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Practical Tips For Reducing

Your Exposure To

Harmful Plastic Chemicals

 

Plastic has become a huge part of our everyday life. Plastic leaches chemicals into our food and, therefore, our bodies - but you can take action to reduce your exposure to these chemicals. These actions can be implemented gradually going forward to limit your exposure.

 

Plastic And Heat

Limit your exposure to harmful toxins, which are released through heat, allowing them to migrate into your food. Actions you can take:

  • Never microwave food in plastic containers — heat causes the chemicals in plastic to leach into the food, so use glass or ceramic containers for microwaving.

  • Avoid buying or eating hot food that is served in plastic containers. Aluminum, cardboard, and glass are good alternative containers.

  • Replace plastic cooking utensils and accessories like microwave lids, measuring cups, and colanders. Stainless steel, wood, or silicone are good alternatives.

  • Check your pots and pans - many cookware sets are coated in a plastic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is also known under one of its trade names, Teflon. Heat and scratched surfaces will release the chemical into your food. 

  • Do not heat baby formula in plastic bottles; use glass.

  • Replace any plastic plates and utensils with non-plastic alternatives or reusable non-plastic dishware. Examples: Ceramic Dinner Plates, Wheat Straw Drinking Glasses, insulated tumblers made from 100 percent stainless steel with a BPA-free top, and reusable stainless steel straws.

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Home

  • Avoid Plastic Packaging

    • Eat real, whole, unprocessed food (meats, vegetables, eggs, nuts)

    • Avoid food that is processed at the factory, as so many parts of a factory use plastic: plastic tubing, plastic board, plastic wrap, etc.

    • Transfer food out of its packaging as soon as you can

    • Replace plastic cutting board with wood or bamboo cutting board.

    • Over time, replace plastic containers with glass, metal, or silicone storage containers.

    • Wash plastic by hand - dishwasher hot temperatures degrade plastic and lead to microplastic shedding.

    • Avoid cleaning products in plastic by using baking soda and water or vinegar to clean, or buy cleaning products designated by EPA in their Safer Choice program.

    • Instead of sandwich bags, cling wrap, and other single-use plastic items, find plenty of safe and eco-friendly alternatives to choose instead. Look for Reusable Beeswax Food Covers, Reusable Mesh Produce Bags, Silicone Food Storage Bags

  • Choose clothes made from natural fibers — Choose organic clothing and other textile products, such as cotton, hemp, silk, wool, or bamboo. Synthetic fabrics like polyester shed microfibers and xenoestrogens. If you buy clothes made from synthetic fiber, wash them less frequently. 

  • Look for all-natural personal care products — Some skincare, body care, and cosmetic products contain microbeads and plastic particles. Opt for all-natural, food-grade products to avoid risking your health.

  • Avoid plastic toys and teething rings! 

 

Grocery Shopping

  • Buy fresh, unpackaged fruits and vegetables.

  • Buy organic as much as possible; shop at organic farmer’s markets.

  • Buy fish and meat from the butcher counter and ask for it to be wrapped in paper.

  • Buy beverages that are sold in glass, cardboard, or aluminum containers.

  • Choose not to buy any food or liquid in a plastic container

  • Always choose products packaged in glass, paper/cardboard, or aluminum.

  • Use fabric or mesh shopping bags.

    • TELL YOUR GROCERY STORE YOU WANT PLASTIC-FREE PACKAGING

    • PROVE IT BY REFUSING TO PURCHASE ITEMS IN PLASTIC PACKAGING

    • HOW YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY INFLUENCES WHAT STORES WILL CARRY!

 

Takeout Containers

  • Use glass, steel, or silicone reusable water bottles.

  • Avoid single-use plastic items like disposable straws, plastic bags, and disposable plastic food and beverage packaging. Instead, choose reusable alternatives made from safer materials, such as glass, metal, paper, or silicone.

  • Avoid fatty foods stored in plastic containers as the fat holds onto the chemicals.

 

Outreach

  • Urge companies and politicians to take action; your input can help mitigate the plastic problem.

  • Call out large corporations on social media: “What are you doing to combat nano and microplastics?”

  • Contact your Congressional representatives to ask for change.

  • Only the government can regulate chemicals, so vote for representatives who will support legislation to protect our safety.

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