Why should you ditch plastic?

Worried about microplastics? Switch to glass for a healthier solution 

Microplastics are tiny particles that can cause big problems for your health and for the environment. Luckily, there is a clear solution to a problem that’s literally leaching into every part of our lives: glass. 

Read on to discover how this simple switch could make a difference for you and your family. 

What are microplastics? 

Microplastics – polymer fragments as small as 1/25,000th of an inch – are created when plastics break down over time. Eventually, they can end up in our water, our food and even our bodies. 

You may have seen these frightening headlines: Recent studies have found microplastics in human brains and bloodstreams, disrupting our endocrine systems, crossing from mothers to unborn children and causing strokes and heart attacks.  

It’s no wonder that many of us are searching for alternatives to plastic in our everyday lives. 

Glass for your health 

Ready to rid your home (and body) of harmful microplastics? Libbey can help. For over 200 years we’ve been producing non-toxic, plastic-free glassware for home entertainers and foodservice professionals alike.  

You can trust that when you drink from a Libbey glass, all you’re consuming is your favorite beverage. Here are four more reasons why glass is always the better choice: 

No harmful chemicals 

Libbey glassware is proudly BPA-free, unlike some plastics that leach chemicals like bisphenol A or phthalates into your food or drink when microwaved or exposed to acidic ingredients. Plastic can also degrade and release microparticles when exposed to heat and light (like leaving a plastic water bottle in the car). 

A more enjoyable experience 

You know that takeout container that never got clean again after you used it for leftover spaghetti sauce? That’s because plastic is porous and permeable, absorbing the flavors and colors of foods and drinks. Glass is a non-porous, impermeable material, so you never have to worry about the evidence of your cooking being left behind.  

With glass, you’re always getting an elevated experience, no matter what you’re drinking. It’s the material of choice for bars and restaurants and can even improve taste, with thin rims that get you closer to your favorite wine or spirits. 

Long-lasting reliability 

Yes, glass can break or chip. But when it’s handled properly (no sudden temperature changes, washing and drying with a soft cloth or using the top rack of the dishwasher), it can last a surprisingly long time.  

In contrast, plastic can fade and warp in the microwave or dishwasher, making glassware a better long-term investment for your home and saving you money over the long run.  

Better for the environment  

Microplastics are virtually impossible to remove or neutralize once they enter ecosystems or our bodies. Because of how long it takes for them to biodegrade, they can persist in the environment for centuries. Thankfully, it’s easy to reduce your plastic footprint by using reusable glass or stainless steel instead of single-use items. 

Make the switch to glass 

It’s time to make a healthier choice. Explore Libbey’s wide selection of durable, sustainable glassware, serveware and bakeware and start eliminating microplastics from your home. 

Ready to make the switch? Check out our customer favorite pieces here!