Reducing Plastic Consumption and Waste

Since the 1960s plastic has become a staple in our lives. Without a doubt, plastic has its benefits. It is lightweight, virtually unbreakable, squeezable, and a handy carryall. The fact that plastic is so convenient and accessible, and possibly a health hazard, is precisely why we need to break up with plastic. It has become too disposable and easily tossed in the can.

We’ve all heard the stories in the media over the last year about trace amounts of BPA and phthalates being released when plastic is exposed to heat or ages it can release . Some research involving laboratory rats has linked these chemicals to early puberty in girls, breast and prostate cancer, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. BPA strengthens plastic- think water and baby bottles, while phthalate softens plastics- think bath toys and shower curtains.

You know that new shower curtain smell? It is actually the release of phthalates and volatile organic compounds. Though some medical and science experts are debunking the research, as someone who gets a headache when I open up a new curtain I know that smell can’t be good. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) again claimed that the trace amounts of Bisphenol-a (BPA) humans are exposed to leave the body so quickly that they do no harm, I still want to limit my exposure to both BPA and phthalates.

If you need any more incentive to reducing the amount of plastic in your life, Good Morning America gave a disturbing report about an area of the ocean known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, essentially a dump that extends from the coast of California to China. The report was shocking and sad. It really hit home how much we consume and throw away. According to National Geographic, Americans spent nearly "$11 billion on over 8 billion gallons of bottled water, and then tossed over 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash.” With only five percent of plastics consumed globally being recycled, the effort will have to be two-fold, reducing consumption and continuing to encourage recycling programs.

Whether or not the release of chemicals can hurt us or not, the level of consumption of plastics is a major concern. We all simply need to use less. As the president of Waterkeeper Alliance noted in the GMA piece, the planet is a closed system, everything created and used stays on earth. Plastic doesn't really biodegrade, instead it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces and it has to go somewhere. Also alarming are findings that the bits of plastic are being ingested by wildlife including birds and fish. Remember, if the plastic has to go somewhere, that somewhere might be your dinner table. There are simple things we can all do to reduce our purchase of plastic.

An easy but highly impact change you can make is to bring your own grocery bags. For one or two dollars you can purchase a reusable bag and I've noticed even the large grocery store chains are offering them these days. I admit I have forgotten my bags on occasions, so I suggest putting them right back in your car once you empty your bags. Some brands, like Chico Bag, offer bags with their owns stuff sacks and attached carabineer to hook onto your purse of keychain.

We can also reduce our use of plastic by buying some higher quality food storage containers, preferably made of glass, that you wouldn’t be so quick to trash instead of wash. Invest in a few sturdy water bottles and use real plates, cups and utensils when entertaining or eating take-out. A cycle in the dishwasher is still overall more efficient than the energy it takes to produce disposables. Carry your own travel mug each day for trips to the coffee shop. You’ll often get a discount price for bringing your own.

All of this focus on plastic has led me take another look at all of the plastics in my home. From my shampoo and body wash bottles, the water jug I use at the gym everyday, food storage containers, to the lining of the cans of beans and tomatoes in my cupboard, the list is long. It seems nearly impossible to banish plastic entirely from the household, but if you would like to try to reduce the amount of plastic in your life or choose a non-leaching plastic, there are alternatives.

In the kitchen:

Baby bottles/ sippy cups

Look for glass or bottles that state they are BPA free.

• Born Free
• Green to Grow
• Evenflo Clear Glass
• Adiri
• Think Baby
• Dr. Brown's

Aluminum and stainless steel bottles are becoming increasingly popular for adults, but there are kid-friendly cups available too.

• Kleen Kanteen
• SIGG
• Thermos
• Safe Mama has an inclusive and easy-to-use cheat sheet of BPA free bottles and sippy cups.

Food storage

Once you’ve given out all of your plastic containers with leftovers, consider replacing them with glass containers.

• Pyrex 14-piece glass storage set
• Green Feet’s square storage bowls
• Ikea offers different sized glass containers.

Foods

Opt for dried beans or frozen veggies if fresh aren’t available.

Look for tomato sauce in boxes.

In the bathroom:

Most bath toys are pliable, thus made of phthalates. Look for products that clearly state they are phthalate free.

The Soft Landing has a lengthy (and growing) list of BPA, PVC and phthalate free bath toys.

Shower

Hemp and cloth shower curtains are a good alternative to plastic liners.

Target offers an affordable fabric liner

Ikea's non-PVC liner

Ditch the shower gel and go back to using bar soap. There is little waste in the packaging and it’s just as sudsy and more economical.