You could have seen the headlines: “We eat a bank card’s price of plastic each week!” The picture of chopsticks holding a bank card is surprising. “I had no concept that I used to be consuming that a lot plastic! Have I been consuming the wrappers, too?” However is that this actually true? Let’s take an in depth take a look at the place this declare comes from, what the true science says concerning the well being dangers of microplastics, and what you are able to do to guard your self and your loved ones.
The place Did the “5 Grams of Plastic a Week” Declare Come From?
The concept that we eat 5 grams of plastic each week (concerning the weight of a bank card) began with a 2019 report by the World Large Fund for Nature (WWF) and researchers on the College of Newcastle, Australia. They tried to estimate how a lot microplastic folks could be consuming, ingesting, and respiration every week. Their highest estimate was 5 grams per week, however this was simply considered one of a number of guesses based mostly on a mixture of research and assumptions. A LOT of assumptions.
Right here’s the necessary half: Newer, extra cautious analysis reveals that this quantity is manner too excessive—by an element of 1,000,000! (That’s 6 orders of magnitude for you mathematicians on the market.)
OK. 6 orders of magnitude doesn’t make most of you cry in outrage. However how about this: What the analysis actually reveals is as an alternative of consuming a bank card every week, it’s really a bank card each 24,000 years. However that doesn’t actually get anybody too enthusiastic about the issue, now, does it.
Cautious critiques discovered that the true quantity of microplastics folks normally eat is way, a lot decrease, nearer to 4 micrograms per week. That’s a tiny fraction of a bank card. The “5 grams” quantity bought in style as a result of it’s simple to image and makes a catchy headline, but it surely doesn’t match what scientists have discovered after they look extra intently.
So, no—you aren’t consuming a bank card’s price of plastic each week. The actual quantity is way smaller, and the scary meme is predicated on a whopping overestimate.
What Are Microplastics, and The place Do They Come From?
Microplastics are tiny items of plastic, smaller than 5 millimeters throughout. They arrive from issues like broken-down plastic bottles, artificial clothes fibers, and even some private care merchandise. Microplastics are in all places—in our water, meals, and even the air we breathe.
How Do Microplastics Have an effect on Our Well being?
Regardless that we aren’t consuming a bank card’s price of plastic, scientists are nonetheless learning what occurs after we swallow or breathe in microplastics. Right here’s a few of what scientists have uncovered thus far:
1. Endocrine Disruption
Some microplastics carry chemical compounds like BPA and phthalates. These are referred to as “endocrine disruptors” as a result of they will mess with our hormones. A 2025 examine discovered that even adults who ate what was thought of a “protected” quantity of BPA developed extra insulin resistance in simply 4 days, which might increase the danger of diabetes. A variety of different troubles may be traced again to disrupted hormones as nicely, affecting generations not even born but.
2. Irritation
Microplastics may cause irritation within the physique. Persistent irritation is on the coronary heart of lots of our persistent illness points. Animal research have proven that when mice had been fed comparatively excessive doses of microplastics, their our bodies reacted with irritation. In a separate examine researchers discovered that diabetic mice responded with extra irritation and dyslipidemia and irritation than wholesome mice when uncovered to polystyrene microplastics.
3. Intestine Well being
Our intestine is dwelling to trillions of useful micro organism. If these micro organism get off-balance it causes quite a lot of havoc in our complete physique. Intestine pathology is the foundation of many auto-immune illnesses in addition to inflammatory intestine illnesses, practical dyspepsia, SIBO, and irritable bowel syndrome. These micro organism assist us digest meals and preserve us wholesome. A 2021 examine discovered that microplastics can upset the stability of those intestine micro organism, inflicting “intestine dysbiosis.” When the intestine will get out of stability, it could result in issues with digestion and even have an effect on our immune system and metabolism.
Ought to We Be Apprehensive?
The excellent news is that, based mostly on one of the best science, we aren’t consuming almost as a lot plastic because the headlines declare. However even small quantities of microplastics might affect our well being over time, particularly as a result of they will carry dangerous chemical compounds and upset our intestine well being.
Since microplastic publicity is within the intestine, it is smart to eat a fiber-rich eating regimen (just like the Hallelujah Food regimen) to bind up microplastics earlier than they get absorbed. Utilizing binders like activated charcoal and bentonite clay could also be useful. Consuming a lot of purified water to help your kidneys. And conserving your intestine well being in tip high form with probiotics, prebiotic fiber (like onions, chicory root, and konjac mannan (glucomannan) wouldn’t damage both.
Sensible Steps to Scale back Plastic Publicity in Your Home
The kitchen is one place the place plastics get used loads along with the meals we eat and drinks we drink. So, it is smart to begin proper within the kitchen. Listed below are 9 sensible steps you possibly can take immediately:
Keep away from Bottled Water
That is the one greatest factor you are able to do. Research present that bottled water accommodates rather more microplastic than faucet water. So, if you wish to lower down on microplastics, cease shopping for bottled water.
Use a Water Filter
If you’re nervous about your faucet water, use a very good water filter at dwelling. Berkey water filters are glorious. Reverse osmosis water is okay if you happen to remineralize it after purification after which change the filters on schedule. Distilled water can be glorious, if you happen to remineralize it earlier than ingesting.
Swap Plastic Containers for Glass or Stainless Metal
Change plastic Rubbermaid andTupperware with glass jars (like Mason jars) or stainless-steel containers. They’re protected, sturdy, and don’t leach microplastics. Tip: Reuse glass jars from sauces to retailer leftovers or bulk grains.
Ditch Plastic Wrap and Baggage
Use beeswax wraps or reusable silicone luggage as an alternative of cling wrap or Ziploc luggage. Material produce luggage are excellent for buying. (By no means heard of beeswax wraps? Me neither, however right here is an article that compares a number of manufacturers.)
Select Non-Plastic Kitchen Instruments
Go for picket reducing boards and bamboo utensils (until you must fear about gluten contamination). Nylon or silicone utensils could be extra secure than different plastics. Tip: Seal picket boards with food-grade mineral oil for hygiene.
Get rid of Non-Stick Pans. Use Stainless Metal and Forged iron cookware.
PFOA and PFOAS without end chemical compounds come from teflon surfaces. Ceramic non-stick is a wholesome possibility as nicely. Tip: Forged iron cookware can final generations. Oil and lecithin remedy makes forged iron nearly non-stick, no less than quickly.
Keep away from Microwaving Plastics (if you happen to use a microwave)
Warmth meals in glass or ceramic dishes, coated with a plate or paper towel. Tip: Reheat on the stovetop in forged iron for higher taste and security.
Purchase Contemporary, Unpackaged Meals
Store at farmers’ markets or bulk shops for unpackaged produce and grains. Bulk grains and beans are available paper luggage. Tip: Deal with uncooked, natural fruit and veggies to nourish your physique with dwelling meals that feed your dwelling physique.
Get rid of Single-Use Plastics
Actually at dwelling you need to use reusable straws, utensils, and material napkins. Lots of you already try this. And once you exit for eating you would deliver your individual containers. Tip: Assist eateries utilizing compostable packaging.
Get Rid of Your Carpet
Artificial fibers in carpet shed microplastics. Carpets additionally entice quite a lot of mud and allergens, and probably mould down inside. They could really feel comfortable, however there are numerous causes to go along with arduous floor flooring coverings. Use a throw rug made from pure fibers as an alternative.
Conclusion
The thought that you’re consuming a bank card’s price of plastic each week simply isn’t true. The actual quantity is way, a lot smaller, and there’s no must panic. Nonetheless, microplastics are in all places, and scientists are studying extra about how they may have an effect on our well being—particularly with regards to hormones, irritation, and intestine well being.
One of the best factor you are able to do is easy: Drink purified water, not from a plastic bottle. This one change could make an enormous distinction in what number of microplastics you absorb. Together with a couple of different simple swaps, you possibly can shield your self and your loved ones from pointless plastic publicity.
Our purpose is to be accountable stewards of what God has given to us, to not worship the setting or “mom earth” or something like that. We simply don’t need to pollute our earth, our neighbors, or ourselves. So, by making discerning decisions about plastics that come into contact with our meals we honor God’s creation and shield our our bodies.