PLASTICS FOOD CONTAINERS
Worried about BPA? You should be. The probable cancer-causing chemical leaching into our food and liquids from plastic containers is widely used in most hard, clear and nearly unbreakable plastic (called polycarbonate). The cool thing is that it’s avoidable – switch containers, be choosy with manufacturers, and educate yourself! Here are some BPA free ideas to get started:
- Pyrex by Corning International
- Sanctus Mundo
VINYL FLOORING AND PIPING
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is considered by Greenpeace, the international environmental group, to be the ‘worst plastic for the environment’. Vinyl is a leading source of dioxin and the most studied toxin the world. It is found in all Americans, poses a severe health risk, and according to the World Health Organization is known to cause cancer. Two-thirds of PVC usage occurs in home construction so here are some easy ways to avoid it:
- FSC Certified Alternatives
- Clay Pipes
- Natural Flooring
PLASTIC WRAP
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and DEHA are components and plasticizers found in some plastic wraps and food packaging and can migrate into food at high temperatures. DEHA has long been regarded as a possible human carcinogen so take the proper precautions by using only plastic containers or packaging labeled “Microwave Safe” in microwave ovens and if plastic wrap is used when microwaving, it should not be allowed to come into direct contact with food. Here are some alternatives:
- Pyrex containers (Corning Incorporated)
- Saran Wrap (S.C. Johnson & Son)
- Glad Cling Wrap (Glad Products Company)
BABY BOTTLES FROM POLYCARBONATE
Polycarbonte offers an array of conveniences as well as a wide selection of possible health effects. The hormone-mimicking chemical can leach into stored food and drinks including baby bottles and “sippy” cups. Join the revolution and avoid exposing yourself and your loved ones to sucky plastic with these alternatives:
- The Glass Baby Bottle
- Evenflo
- BornFree
STYROFOAM CONTAINERS
Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic made from the styrene monomer. Most people know it under the name Styrofoam. The biggest environmental health concern associated with polystyrene is the danger associated with Styrene. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
- Fabri-Kal
- Pyrex containers (Corning Incorporated)
- StarchTech
BHA AND BHT PRESERVED FOODS
Generally the packaging surrounding store-bought foods is either made from plastic or lined with plastic. BHA is a waxy solid plastic that is used as an additive and preservative. The US National Institutes of Health report that BHA is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. It’s best – and much more tasty – to eat foods that haven’t been preserved so check your labels and these awesome alternatives:
- Corn-based products
- Products packaged in glass
- Homegrown food!
PLASTIC COOKING UTENSILS
Most of the time when we’re cooking in the kitchen the process involves heat – that heat softens plastic and in turn breaks down and releases the chemicals used to make the plastic. Seek out alternatives like steel and bamboo for plastic cookware but also be aware that if you’re cooking with nonstick pots or pans to use wood or to not scratch the metal surface as the nonstick coating may release toxins into your food. Possible plastic free alternatives include:
CANNED FOODS
Those cans sitting in your cupboard or pantry may not be as tasty as you think. Studies conducted as recently as 2010 found that 90% of cans tested had detectable levels of BPA, some at higher levels than have been detected in previous studies. The issue is that manufacturers of fruits, vegetables, beans, soups, tomato products, and more have been lining the inside of their cans with BPA-based plastics. Some manufacturers have begun selectively using BPA-free cans – others have not. Plastic sucks and so does BPA so use fresh products and check these alternatives out:
- Eden Organics
- Pomi Foods
- Tetra Pack
PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES
Expensive, wasteful, and no healthier than tap water – bottled plastic water is just water – but it wastes resources to source, produce, and deliver. Bottled water produces up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste a year and requires 47 million gallons of oil per year to produce, and that’s just in the United States. Plastic sucks and so do plastic water bottles! Here are some simple products to consider:
- Stainless Steel from Kleen Kanteen
- Glass Bottle from Takeya
- Carbon Filter
DISPOSAL PLASTIC BAGS
By now everyone has become aware of just how terrible disposable plastic bags are. They are consumed at the rate of 100 billion annually in the United States alone. Recently bans on the bags have gained popularity but they are still readily available. Instead of wasting resources (430,000 gallons of oil to produce 100 million bags) and using nasty, toxic plastic to carry your food and goods around, join the revolution and try a non-plastic alternative:
- Eco Canvas Bags
- String Bags
- Baggu Tote
- Natural Collection
