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 a detailed have a look at the place this declare comes from, what the true science says in regards to 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 we eat 5 grams of plastic each week (in regards to the weight of a bank card) began with a 2019 report by the World Extensive Fund for Nature (WWF) and researchers on the College of Newcastle, Australia. They tried to estimate how a lot microplastic folks could be consuming, consuming, and respiration every week. Their highest estimate was 5 grams per week, however this was simply considered one of a number of guesses primarily based on a mixture of research and assumptions. A LOT of assumptions.
Right here’s the essential half: Newer, extra cautious analysis reveals that this quantity is method 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 a substitute of consuming a bank card per 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 evaluations discovered that the true quantity of microplastics folks often 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 obtained in style as a result of it’s straightforward to image and makes a catchy headline, however it doesn’t match what scientists have discovered after they look extra carefully.
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 relies 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 every single place—in our water, meals, and even the air we breathe.
How Do Microplastics Have an effect on Our Well being?
Despite the fact that we aren’t consuming a bank card’s price of plastic, scientists are nonetheless finding out what occurs once we swallow or breathe in microplastics. Right here’s a few of what scientists have uncovered up to now:
1. Endocrine Disruption
Some microplastics carry chemical compounds like BPA and phthalates. These are known as “endocrine disruptors” as a result of they will mess with our hormones. A 2025 research discovered that even adults who ate what was thought-about a “secure” quantity of BPA developed extra insulin resistance in simply 4 days, which may increase the danger of diabetes. Plenty of different troubles may be traced again to disrupted hormones as nicely, affecting generations not even born but.
2. Irritation
Microplastics could cause irritation within the physique. Continual irritation is on the coronary heart of a lot 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 research 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 plenty 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 research discovered that microplastics can upset the steadiness of those intestine micro organism, inflicting “intestine dysbiosis.” When the intestine will get out of steadiness, it will possibly result in issues with digestion and even have an effect on our immune system and metabolism.
Ought to We Be Frightened?
The excellent news is that, primarily based on the very best science, we’re not consuming almost as a lot plastic because the headlines declare. However even small quantities of microplastics may 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 sensible to eat a fiber-rich food plan (just like the Hallelujah Food plan) to bind up microplastics earlier than they get absorbed. Utilizing binders like activated charcoal and bentonite clay could also be useful. Ingesting a number of purified water to help your kidneys. And preserving 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 Cut back Plastic Publicity in Your Home
The kitchen is one place the place plastics get used quite a bit together with the meals we eat and drinks we drink. So, it is sensible to start out proper within the kitchen. Listed here are 9 sensible steps you’ll be able to take as we speak:
Keep away from Bottled Water
That is the one largest factor you are able to do. Research present that bottled water accommodates rather more microplastic than faucet water. So, if you wish to reduce down on microplastics, cease shopping for bottled water.
Use a Water Filter
If you’re anxious about your faucet water, use an excellent water filter at dwelling. Berkey water filters are glorious. Reverse osmosis water is ok in the event you remineralize it after purification after which change the filters on schedule. Distilled water can be glorious, in the event you remineralize it earlier than consuming.
Swap Plastic Containers for Glass or Stainless Metal
Exchange plastic Rubbermaid andTupperware with glass jars (like Mason jars) or stainless-steel containers. They’re secure, 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 baggage as a substitute of cling wrap or Ziploc baggage. Fabric produce baggage are good for procuring. (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 chopping boards and bamboo utensils (until it’s a must to 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 eternally chemical compounds come from teflon surfaces. Ceramic non-stick is a wholesome choice as nicely. Tip: Forged iron cookware can final generations. Oil and lecithin remedy makes forged iron just about non-stick, at the least quickly.
Keep away from Microwaving Plastics (in the event you use a microwave)
Warmth meals in glass or ceramic dishes, lined 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 baggage. Tip: Give attention to uncooked, natural vegetables and fruit to nourish your physique with dwelling meals that feed your dwelling physique.
Get rid of Single-Use Plastics
Actually at dwelling you should use reusable straws, utensils, and fabric napkins. A lot of you already try this. And once you exit for eating you could possibly carry your personal containers. Tip: Assist eateries utilizing compostable packaging.
Get Rid of Your Carpet
Artificial fibers in carpet shed microplastics. Carpets additionally entice plenty of mud and allergens, and presumably mould down inside. They could really feel smooth, however there are various causes to go together with laborious floor ground coverings. Use a throw rug product of pure fibers as a substitute.
Conclusion
The concept 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 every single place, and scientists are studying extra about how they could have an effect on our well being—particularly in relation 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 straightforward swaps, you’ll be able to defend 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 selections about plastics that come into contact with our meals we honor God’s creation and defend our our bodies.