Show notes
"You're probably eating, wearing, and breathing plastic—and you don't even know it."In this eye-opening episode, Kate and Jordan sit down with Dana Zhaxylykova—a microplastics researcher, environmental engineer, and the first scientist in Kazakhstan to publish on microplastic contamination. Currently based in Germany, Dana has conducted groundbreaking research across Europe and Central Asia, and her viral Instagram content makes complex environmental science not just accessible—but beautiful and alarming in equal measure.If you’ve ever thought that swapping your water bottle or ditching plastic bags was “enough,” think again. Dana unpacks just how deeply microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, our babies, and even our so-called “non-toxic” lifestyles. From the horrifying truth about baby bottles and silicone nipples to the lack of global regulation on plastic discharge, this conversation will change how you see the world—and your wardrobe. You'll walk away with practical ways to reduce your exposure, an understanding of how microplastics travel from mountain peaks to organ tissue, and a renewed urgency to push for systemic change. This one’s a wake-up call you can’t ignore.You’ll Learn:How microplastics infiltrate the body—organs, bloodstream, and even breast milkWhy “non-toxic” baby products may still be leaching harmful plasticsWhat the absence of global microplastic regulations means for your healthHow polyester, nylon, and acrylic fabrics contribute to daily plastic exposureWhy heating plastic—especially in the kitchen—is a major contamination sourceHow silicone, often seen as “safe,” still releases microplastics under heatWhat secondhand cotton clothes reveal about low-cost sustainable swapsHow microplastics travel to remote mountains and deep ocean trenchesWhy filtering water is one of the most effective ways to reduce intakeWhat early research breakthroughs mean for solving the microplastic crisisTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:30] Microplastics found in remote islands and deep oceans[04:40] Why plastics are hiding in everyday items like tea bags and clothes[05:10] How Dana changed her wardrobe to avoid plastic-based fabrics[06:50] How to check clothing materials the easy way[07:45] How microplastics travel through air, water, and food chains[08:50] Microplastics detected in all major organs[09:50] Plastics found in placentas and possibly sperm[10:25] Can we filter microplastics out of drinking water[11:20] The worst plastic offenders in your kitchen[12:25] Common cooking tools to replace immediately[13:30] Microplastics in beauty and skincare products[14:30] Why plastic baby bottles and sterilizers may be harmful[15:45] Shocking findings on infant microplastic exposure[17:00] No clear answers for replacing plastic nipples or baby gear[18:00] Dana’s shocking discovery about wastewater microplastic discharge[19:05] Developed countries are no better—no limits, no monitoring[20:50] Old containers are even worse for microplastic shedding[22:15] How single-use plastic became a global environmental crisis[23:15] Stainless steel, wood, and glass as better alternatives[24:50] A powerful analogy on solving microplastics before it’s too late[27:05] The myth that silicone is totally safe[28:00] Most people believe misleading information from product websites[29:00] Dana explains how her Instagram page started[29:35] Merging science with video creativityResources Mentioned:Seasonal variation and removal of microplastics in a central Asian urban wastewater treatment plant by Zhaxylykova, D et al. | ArticlePrepare to be even more amazed when you check out Dana’s Instagram.Follow us on Instagram:Kate @thatcrunchymomkateJordan @themodernisticholisticAffiliates:Shop my favorite clean products & get 10% off here with code CRUNCHYMOMThe air purifier I trust at home - get $100 off hereOur go-to for pure, clean water - get $100 off here