One of the benefits of downsizing over the last year and removing clutter was that I began removing the many plastic food containers and cooking utensils we no longer needed. I also began replacing the ugly neon colored plastic spray bottles with amber glass ones and switched out our plastic trash can for a stainless steel one. I had not realized up until that point how much of the manmade material had made its way into our lives. I began to obsess about where else in our home this monster was lurking.
Not only is plastic not aesthetically pleasing, but it's also very toxic to our bodies. I knew about the dangers of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates but had never realized the extent of our consumption of this cheap and nondestructive material. When I began to research the history of plastics, I learned that just because a product says it is BPA free does not mean it is safe. I also learned that there are hidden plastics in the lining of our canned goods and sodas. It only makes sense that any project that was created in a chemistry lab cannot be safe to store the food and beauty products we put in and on our bodies. We are told not to leave water bottles in our cars because the heat will leach the toxins from the plastic into our water and yet we are comfortable with microwaving our food in plastic containers. There are studies that show plastic baby bottles that claim to be BPA free still contain toxic chemicals. While it may be impossible to remove the popular material completely, there are many ways we can at least minimize some of it from our home and lives.
1. Go Glass
Rethinking plastics in your pantry can have many benefits. Because many processed foods are sold in plastic bags and containers, you will want to start purchasing a healthier alternative in the form of fresh products or products sold in glass or paper instead. Milk even tastes better in a glass bottle as it keeps the milk colder and safer from toxins. Stock up on mason jars or other glass containers to store your food in that you can use safely in the oven or microwave. You can even purchase sticker chalkboard labels if you want to label everything. Toss any plastic storage containers and purchase the glass version like this one. Make sure all dishes and reusable water bottles are glass. This is one of my favorite water bottles because it is safe even if you drop it (which I have!) and I can use my essential oils in it without worrying they will eat away at any plastic. You can also use stainless steel water bottles like Kleen Canteen. Be sure to consider your pets water and food bowls as well. When purchasing packaged beverages, be sure to opt for glass as soda cans are lined with plastic. You may think wine is safe since it's in a glass bottle, but unless it has a cork closure it is not safe.
2. BPA-Free Baby
Have you ever thought about how many toys today are plastic? While they may be safer, you need to consider how many plastic toys are going into your baby's mouth. Wooden toys are a great alternative and can sometimes last longer. Plastic diapers are something else that people forget is plastic. There are many cloth diapers options as an alternative along with glass bottle options in place of plastic ones.
3. Skip Straws
Those plastic stoppers in our expensive to-go coffees may keep our beverage warmer longer but we know what happens when plastic gets heated up. The plastic straws and coffee stirrers at restaurants are also not necessary when you can simply stir your coffee or tea with a metal spoon or drink from the glass. Opting against these unnecessary items can not only keep plastics out of our body but they can also reduce waste. If you really like straws and stirrers, there are many great alternatives in paper, wood or bamboo form. Also consider using reusable travel mugs to get your coffee on-the-go. Most coffee shops endorse doing this as it saves them money on packaging. Just be sure it does not have a plastic lining.
4. Better Bags
Does anyone really like plastic bags? It seems you can only fit one or two things in them and need to double bag them in order to carry anything heavy. Trying to carry them inside leaves lines in your hand and they don't exactly look good stuck in a tree. If you forget your reusable bag at the grocery store or farmer's market, opt for a paper sack. The kraft paper can be used to wrap gifts and you need less of them to get groceries inside. When buying fruit or vegetables at the grocery store, skip the thin plastic bags to store them in, especially if you are only getting one or two. You can purchase small canvas bags to use instead. If you do not want to make your own bread, purchase fresh loaves from the bakery instead of the pre-packaged breads that are loaded with preservatives and packaged in plastic bags. Speaking of farmers markets, opt for a cardboard berry basket instead of a plastic one. Most vendors will gladly take them back on your next visit and you know your produce will be safe from toxins. Another advantage to shopping at the farmer's market is that they do not use the plastic stickers on the produce.
5. Careful Cleaning
We are lucky enough to have an older washer and dryer so we can still use powdered laundry detergent. Most front-loading ones require liquid detergent which is guaranteed to come in a plastic container. Another appliance you can buy powdered detergent for us your dishwasher. Ditch your cleaning products that come in plastic spray bottles and make your own cleaning solution with vinegar and water. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, add some essential oils to mask the scent. Consider switching out your cleaning brushes as well. Most have plastic handles or bristles and the bamboo ones are much prettier to look at. Use bar soap for bathing and washing
6. Miscellaneous Mentions
Other items that are made of and/or are packaged in plastic include: chewing gum, the little plastic disc in the middle of your delivery pizza, reusable sealable sandwich or storage bags, plastic ice cube trays, teflon non-stick cookware, shower curtains/liners, some blenders, salad spinners, toothbrushes, plastic trash bags, some chapstick containers, feminine hygiene products, combs and hair brushes, pet toys, credit cards, phone cases, plastic pens, envelopes with windows, gel capsules, most dental sealants, CD's, DVD's, earbuds, packaging tape and fake Christmas trees, synthetic fabrics (acrylic, polyester, etc.).
7. Continued Consciousness
Some other ways you can keep plastic out of your home is to clean up your mailbox. Return any unwanted spam mail to sender and request companies you are ordering online from that you not receive and unnecessary packaging. Companies like Seventh Generation offer paper towels and toilet paper wrapped in paper instead of plastic.
It is almost impossible to rid our homes entirely of plastic, that's just how things are now. But knowing which plastics are safer than others can help you decide what you are willing to keep or part with. The three plastics you must avoid at all costs are #3, #6 and #7. If you cannot give up canned food, Eden Organics is a safe option (except for their canned tomatoes) as they still use the original canning methods before plastics were introduced.
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