Aim for a ‘Life Less Plastic’

Jeanne Haegele opted for a ‘life less plastic’ by trying to go without plastics–easier said than done.

More and more evidence suggests that plastics can be harmful to our health. Specifically Bisphenol-a (BPA), the chemical used to harden plastics found in most water bottles, linings of canned foots and plastic utensils, Phthalates, used to soften plastics and found in toys and vinyl shower curtains, and BPDE’s a flame retardent found in wires and cables. All of these have been shown to have adverse affects on our health.

Here are some simple ways to lessen your exposure to harmful plastics:

1. Use Stainless Steel or BPA-free water bottles instead of plastic
2. Avoid number 3 or 7 labeled plastics
3. Never reheat food in the microwave in plastic containers! That includes Saran Wrap–place a microwaveable plate or bowl over the item you are reheating to induce steaming
4. Opt for a PVC-free shower curtain instead of a vinyl shower curtain.
5. Check out Jeanne’s blog, lifelessplastic, for more tips

To read more about the harmful effects of PVC Plastics read the PVC report authored by the Center for Health and Environmental Justice. To find out more about how to cut down on your plastic consumption, check out this post on EarthFirst.