Tiny Bodies, Big Danger: Protecting Our Children from Plastic Pollution

Plus, Join us for Eastwick Community Day on June 7th!

May 18, 2025

Dear Eastwick Friend,

What happens when even breastmilk stored in plastic pouches carries a hidden threat? When baby bottles labeled “BPA-free” still expose our children to millions of plastic particles a day?

For this week’s special issue, we sat down with neuroscientist and environmental health expert Dr. Carol Armstrong to explore a topic that’s personal for every parent in Eastwick and beyond — and one that demands urgent attention:

Microplastics are now found in peoples’ blood, brains, and even the placenta that nourishes them in utero.

🧪 The Science We Can’t Ignore

Dr. Armstrong didn’t mince words — and the science backs her up.

  • 1.5 million plastic particles: That’s how many microplastics an infant can ingest daily when fed with standard polypropylene bottles.

  • “BPA-free” ≠ safe: Most bottles now use polypropylene, a plastic that still leaches micro- and nanoplastics when heated, shaken, or reused.

  • The younger the child, the greater the harm: Infants and toddlers are more vulnerable because they’re exposed earlier and longer.

  • Breastmilk has less plastic — but even pumped milk stored in plastic bags picks up contamination.

  • Microplastics are found in the placenta, meaning babies are exposed before birth.

“We are bioaccumulating plastics across our lifespan — but it starts in the womb.”
— Dr. Carol Armstrong

✅ 3 Simple Shifts to Start Protecting Your Family

We can’t escape plastics completely. But we can make changes that matter — especially for our kids.

1. Switch to Glass or Metal Bottles

  • Skip the plastics and invest in glass baby bottles and metal sippy cups

  • Both are available at stores like Target and Walmart

  • Avoid heating formula or breastmilk in plastic containers

2. Say No to Bottled Water

  • Bottled water can contain more microplastics than tap water

  • Install a simple water filter at home

  • Bonus: It’s more affordable and eco-friendly in the long run

3. Choose Natural Fibers

  • Synthetic baby clothes shed microplastics through wear and wash

  • When possible, buy cotton or other natural fiber clothing and bedding

  • Hand-me-downs from family and friends are a great place to start!

“There’s no perfect. But there is progress — and awareness is the first step.”
— Dr. Carol Armstrong

🗓️ Let’s Talk About It — Together

We're proud to announce our EFNC Summer Community Event featuring Dr. Armstrong.

🧠 Topic: Plastics in the Body — What You Need to Know
📅 Date: TBA
🎤 Speaker: Dr. Carol Armstrong, Ph.D., ABN

Come with your questions. Leave with clarity and action steps.

💪🏾 Eastwick, We’re Not Powerless

Every choice — to use a glass bottle, filter your water, or share this newsletter — is a powerful act of protection.

We’re fighting for a cleaner Eastwick, but we’re also fighting for our babies, our bodies, and our future.

Eastwick: From Recovery to Resilience is a place-based initiative by the Office of Sustainability to address flooding, environmental justice, and quality of life challenges in Eastwick

📣 Community Announcements

Welcome New Board Member MoNique Holland! 👏 

I’m honored to rejoin the board of EFNC, an organization I’ve been connected to since its very beginning. I was part of the original group that came together to protect our community from a major development that threatened the foundation and spirit of our neighborhood. That experience deeply rooted my commitment to EFNC’s mission. I’ve returned to support ongoing efforts, help strengthen community engagement, and assist with tasks that ensure EFNC continues to grow and serve as a vital resource for all of us. 

- MoNique Holland

Congratulations to our EFNC Vice President Ramona Rousseau-Reid 🥳 

Ramona was named this year’s National VOAD Volunteer of the Year! She will receive her award Tuesday, May 20th at 7pm.

Join us for Eastwick Community Day on June 7th 📆 

On Saturday, June 7th, 2025 the Office of Sustainability will be hosting the third annual Eastwick Community Day at the Eastwick Regional Playground located at S. 80th Street and Mars Place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, June 14th. Throughout the Eastwick: From Recovery to Resilience initiative, OOS has held a series of virtual, hybrid, and in person meetings to provide information on flood mitigation, neighborhood and quality of life updates, and to listen to resident’s concerns regarding their neighborhood. This day will be an opportunity for residents to have conversations that normally occur in meetings in a face-to-face setting and enjoy games and activities for all ages. Registration can be found by visiting bit.ly/ECD2025. Registration is not required but is very helpful to the Office of Sustainability!

There is an open call for volunteers for this event. Volunteer activities include tasks such as: sitting at the sign in table, youth arts and crafts, and helping with the picnic lunch. Click here to add your name to the volunteer sign up.

Until next time,

The EFNC team