In the quiet beauty of Cedar City, Utah, we are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the natural wonders of the American West. Yet, even in this serene setting, we are not immune to a growing environmental crisis—microplastics. These tiny particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, have infiltrated nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from the food we eat to the water we drink and the air we breathe. Microplastics are accumulating at alarming rates in our ecosystem, and it’s time we take a hard look at how much we are consuming.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items such as bottles, packaging, or synthetic textiles. Over time, these plastics fragment into smaller pieces, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. Microplastics are now found everywhere, including in our oceans, rivers, lakes, and even in our tap water. According to research, microplastics are being consumed through three main sources: food, air, and water.
To grasp just how pervasive microplastics have become in our environment, consider this: A recent study found that people could be swallowing the equivalent of a credit card’s weight in plastic every week. Yes, you read that correctly—about 5 grams of plastic, or the weight of one credit card, could be ingested by an average person every single week through food and water. This shocking statistic comes from a KSL article highlighting the mounting concern of microplastic pollution and its impact on human health.
You can read more about this study here: You Could Be Swallowing a Credit Card’s Weight in Plastic Every Week
Where Are Microplastics Coming From?
Microplastics find their way into our bodies through several channels, with water being one of the primary sources. Whether it’s drinking from a plastic water bottle, eating food packaged in plastic, or consuming fish and other marine life that have ingested microplastics, we are constantly exposed to these pollutants. The concentration of microplastics in drinking water is particularly concerning. Studies show that bottled water is not immune to this problem, with research suggesting that drinking water from plastic bottles could actually double our intake of microplastics. This issue only escalates with the widespread use of plastic packaging and containers in the food industry.
For an in-depth look at the connection between bottled water and microplastics, check out this article: Microplastic Particle Ingestion Study
The health risks tied to microplastic ingestion are still being studied, but early findings suggest that these particles may pose significant risks to human health. Since plastics contain various toxic chemicals and heavy metals, including BPA (Bisphenol A), there is concern that these chemicals may leach into the body. While the long-term health effects are still under research, microplastics have been linked to inflammation, hormone disruption, and potential developmental issues in humans.
You can explore potential health concerns further in this CNN report: Potential Health Concerns with Microplastic Ingestion
How Much Plastic Are We Consuming?
On average, an American consumes about 5 grams of plastic every week—this is about the same weight as a credit card. Over the course of a year, that adds up to 260 grams, or more than half a pound, of plastic. To give you a perspective, that’s the equivalent of more than 35 plastic straws, or an entire plastic shopping bag, consumed every week.
While this might sound like an abstract number, it’s helpful to consider how often you use something that’s made of plastic—take, for example, a plastic straw. Many people use a plastic straw every day. By comparison, this daily habit could be contributing to your plastic intake. Imagine swallowing that same amount of plastic through the water and food you consume—every day, week, and year.
This statistic is sobering, but it underscores the urgent need to take action and be conscious of the plastics we use and consume.
The Importance of Drinking Purified Water
Given the growing prevalence of microplastics in our tap water, it’s more important than ever to ensure that the water we drink is free from harmful contaminants. While some water sources are better than others, even water that seems relatively clean can still contain microscopic plastic particles. This is why investing in a reliable water filtration system for your home is a step in the right direction. A high-quality filtration system can help remove microplastics and other harmful substances from your drinking water, ensuring that you are consuming the cleanest, safest water possible.
For those who may not have access to a filtration system, it’s crucial to purchase bottled water from a reliable and vetted source. Make sure the brand you choose has strict testing protocols in place to ensure the purity of their water.
By making an investment in purified water, whether through an at-home filtration system or bottled water, you are taking an active role in protecting your health and minimizing your exposure to microplastics.
Purified Water and Detoxification for Optimal Health
At Awaken Sanctuary, we understand the importance of clean, pure drinking water, as well as the role it plays in supporting overall health. We offer a range of detoxifying supplements and services designed to help your body thrive in today’s increasingly toxic world. Our mission is to provide you with the tools and resources to optimize your health and detoxify from harmful substances, including microplastics.
We believe that by incorporating clean, purified water and detoxifying practices into your daily routine, you can minimize the harmful effects of environmental toxins and restore balance to your body. If you’re looking to improve your well-being and protect yourself from the hidden dangers of microplastics, we invite you to learn more about the products and services we offer.
Visit us at myawakeningsanctuary.com to discover how we can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
Conclusion
The increasing presence of microplastics in our environment is a growing concern, and it’s clear that we, as consumers, are directly affected by this issue. By being mindful of what we eat, drink, and breathe, and by investing in purified water and detoxifying therapies, we can reduce our exposure to microplastics and support our overall health. At Awaken Sanctuary, we are committed to providing you with the tools to help you thrive in an increasingly plastic-filled world. Take control of your health today—your body will thank you tomorrow.