Disposing of Plastics in the Kitchen

Last week, while vacationing in Vermont, I posted about the incredible benefits of natural spring water and how to find those amazing springs at home and worldwide! I also discussed how I despise bottled water for myriad of reasons, including but not limited to pollution, waste, toxicity, chemicals, etc.

This week, I want to take that conversation a bit further and discuss plastics in the kitchen. 

For many, they say there is a convenience factor to using plastic. But when it comes to cooking, storing food, or even grocery shopping, how much more convenient is plastic, really?

Does bringing reusable produce bags take extra time?  
Does storing food in glass containers take extra time? 
Does utilizing a stainless steel ice cube tray take extra time?

No. No. No. 

Also, how utterly gross it is when you find that your leftovers have stained the container it’s been sitting in? Ew. 

So without the convenience factor, and now the added "ick" factor, why do so many people still rely on such a toxic product?

Today I want to share with you why it’s important to stray from plastic, while also giving you tools to create a waste-free, toxin-free, and therefore, plastic-free environment. 

Plastic was created for it’s cheap production value and it’s single use convenience. However, recently we’ve begun to learn how toxic and wasteful these products are to both our bodies and the environment. 

Exposure to harmful chemicals during manufacturing, leaching in the stored food items while using plastic packages or chewing of plastic teethers and toys by children are linked with severe adverse health outcomes such as cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive effects. (1) Check out the Adverse Health Effects Grid, for a list of commonly used plastics and their known health effects. (2)

Not to mention the innocent animals that are dying or growing up deformed due the affect plastic has on the environment around us. 

So, in a bold effort to reclaim your health while also saving the planet we live on, what are your other options?

 Here’s a list for swapped out items: 

I would absolutely LOVE to hear any suggestions you guys have on plastic-free kitchen alternatives. Let’s get the conversation going!!

Note: This list contains items I personally use in my own kitchen. I am not affiliated with nor benefit financially from recommending them. Also, the links I provided for pure convenience — you may find a better deal or similar product elsewhere. 

Sources:
1.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299092/
2.  http://ecologycenter.org/factsheets/adverse-health-effects-of-plastics/#plastichealthgrid

1, lifestyleCiara Sheakitchen, lifestyle1 Comment