environmental and public health. Through learning about the long term health effects of consuming microplastics, I can continue to confront my fears head on. 

Time to turn that frown upside down and dive into some good news with Utkarsh!

If Caroline has got you feeling concerned about microplastics (and rightly so!), well, I've got some good news for you - Mussels are here to save the day! They are like superheroes for the ocean, gobbling up tiny plastic particles called microplastics and breaking them down into smaller pieces.

But how do they do it? Well, mussels are natural filter feeders, meaning they suck in water and strain out all the yucky stuff, including microplastics. That's like having personal plastic police on duty 24/7! Mussels can also act as a kind of "canary in the coal mine" for marine plastic pollution. By studying how much plastic is in mussels, scientists can get an idea of how much plastic is in the water. This helps us keep an eye on the problem and come up with solutions to fix it.  

So next time you're feeling down about plastic pollution, just remember - mussels are on the case! They may be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to cleaning up our oceans.

Read more about this here and here.

All in all, let's not let climate anxiety get the best of us. Let's face our fears head-on and find comfort in the solutions and actions we can take to create a better future. From embracing Meatless Mondays to exploring the world of science, there is always something we can do to reduce our impact on the environment and find peace of mind. So let's raise a toast to a more sustainable and less anxious world!