At Pure Earth Collection, we believe that creating a healthier planet starts in the home. This June, with World Environment Day (5th), World Oceans Day (8th) and Clean Air Day (5th) all reminding us of the invisible toxins around us, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most overlooked environmental threats to our children’s health: microplastics.
You might expect to find plastic in oceans, but it’s also floating in our bedrooms, embedded in our mattresses, and flaking off our soft toys. Worryingly, it’s also in the air we breathe – especially indoors, where children spend most of their time.
So What Exactly Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny particles (less than 5mm) that break down from plastic products or are directly shed from synthetic materials like polyester, acrylic, and nylon. They’re now found in everything from drinking water to dust, and research shows they’ve even entered human bloodstreams.
But the most vulnerable to microplastic exposure? Children.
Why Are Children More at Risk?
Smaller lungs, bigger risk
Children breathe faster and take in more air per kilogram of body weight than adults, increasing their exposure to airborne toxins.
Mouthing & floor play
Babies and toddlers put things in their mouths and spend time crawling—directly in the areas where microplastics settle most.
Soft toys, bedding & sleepwear
Synthetic fabrics constantly shed plastic particles, especially when rubbed, slept on, or washed. A polyester-stuffed teddy can release thousands of fibres in one short play session.
According to recent studies, children can inhale tens of thousands of microplastic particles per day in rooms filled with synthetic furnishings and plastic-based products.
Where Are Microplastics Hiding?
They’re not just in packaging. Here are some of the most common indoor sources:
- Polyester clothing, sleepwear, and blankets
- Stuffed toys filled with plastic fibres
- Foam-filled mattresses and play mats
- PVC and polyester blackout blinds
- Traditional swimwear (even recycled plastic versions)
- Synthetic carpets and floor rugs
Clean Air Starts at Home: Simple Plastic-Free Swaps
While we can’t eliminate all environmental toxins, we can make our homes significantly safer. Here’s where to begin:
Sleep Space
Babies sleep up to 17 hours a day. Opt for organic cotton sleepwear, non-toxic blackout blinds, and plastic-free comforters to reduce overnight exposure.
Natural Fibres
Choose breathable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, modal, or kapok for bedding, clothing, and soft furnishings.
Water play & Swimwear
Most swimwear is made from plastic-based fabrics. Even recycled plastic options shed microplastics. Choose natural fabric swimwear wherever possible – it’s safer for your child and for the ocean.
Toys & Teddies
Look for teddies without polyester plush or synthetic stuffing and choose toys made from wood, natural rubber, or organic fabric. Anything chewed or cuddled should be as natural as possible.
Ventilation & Cleaning
Open windows regularly, avoid synthetic air fresheners, and wet dust (with natural fabric cloths) instead of dry to prevent microplastics becoming airborne.
Why It Matters for Clean Air, Oceans & the Planet
Indoor air can be up to 5x more polluted than outdoor air – especially in homes with synthetic materials. But microplastics don’t stay indoors. What we wear, wash, and discard ends up in our waterways, oceans, and even the air above remote mountains.
By removing plastic from our homes, we’re also reducing the flow of microplastics into the wider environment, making it a win for our children and the planet they’ll inherit.
Our Mission at Pure Earth Collection
We’re committed to creating natural, non-toxic alternatives for babies and children, from plastic-free sleep essentials to natural fabric swimwear and microplastic-free toys. Every product is designed to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and protect developing bodies, without compromising on function or design.
We’re here to help families rethink the everyday and take steps towards safer, healthier living.