This podcast episode takes listeners on a journey through the challenges and discoveries encountered by NPR producer Claire Murashima as she attempts to eliminate single-use plastics for a week, revealing not only the practical difficulties of finding alternatives but also the significant health risks posed by plastic consumption, such as microplastics and chemical leaching. Experts emphasize the importance of adopting alternatives to plastic, such as glass and bamboo, while also advocating for systemic changes needed in society to facilitate this transition, making it clear that while completely eliminating plastic may be unrealistic, even small adjustments in our consumption habits can lead to substantial benefits for both personal health and the environment.