In today’s world, it is hard to avoid plastic. We see it everywhere: from food packaging to household products. Unfortunately, this widespread use of plastic is not only harming the environment but also our bodies. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than five millimeters long, have found their way into our food supply. These particles have been linked to serious health issues, such as cancer, DNA damage, and disrupted cellular processes. As Catholics who are called to be stewards of God’s creation, it is important for us to understand the impact of these tiny plastics and make more responsible choices.
An expert on plastic pollution, Beatrice the Anti-Plastic Lady, shared insights into the foods most affected by microplastics and offers simple swaps that can help minimize our exposure. “In the past few years, scientists have linked these microplastics to lots of really toxic impacts on your body, including multiple different types of cancer, accelerated cognitive decline, and a generally disrupted gut microbiome,” she warns, emphasizing the harmful effects of plastic particles on human health.
1. Seafood: The Silent Carrier of Microplastics Seafood, while often seen as a healthy choice, is a major source of microplastics. “The amount of microplastics in the ocean has been doubling every six years, and all of that ends up in our seafood,” Beatrice notes. Fish, shellfish, and other seafood absorb these tiny plastics from polluted oceans. Unfortunately, there is no easy substitute for seafood, but Beatrice suggests reducing consumption and opting for less-processed fish to avoid the highest concentrations of microplastics.
From a Catholic perspective, our responsibility to care for creation involves not only reducing our plastic use but also considering the environmental impact of our food choices. By reducing seafood consumption, we can help reduce the demand that contributes to the pollution of God’s oceans.
2. Salt: Unrefined vs. Processed Did you know that salt, a basic food ingredient, can also be a significant source of microplastics? Beatrice reveals that unprocessed sea salt contains far higher amounts of microplastics compared to processed table salt. “Unrefined salts contain plastic pollution from the oceans they are harvested from, and in this case, processing actually works to remove much of those microplastics,” she explains.
This reminds us that stewardship of God’s creation means being mindful of where our resources come from. The more we engage in practices like sustainable harvesting and processing, the better we can protect the environment.
3. Processed Dairy: A Hidden Source Many of us may not realize that processed dairy products, like powdered cheese and conventional milk, contain more microplastics than their less-processed counterparts. Beatrice advises switching to more natural alternatives such as locally sourced organic milk. “Try and get dairy products that are far less processed,” she says, urging us to opt for foods that are closer to their natural state.
For Catholics, caring for God’s creation often includes caring for our bodies with the wholesome foods that He has provided. Making more conscious food choices not only helps us avoid harmful chemicals but also supports local farmers and sustainable practices.
4. Baby Food Pouches: A Growing Concern Perhaps one of the most concerning revelations is the presence of microplastics in baby food pouches. Beatrice highlights that these convenience items, often filled with pureed fruits and vegetables, leach microplastics during the pasteurization process. “Heat exponentially increases the amount of toxic chemicals and microplastics that leach into that food,” Beatrice states.
For parents and caregivers, this calls for a return to fresh, unprocessed foods. Providing children with homemade purees or fresh fruits and vegetables is not only healthier but also a more sustainable choice.
5. The Plight of Retort Foil Pouches and Tea Bags While baby food pouches are a major source, Beatrice also warns against foods packaged in retort foil pouches, such as tuna and lentils, and even the seemingly innocent nylon tea bags. Studies show that nylon bags release billions of microplastics when steeped in hot water. “Nylon mesh tea bags release tons of microplastics into your hot cup of tea,” Beatrice explains, suggesting loose leaf tea as a healthier alternative.
In both cases, we can take small steps toward change by avoiding overly processed and plastic-packaged foods. Whether it’s choosing paper tea bags or buying food in bulk, such choices reflect our care for the Earth.
A Call to Stewardship In the context of Catholic social teaching, this issue underscores our duty to protect both human health and the planet. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The material universe is at the service of man” (CCC 337). Our consumption habits must be aligned with the responsibility to care for the world that God has entrusted to us.
In conclusion, Beatrice’s advice to reduce the consumption of certain microplastic-laden foods is not just a personal health matter, but a moral responsibility. It challenges us to make more ethical decisions when it comes to food, health, and the environment. By understanding the sources of microplastics in our diets and taking simple steps to avoid them, we can live more fully in alignment with both our physical well-being and our duty as caretakers of creation.
For more insights from Beatrice the Anti-Plastic Lady and her work on reducing plastic pollution, check out her TikTok account @antiplasticlady.
