42- What Every Traveler Should Know About Microplastics w/ Dana Zhaxylykova

When we think about sustainable travel, we often picture avoiding flights or packing eco-friendly gear. But what if the real danger lies in something we can’t even see - in microplastics?In this episode of Travel Devil, host Clara Francken talks to Dana Zhaxylykova, a microplastic researcher from Kazakhstan and co-founder of the Microplastic Free app, about how travel habits contribute to microplastic pollution. We discuss topics from tire dust on roads to the “paper” cups we drink from on planes.Dana shares her journey from the Aral Sea region to studying microplastics across Europe, uncovering how even our most “harmless” travel routines leave invisible traces behind.In this episode we cover:How microplastics form and why they’re dangerousThe hidden microplastics in airplanes, buses, and tiresWhy a “recyclable” coffee cup might not be so innocentThe truth about plastic water bottles and travel gearWhat fabrics shed microplastics and which ones are good alternativesHow to reduce plastic waste when travelingAre bioplastics and silicone really better alternatives?The impact of laundry and clothing on plastic pollutionWhy microplastics affect every ecosystem, even how it reacts in snowPractical tips for sustainable, low-plastic travelEpisode 42 of Travel Devil is out now on all podcast platforms.More of Dana’s work:Connect with Dana on InstagramCheck out her Microplastic Free AppWrite us your thoughts on the showWant more?Follow the podcast on Instagram @traveldevil.podcastConnect with me on Instagram @clarafranckenWatch more on my YouTube channel