You may have seen the headlines: “We eat a credit card’s worth of plastic every week!” The image of chopsticks holding a credit card is shocking. “I had no idea that I was eating that much plastic! Have I been eating the wrappers, too?” But is this really true? Let’s take a close look at where this claim comes from, what the real science says about the health risks of microplastics, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Where Did the “5 Grams of Plastic a Week” Claim Come From?
The idea that we eat 5 grams of plastic every week (about the weight of a credit card) started with a 2019 report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and researchers at the University of Newcastle, Australia. They tried to estimate how much microplastic people might be eating, drinking, and breathing each week. Their highest estimate was 5 grams per week, but this was just one of several guesses based on a mix of studies and assumptions. A LOT of assumptions.
Here’s the important part: More recent, more careful research shows that this number is way too high—by a factor of a million! (That is 6 orders of magnitude for you mathematicians out there.)
OK. 6 orders of magnitude doesn’t make most of you cry in outrage. But how about this: What the research really shows is instead of eating a credit card a week, it is actually a credit card every 24,000 years. But that doesn’t really get anyone too excited about the problem, now, does it.
Careful reviews found that the real amount of microplastics people usually eat is much, much lower, closer to 4 micrograms per week. That’s a tiny fraction of a credit card. The “5 grams” number got popular because it’s easy to picture and makes a catchy headline, but it doesn’t match what scientists have found when they look more closely.
So, no—you are not eating a credit card’s worth of plastic every week. The real number is much smaller, and the scary meme is based on a whopping overestimate.
What Are Microplastics, and Where Do They Come From?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, smaller than 5 millimeters across. They come from things like broken-down plastic bottles, synthetic clothing fibers, and even some personal care products. Microplastics are everywhere—in our water, food, and even the air we breathe.
How Do Microplastics Affect Our Health?
Even though we aren’t eating a credit card’s worth of plastic, scientists are still studying what happens when we swallow or breathe in microplastics. Here’s some of what scientists have uncovered so far:
1. Endocrine Disruption
Some microplastics carry chemicals like BPA and phthalates. These are called “endocrine disruptors” because they can mess with our hormones. A 2025 study found that even adults who ate what was considered a “safe” amount of BPA developed more insulin resistance in just four days, which can raise the risk of diabetes. A lot of other troubles can be traced back to disrupted hormones as well, affecting generations not even born yet.
2. Inflammation
Microplastics can cause inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is at the heart of many of our chronic disease issues. Animal studies have shown that when mice were fed relatively high doses of microplastics, their bodies reacted with inflammation. In a separate study researchers found that diabetic mice responded with more inflammation and dyslipidemia and inflammation than healthy mice when exposed to polystyrene microplastics.
3. Gut Health
Our gut is home to trillions of helpful bacteria. If these bacteria get off-balance it causes a lot of havoc in our whole body. Gut pathology is the root of many auto-immune diseases as well as inflammatory gut diseases, functional dyspepsia, SIBO, and irritable bowel syndrome. These bacteria help us digest food and keep us healthy. A 2021 study found that microplastics can upset the balance of these gut bacteria, causing “gut dysbiosis.” When the gut gets out of balance, it can lead to problems with digestion and even affect our immune system and metabolism.
Should We Be Worried?
The good news is that, based on the best science, we are not eating nearly as much plastic as the headlines claim. But even small amounts of microplastics could have effects on our health over time, especially because they can carry harmful chemicals and upset our gut health.
Since microplastic exposure is in the gut, it makes sense to eat a fiber-rich diet (like the Hallelujah Diet) to bind up microplastics before they get absorbed. Using binders like activated charcoal and bentonite clay may be helpful. Drinking lots of purified water to support your kidneys. And keeping your gut health in tip top shape with probiotics, prebiotic fiber (like onions, chicory root, and konjac mannan (glucomannan) wouldn’t hurt either.
Practical Steps to Reduce Plastic Exposure in Your House
The kitchen is one place where plastics get used a lot in conjunction with the food we eat and beverages we drink. So, it makes sense to start right in the kitchen. Here are nine practical steps you can take today:
Avoid Bottled Water
This is the single biggest thing you can do. Studies show that bottled water contains much more microplastic than tap water. So, if you want to cut down on microplastics, stop buying bottled water.
Use a Water Filter
If you are worried about your tap water, use a good water filter at home. Berkey water filters are excellent. Reverse osmosis water is fine if you remineralize it after purification and then change the filters on schedule. Distilled water is also excellent, if you remineralize it before drinking.
Swap Plastic Containers for Glass or Stainless Steel
Replace plastic Rubbermaid andTupperware with glass jars (like Mason jars) or stainless steel containers. They’re safe, durable, and don’t leach microplastics. Tip: Reuse glass jars from sauces to store leftovers or bulk grains.
Ditch Plastic Wrap and Bags
Use beeswax wraps or reusable silicone bags instead of cling wrap or Ziploc bags. Cloth produce bags are perfect for shopping. (Never heard of beeswax wraps? Me neither, but here is an article that compares several brands.)
Choose Non-Plastic Kitchen Tools
Opt for wooden cutting boards and bamboo utensils (unless you have to worry about gluten contamination). Nylon or silicone utensils might be more stable than other plastics. Tip: Seal wooden boards with food-grade mineral oil for hygiene.
Eliminate Non-Stick Pans. Use Stainless Steel and Cast iron cookware.
PFOA and PFOAS forever chemicals come from teflon surfaces. Ceramic non-stick is a healthy option as well. Tip: Cast iron cookware can last generations. Oil and lecithin treatment makes cast iron virtually non-stick, at least temporarily.
Avoid Microwaving Plastics (if you use a microwave)
Heat food in glass or ceramic dishes, covered with a plate or paper towel. Tip: Reheat on the stovetop in cast iron for better flavor and safety.
Buy Fresh, Unpackaged Foods
Shop at farmers’ markets or bulk stores for unpackaged produce and grains. Bulk grains and beans come in paper bags. Tip: Focus on raw, organic fruits and vegetables to nourish your body with living foods that feed your living body.
Eliminate Single-Use Plastics
Certainly at home you can use reusable straws, utensils, and cloth napkins. Many of you already do that. And when you go out for dining you could bring your own containers. Tip: Support eateries using compostable packaging.
Get Rid of Your Carpet
Synthetic fibers in carpet shed microplastics. Carpets also trap a lot of dust and allergens, and possibly mold down inside. They may feel soft, but there are many reasons to go with hard surface floor coverings. Use a throw rug made of natural fibers instead.
Conclusion
The idea that you are eating a credit card’s worth of plastic every week just isn’t true. The real number is much, much smaller, and there’s no need to panic. Still, microplastics are everywhere, and scientists are learning more about how they might affect our health—especially when it comes to hormones, inflammation, and gut health.
The best thing you can do is simple: Drink purified water, not from a plastic bottle. This one change can make a huge difference in how many microplastics you take in. Along with a few other easy swaps, you can protect yourself and your family from unnecessary plastic exposure.
Our goal is to be responsible stewards of what God has given to us, not to worship the environment or “mother earth” or anything like that. We just don’t want to pollute our earth, our neighbors, or ourselves. So, by making discerning choices about plastics that come into contact with our food we honor God’s creation and protect our bodies.