Reducing Plastic Use Can Improve Health, Environment

Experts offer tips to cut down on single-use plastics and their negative impacts.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Plastic is widely used for convenience, but when it breaks down, it can have negative health effects. Experts at Consumer Reports say there are simple changes New Mexicans can make to reduce their plastic intake, such as choosing products with recyclable packaging and avoiding processed foods. While a statewide plastic bag ban failed, some cities and counties have implemented their own bans. A recent study found microplastics accumulating in human brains, livers, and kidneys over time.

Why it matters

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, with half of all plastic ever produced made since 2002. Reducing single-use plastics can have positive impacts on both personal and environmental health.

The details

Experts recommend looking for products with recyclable packaging, such as cardboard egg cartons instead of plastic. Avoiding processed foods, which often come in plastic packaging, and buying locally produced items can also help cut down on plastic use. While a statewide plastic bag ban failed, some New Mexico cities and counties have implemented their own bans. A recent study found microplastics accumulating in human organs over time, raising health concerns.

  • The New Mexico legislature considered a bill to ban single-use plastic bags this session, but it failed to pass.
  • A 2025 University of New Mexico Health Sciences study detected growing concentrations of microplastics in human brains, livers, and kidneys over the past 50 years.

The players

Drew Toher

Campaign manager for Consumer Reports.

Kevin Loria

Senior health and food reporter for Consumer Reports.

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What they’re saying

“Consumers can use their purchasing power to push the market towards products with more sustainable packaging. Consumer choice really, really matters, and you can vote with your dollars.”

— Drew Toher, Campaign manager, Consumer Reports (statenews.net)

“When we look at the amount of plastic that is produced in the world, a lot of it for packaging, half of the plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. If you look at the amount we produced in 2019, that's expected to triple by 2060.”

— Kevin Loria, Senior health and food reporter, Consumer Reports (statenews.net)

The takeaway

By making simple changes like choosing products with recyclable packaging and avoiding processed foods, New Mexicans can reduce their plastic consumption and help mitigate the growing environmental and health concerns associated with plastic pollution.