Plastic Consumption: How Much Do We Ingest Yearly?

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with the average person consuming between 18.33 and 71.69 grams of plastic per year. This is the equivalent of eating up to 12 plastic shopping bags annually. The biggest source of plastic entering our bodies is bottled water, with an average of 94 particles per litre.

Plastic in drinking water

It is estimated that the average person consumes between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles every year. This is considered an underestimate. The biggest known source of microplastics is bottled water, with an average of 94 particles per litre.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that a typical person consumes between 0.06 and 0.10 grams of plastic from drinking water per year. Combined with plastic from food and plasticware, this means an average person takes in anywhere from 18.33 to 71.69 grams per year of plastic particles. This is the equivalent of about 12 plastic bags per year.

Lifestyle and dietary changes can help reduce your exposure to plastic particles.

Plastic in food

Plastic is everywhere: in the soil, in the air, in the sea and in our food. Humans are addicted to this nearly indestructible material, producing over 380 million tons of plastic every year, with up to 50% of that being for single-use purposes.

The average person consumes a credit card's worth of microscopic plastic particles every week, according to previous estimates. New studies have shown that this plastic often shows up in places you might not expect.

Research has shown that the average person eats, drinks and breathes between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles every year, with bottled water being the biggest known source of microplastic entering our bodies. Beer has the second highest number of microplastics.

Estimations of the total mass of ingested microplastic particles correspond to 50 plastic bags per year, one credit card per week, or a median value of 4.1 μg/week for adults.

In the US, 100.7 billion plastic beverage bottles were sold in 2014, or 315 bottles per person. 57% of those units were plastic water bottles: 57.3 billion sold in 2014. This is up from 3.8 billion plastic water bottles sold in 1996, the earliest year for available data.

Plastic in plasticware

Plastic is everywhere, from the soil to the sea, and it's no surprise that it ends up in our food and drinks. The average person consumes a credit card's worth of plastic particles every week, which is equivalent to 50 plastic bags per year. This is a conservative estimate, as some studies suggest the average person consumes between 78,000 and 211,000 microplastic particles annually, with bottled water being the biggest known source.

Plasticware, a term encompassing plastic utensils, containers, and other plastic items used for eating and drinking, contributes significantly to this plastic consumption. Plasticware is often used for convenience and practicality, especially in the food service industry. However, the pervasive use of plasticware has consequences.

Single-use plastic items, such as disposable utensils, straws, and takeaway containers, are significant contributors to plastic waste. These items are designed for momentary use but persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When not properly disposed of, they can end up in our oceans, breaking down into microplastics that are ingested by marine life and eventually make their way into our food chain.

The production and consumption of plasticware have a direct impact on human health. Microplastics can contaminate our food and beverages, leading to the ingestion of harmful particles. These particles can accumulate in our bodies over time, potentially causing unknown long-term effects. While the full extent of the health risks associated with microplastics is still being studied, it is clear that reducing our reliance on plasticware is crucial for both environmental and health reasons.

To address the issue of plastic consumption, individuals can make conscious choices to reduce their use of single-use plastic items. Reusable alternatives, such as metal straws, bamboo utensils, and glass or stainless-steel containers, offer more sustainable options. Additionally, supporting businesses that prioritise eco-friendly packaging and advocating for policies that promote recycling and responsible waste management can help mitigate the impact of plasticware on our health and the environment.

Plastic in bottled water

It is estimated that the average person consumes a credit card's worth of microscopic plastic particles every week. This equates to 50 plastic bags per year, or a median value of 4.1 μg/week for adults. The proliferation of plastic products in recent decades has been extraordinary, with humans producing over 380 million tons of plastic every year, and some reports indicating that up to 50% of that is for single-use purposes.

Bottled water is the biggest known source of microplastic entering our bodies. In 2014, 57% of the 100.7 billion plastic beverage bottles sold in the US were plastic water bottles. This is up from 3.8 billion in 1996, the earliest year for which data is available. The average number of plastic particles per litre of bottled water is 94.

The process of producing bottled water requires around six times as much water per bottle as there is in the container. When caps and labels are considered, the amount of plastic used is even higher.

Plastic in beer

It is estimated that the average person consumes between 18.33 and 71.69 grams of plastic per year. This is equivalent to around 12 plastic bags.

Plastic is consumed through water, food and plasticware. The biggest known source of plastic which enters our bodies is bottled water. Beer has the second highest number of plastic particles, at 32.

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