You know those quizzes that will tell you what pet you would be if you were an animal? Well, I think that if plastic was an animal, it would most certainly be a cockroach because it is nearly impossible to get rid of. But if plastic was a food, it might be added sugar because it shows up in some unexpected places and it is hard to avoid. That’s right – you have been eating plastic.
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Microplastics (very small pieces of plastic that are less than the size of an eraser on a pencil) have been found in the guts of many animals, including humans. Researchers in 2019 found that the average American consumption of microplastic ranges from 39,000 to 52,000 particles per year, not including inhalation from the air. While the jury is still out on the impacts microplastic may have on human health, there is no denying that they can be found in our environments and our bodies.
Here are some unexpected ways that you might be eating plastic through normal food and drink consumption:
1. Gum
Most gum has synthetic ingredients in it, including rubbers and plastic. Fortunately, there are alternatives that only include natural ingredients. As a bonus, those alternative brands often come in plastic-free packaging. Happy ppl gum is one brand to check out.
2. Bottled water
I truly do not understand why people drink bottled water if they have an easy alternative (with the exception, of course, people who do not have access to safe drinking water or have certain medical conditions). Bottled water is expensive and scientific studies have shown that bottled water is contaminated with plastic particles whose effect on human health is unclear at this time. The contamination occurs in as much as 93% of bottled water and likely comes from packaging and the bottling process.
3. Tea bags
Unfortunately, some paper tea bags contain a sealing plastic to keep them from falling apart. When the tea bags are steeped in hot water, the plastic can leach into the tea in the form of tiny microplastics. Fancier tea bags are often made out of “silky” mesh fabric that is made of plastics and leek even more microplastics when brewed. Using loose leaf tea with a cute tea infuser instead can help!
4. Beer
Et tu, beer? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but researchers have found polystyrene and polypropylene microplastics in beer. They may be coming from raw materials, the atmosphere, or tools and containers that are releasing the microplastics.
5. Toothpaste
You guessed it – many brands of toothpaste contain microplastics.
6. Seafood
Unfortunately, the seafood that we eat can contain microplastics. This includes molluscs, fish, and crustaceans. Microplastics are found in water all around the world. As the animals eat, they also ingest those pieces of microplastic. The microplastics can accumulate in the gut, circulatory systems, and surrounding tissue of the animal.
7. Cigarettes
There are plenty of reasons to not smoke. Microplastics are one more.
8. Salt
Microplastics are in more than 90% of table salt sold globally.
The list above is rather depressing to think about as it showcases how pervasive microplastics are in our daily lives. Even if we can’t see them, we are eating plastic in everyday food and drinks. Scientists are still investigating the implications of microplastic ingestion on human health. In the meantime, maybe pass on the salt. Looking for more ways to cut plastic from your life? Check out my post on creating a plastic-free skincare routine on a budget.
