We live in a world plagued by plastic pollution, with plastics that can take over six hundred years to decompose. Finally, we are beginning to recognize the extent of plastic waste in our environment. It is ubiquitous, and alarming images are emerging that highlight its devastating impact on our oceans and marine life.
One major concern is bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in many everyday plastics. BPA leaches from these items at room temperature and above, contaminating our soil and groundwater. As plastic breaks down, even more BPA is released into the environment.
BPA poses a significant risk because it does not easily exit our bodies. As an endocrine disruptor, it mimics hormones and binds to hormone receptors. This binding to estrogen receptors is particularly concerning, as it is associated with the development of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
My personal journey to eliminate plastics began ten years ago after I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time. In my quest to rid my life of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, I started to eliminate plastics.
The disruption of our hormonal systems due to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is linked to various health issues, including problems with testosterone processing, early menopause, cholesterol levels, obesity, early onset of puberty, immune function, bone health, cardiac health, and mental well-being.
Clearly, the excessive presence of plastic in our lives and environment is detrimental. If we do not each take action, the problem will only worsen.
Here are some strategies I personally use to avoid plastics in my daily life. I hope you find them useful as well.
1. PLASTIC BAG BAN
I love the movement toward bringing your own bags to supermarkets! My local stores have started banning plastic shopping bags, which is a fantastic step forward.
I find it an exciting challenge to always keep my reusable shopping bag in the trunk of my car. Even if I forget to take it into the store, I can still use the provided trolley to transport my items and then transfer them into my bag when I return to my car.
What a blessing for our planet to reduce the number of disposable bags!
2. GLASS CONTAINERS
Whenever possible, I choose glass over plastic. I make a point of refusing to purchase items unless they come in glass, as I avoid plastic containers that leach BPA—these two concepts are simply incompatible.
I always recycle my glass containers or repurpose them for storage. I fondly remember as a child searching the sand hills near my home for glass bottles. We were rewarded for our returns, and that money was greatly appreciated.
3. BROWN PAPER BAGS
Fresh food items in supermarkets are a constant source of plastic wraps and containers. I find it puzzling that we buy fresh, healthy produce tightly packaged in BPA-excreting plastics. However, my personal motivation to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals led me to a solution: I discovered brown paper bags for packaging mushrooms.
Now, I always bring home a small collection of these bags and use them to purchase loose produce, effectively solving the problem.
These brown paper bags can be recycled and serve multiple purposes, including packing lunches. Who needs a plastic lunchbox when you have a versatile brown paper bag? This brings me to another favorite of mine: wax paper.
4. WAX PAPER
When I was a schoolgirl, we didn’t have cling wrap; instead, we had rolls of wax paper. This handy product was used to wrap our lunches and seal food items. In fact, it’s even more versatile than cling wrap, as it can also line baking trays. Safe, clean, and functional, wax paper is truly a great and easy-to-use product.
5. CLAY
I needed a rice cooker but was concerned about the BPA in plastic models. Then I discovered clay rice cookers.
Not only are they affordable, but they also perform all the functions of a plastic rice cooker—without the risk of adding endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
6. REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLES
Plastic water bottles are among the worst pollutants in our oceans, but refillable water bottles are readily available at health food stores. You can find them in both glass and metal, and by choosing either option, you’re helping to protect the planet from pollution while also avoiding another source of BPA.
7. NO PLASTIC KITCHEN UTENSILS
I don’t know about you, but when I watch a cooking show and see someone using a plastic spoon, I feel like shouting, “Wooden spoon!” How do people in such public roles not recognize the advantages of wooden or metal utensils over plastic? This plastic issue is everywhere.
Recently, when I needed to purchase a steamer, an exasperated store attendant informed me they only stocked plastic steamers and claimed she was unaware of any alternatives. I took a moment to explain why I wouldn’t use a plastic steamer. I hope she now considers stocking other options.
Heat, cooking, and plastic just don’t mix. Sometimes, it feels almost impossible to avoid exposure to food and BPA in our current environment. But we can change that; it has to change. Together, we can create a healthier world.
8. METAL OR GLASS JUGS
It seems obvious, yet it’s so easy to overlook: boiling water in plastic is simply not a good idea. There are many glass and metal jugs available, but be sure to check the interiors, as even some of these jugs contain cheap plastic parts that will come into contact with your boiling water.
Finding the right jug or kettle can be challenging, but they are out there. The more people demand safer options, the more manufacturers will be compelled to change their products.
9. A PERSONAL MUG
A new trend emerging in inner-city coffee bars is customers bringing their own personal mugs. What a fantastic concept to help avoid the plastic-lined takeaway cups that contribute to landfill waste!
Recently, I attended an event where ceramic cups were available, but instead of using them, takeaway cups were being utilized. I spoke up, and thankfully, my cuppa was served in a ceramic cup. It truly takes effort to drive change for our planet.
10. PAPER STRAWS
Plastic straws are being phased out, and paper straws are making a comeback. I’m thrilled about this change! Too many marine species have suffered due to plastic straws polluting our waterways. It’s refreshing to use straws that break down and can be composted.
IN CONCLUSION
I hope these ten ideas serve as a starting point for you to reduce plastic use and minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in your life.
There are many other creative solutions out there to help save our planet and eliminate plastic usage. If you have any ideas, please share them in the comments. Let’s work together to create a renewed and healthy planet.
By Winsome Gunning
Culled from https://agreenearth.blogspot.com/
Note: The images in the original post have been replaced with images from Internet sources. Additionally, the English has been edited for clarity and flow.