There is no denying the fact that plastic is convenient. It is almost indestructible, lightweight, and easily portable when on the go. Unfortunately, unless you’ve been under a rock somewhere…you’ve been hearing about the health hazards that are now being associated with plastic use. Hazards that are serious enough to encourage us to rethink our love-affair with plastic.

There are trace amounts of BPA and phthalates that are released when plastic is exposed to heat or it ages. These chemicals are now tentatively being linked to early puberty in girls, breast and prostate cancer,  ADD, and ADHD.

Another reason to strive to reduce our plastic consumption is the fact that plastic doesn’t ever completely biodegrade. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces and it has really nowhere to go.

So…how far are we willing to go to institute a little change for the good of our health and the earth? There are some pretty simple things that we can start doing today that can have far reaching affects for the better.

• Bring your own grocery bags to the store. For a very nominal amount you can purchase a reusable bag. I’ve seen them on sale for .79 at one grocery store where I shop.

• Consider buying some higher quality food storage containers made of glass.

• Carry your own travel mug for trips to the coffee shop. You will probably even get a discount price for bringing your own!

Realistically, it just isn’t possible to eliminate plastic completely from your household. However…here are a few alternatives to consider.

Kitchen:

• Baby bottles and sippy cups

• Buy glass or bottles that state they are BPA-free.

• Stainless steel water bottles are becoming more popular for adults. There are water bottles for kids more available too now.

Food Storage:

• Consider replacing your plastic food storage containers with glass. Pyrex and Ikea both have differet sized container sets. I also use pint and quart mason jars for food storage and they work great!

Foods:

• Tomato sauce, broths, and soups now come in boxes.

In the Bathroom:

• Most bath toys are pliable so this means they contain phthalates. Find toys that are labeled “phthalate free.”

Shower:

• Cloth shower curtains are a great alternative to plastic. Not only are they not plastic, but they come in wonderful decorative colors and themes.

• Consider eliminating bottled body soaps and return to bar soap. No waste in the packaging and more economical!

Do you have any other suggestions for reducing your household and personal plastic use? Please share!

Technorati Tags: biodegrade, BPA, BPA-free, chemicals, phthalate free, phthalates, plastic

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