Okay, friends, this is the week at Laurenvalentino.com where we go hug trees, save the sea turtles, OH, and not die ourselves…. We’re talking about Plastics!
Although plastics seems like an unavoidable convenience of today’s modern ‘on the go’ society. Since we know that some plastics that were created are harmful a can leak harmful chemicals into our bodies.
Therefore, we must identify the toxic plastics to avoid. It’s better to avoid plastics altogether however, sometimes that just isn’t possible. Knowing the ones that emit harmful chemicals like BPA, BPS, phthalates, xenoestrogens, lead, mercury, furans, and dioxins into our foods and beverages can help us keep our systems safer in this fast pace world.
DITCH AND SWITCH PLASTICS – SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Research shows that once plastics make their way into our bodies, they are not fully processed out. These plastics are found accumulated in our brains and tumors when removed from our bodies.
The plastics that are processed through our bodies like personal care items and makeups, via urine then can’t be processed out by our water treatment plants. It ends up in our water supply and our oceans. These then leach into soil and bioaccumulation up our food chain.
Plastics mimic our own natural hormones causing endocrine disruption. When our endocrine system gets disrupted it can be like a domino effect. Research has proven that these microplastic disruptors can cause low sperm count, male and female infertility, estrogen dominance, thyroid problems, hormone imbalance, early onset of puberty and more.
DITCH AND SWITCH PLASTICS – WHERE ARE WE EXPOSED?
Most of us know to avoid BPA, plastic water bottles, Ziploc top food storage bags, and plastic wraps, however, here is a list of common ways that we’re exposed.
- BPA-free plastic bottles (doesn’t mean its safe plastic normally has BPS)
- Liners of canned food, drink liners, and baby formula containers (BPA/BPS)
- Cash register receipts (BPA/BPS)
- Canning jar lids (BPA)
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste tubes
- Dental Composite fillings (BPA/BPS)
- Purses, Shoes, and other fashion items (Phthalates, Mercury & Lead)
DITCH AND SWITCH PLASTICS – HOW TO IDENTIFY THE REALLY BAD FOR YOU PLASTICS?
All plastics have an ID code on the bottom. Let’s discuss what those codes mean. Before going over safety its important to know that
The University of Texas published a long 30+ page study that states/prove that NO plastic is 100% safe and that almost all plastics leach chemicals.
DITCH AND SWITCH PLASTICS – DECODING THE CODES
#1 PET or Polyethylene terephthalate
Where it’s found
- Basically, all clear food containers are made from PET
- Disposable water bottles
Dangers and Safety
- PET is considered safe.
- However, it has been shown to leak metal antimony into the food or liquid the longer it sits unused. It also exhibited leaching when exposed to sunlight, or heat.
#2 HDPE or High-Density Polyethylene
Where it’s found
- Milk jugs
- Shampoo bottles
- Household cleaner bottles
- Cereal box liners
Dangers and Safety
- HDPE is considered a low toxin plastic and generally safe.
- However, it has been shown to leak estrogenic chemicals like 95% of plastics.
#3 PVC or Polyvinylchloride
Where it’s found
- Deli and meat wrappers
- Plastic sandwich baggies and saran wrap
- Plastic toys
- Plastic mats or flooring seen in kids play areas
Dangers and Safety
- PVC is dangerous to your health and environment and should be avoided at all costs
- Has been linked to chronic diseases like allergy, asthma, and autism.
- PVC contains lead and phthalates. Lead is poisonous to humans while phthalates are considered “gender-bending” chemicals. Meaning they cause males to grow breasts, and have low sperm counts. These have been known to cause infertility in several species.
#4 LDPE or Low-Density Polyethylene
Where it’s found
- Bread bags
- Coated paper milk cartons
- Hot/Cold beverage cups
- Produce bags
Dangers and Safety
- LDPE is generally safe.
- However, it is plastic and all plastic is shown to leak estrogenic chemicals like 95% of the time.
#5 PP or Polypropylene
Where it’s found
- Straws
- Squeeze bottles
- Medicine bottles
- Some yogurt containers
Dangers and Safety
- PP is generally safe.
- However, it is plastic and all plastic is shown to leak chemicals over time.
#6 PS or Polystyrene
Where it’s found
- Styrofoam
- Carry out food containers
- Egg cartons
Dangers and Safety
- Avoid at all cost especially heated.
- Never ever put it in the microwave.
- When heated it releases styrene which is a carcinogen and known nerve toxin.
#7 Other
Where it’s found
- These plastics can be found anywhere and are normally a polycarbonate blend
Dangers and Safety
- Avoid these, because you don’t know what other plastics are in them.
DITCH AND SWITCH PLASTICS – SO NOW WHAT?!?
Here are some of my favorite suggestions to clean up your exposures…
- Get a water filter for home drinking water
- Look for BPA free canned foods
- Use glass or metal straws
- Use reusable produce/ and grocery bags
- Avoid plastic zip bags and use ‘Stasher’ bags instead
- Use glass for food storage/ baby bottles/
- You can request BPA free sealants
- Don’t take the receipt at the cash register
- Replace Plastic Kitchen cookware or serve wear to wood or silicone
- Buy Eggs in cardboard cartons
Check out some of my in home favorites I put together all in one spot for you to easily dig thru.
What are some of your in home switches that you’re most proud of? AND what are you looking at swapping soon??
Remember that every swap counts…. Don’t get overwhelmed. Just pick one or two areas a month.
Got questions, drop them below. I am here to help! 💚