Science shows that plastic and plastic-lined disposable cups release tens of thousands of microplastic particles per liter into hot beverages, along with phthalates, bisphenols, and trace heavy metals. These compounds are linked to endocrine disruption, metabolic disease, and reproductive harm. Higher temperatures and longer contact times increase leaching.
This is HIGH PRIORITY because hot beverages dramatically accelerate chemical leaching — disposable cups filled with near-boiling water can release thousands of microplastic particles within minutes. Many people drink from these cups multiple times a day, making this a repeated, high-dose exposure route.
Laurel recommends mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic that is both lead-free and cadmium-free.
Laurel avoids plastic cups, plastic-lined paper cups, and ceramics with bright or colored interiors lacking lead-free and cadmium-free documentation.
Tip: If you're grabbing coffee on the go, bring your own reusable mug — most coffee shops will happily fill it. This single swap eliminates one of the most frequent daily sources of microplastic exposure.
Science showsplastic and plastic-lined disposable cups release tens of thousands of microplastic particles per liter into hot beverages, along with phthalates, bisphenols, and trace heavy metals. These compounds are linked to endocrine disruption, metabolic disease, and reproductive harm. Higher temperatures and longer contact times increase leaching.
Laurel recommends mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups made of glass, stainless steel, or ceramic that is both lead-free and cadmium-free.
Laurel avoids plastic cups, plastic-lined paper cups, and ceramics with bright or colored interiors lacking lead-free and cadmium-free documentation.
Tip: If you're grabbing coffee on the go, bring your own reusable mug — most coffee shops will happily fill it. This single swap eliminates one of the most frequent daily sources of microplastic exposure.