A BAD WRAP
The negative effects of plastic products in America.
In today's world, it is nearly impossible to eliminate plastic from our lives entirely. This said, there are definitely ways to limit the use of plastic in order to live a cleaner lifestyle, for your health and the planet’s. I admit I was once plastastic (no, it's not a real word). I never gave much thought to it until I noticed my cabinets were overflowing with bags inside bags and my pantry contained more plastic grocery sacks than food. While I had to succumb to the fact that I would never rid my home of it completely, I did realize I could conserve my plastic intake by simply changing my future shopping patterns.
There are thousands of different kinds of plastics, all made of the basic raw materials petroleum and natural gas (both fossil fuels), combined with other elements. Plastic was first created as an inexpensive alternative to natural resources. But with the price of oil on the rise, it seems manufacturers will soon have to find an alternative to their alternative.
One of the multitude of hazardous chemicals used to make plastics, Bisphenol A (BPA), has recently received some negative media attention in the U.S. BPA, which is used to make, among other consumer items, baby bottles, microwavable food containers, the lining of metal food cans, and toys, can be released into food and beverages when exposed to heat such as that from a microwave, hot water, sunlight or dishwasher. In 2005, a scientist from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that 95 percent of Americans had detectable levels of BPA in their systems. Many scientists believe BPA poses serious health risks to the body, including cancer, but more research is needed to provide concrete evidence.
One thing we do know for sure, plastic is hazardous to the environment. It generates an alarming amount of pollution, both from its manufacturing and disposal. The Environmental Protection Agency listed 47 chemical plants that rank the highest in carcinogenic emissions, 35 of which are involved in plastic production. Plus, plastic is not easily biodegradable, meaning it takes a very long time to break down, and the longer it persists in the environment the more damage it can do to our soil, wildlife, water, air and ocean life.
Prevent Plastic Pile-up:
1. Stop buying bottled water. Billions of bottles mean valuable landfill space. This plastic can also leak toxic additives into groundwater. Filter your water at home or fill glass jars with reverse osmosis water at your local grocery store.
2. Paper or plastic? Neither! Get in the habit of bringing your own bags to the store. Most co-ops and health foods stores have organic cotton bags which you can purchase and reuse every time you shop. It can take more than 1,000 years for one plastic bag to biodegrade. Online sources even carry netted produce bags to eliminate individual sacks.
3. Buy glass tupperware. This way you don’t have to worry about the possible health risks associated with heated plastic. Plus, it saves you money in the long run as these will last much longer.
4. Buy glass, stainless steel, or wooden kitchen items and utensils.
5. Look at the food you buy and avoid items with plastic packaging.
6. Find a butcher in your community. Most use paper to wrap meat instead of plastic.
7. Don’t buy plastic bags and plastic wrap. This can be hard to change because it's convenient and routine. Store items in glass containers instead.
8. If you have to buy plastic, look for those that use plant-based materials. You can find these types of bags at your local co-op or health food store.
Reference:
1. “Does a Common Plastic Additive Promote Prostrate Cancer, and Other Serious Ailments.” APCAP Alliance for Prostrate Cancer Prevention Volume 2, Issue 3. September 2006 http://www.apcap.org/Newsletter-Sept06.pdf.
Other Trusted Sources:
Medicinenet
ScienceDaily
