Ways To Reduce Your Plastic Use

Plastic is one of the most important inventions of the 20th Century, however, it took us almost 100 years to realize the toll it's had on our planet and our bodies. Plastic's many positive traits have made it perfect for shopping bags, food packaging, eating utensils, clothing and even chewing gum.

Despite its many uses, plastic is a silent threat to our world and our bodies. There are many alternatives to plastics that will help you avoid toxins and protect our environment.

In this article we will discuss how plastics attack our bodies, why they are harmful to our earth, and ways you can avoid plastics that are used in everyday life.

How Plastics Attack Your body

The chemicals in plastics are known as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals mimic and block hormones, which can interfere with our normal development, metabolism and reproductive systems.

Studies have linked endocrine disruptors to:

-breast cancer

-ovarian cancer

-prostate cancer

-miscarriages

-birth defects

-hormone imbalances

-infertility

-diabetes

-heart disease

-asthma

-reduced IQ

The most common endocrine disruptors are bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

BPA is found in the lining of food cans, plastic water bottles and most store receipts.

Phthalates are in plastics, but also many other things including cleaning materials, synthetic fragrances and personal care products containing scents like perfume or cologne.

PCBs were used in transformers and electrical equipment before they were banned in 1979. PCBs are still found in older buildings, most often near electrical equipment and they can also be present in soil and water near landfills.

Plastics and Our Environment

Creating plastics requires lots of resources including oil and natural gas, which harms the environment.

Plastics don't biodegrade so they pile up over time. The Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch is one example of this. It's an area in the Pacific Ocean where currents created a vortex filled with plastics and other pollutants such as fishing nets and microplastics (small pieces of plastic).

Almost every piece of plastic ever made still exists today because plastic items only break down into smaller pieces, often ending up in our water or food.

Here are some examples of how long it takes to naturally break down certain plastics:

Plastic Bottle - 500 Years

Plastic Bag - 400 Years

Toothbrush - 500 Years

Drinking Straws - 200 Years

Plastic Utensils - 400 Years

Plastic Cups - 100 Years

Ways To Avoid Plastics

Plastic products are everywhere, so it may be difficult to avoid them, however it's not impossible and your life, and our planet's life, depends on it. Here are some common ways you can easily avoid plastic.

Avoid Plastic Drinking Straws and Single-Use Plastics

There are lots of alternatives to plastic drinking straws including metal, glass and paper.

Many cafes and restaurants only use reusable mugs, plates, glasses and utensils for their customers. Ask places that you eat at if they offer this service or if they have a trash can that is separate from the rest of the garbage for recycling plastic cutlery.

Use Cloth or Paper Bags When You Go Shopping

The best way to help the environment is to use cloth or reusable shopping bags, however remembering to bring them is half the battle. Try keeping these in your car so you don’t leave them at home!

If you forget, most major grocery stores offer paper bags as an option over plastic.

Chew On This

Some of the name brand chewing gums are made with plastic because of their ability to be pliable and hold up to repeated chewing. These gums are especially harmful to birds who confuse gum with food and can die from choking on it.

Choose natural or organic chewing gum brands to avoid harmful plastics.

Buy In Bulk and Avoid Prepackaged Foods

Disposable food containers are everywhere due to their low cost of manufacture. Buy more food and products in bulk to lessen or avoid the use of plastics.

Use Glass or Steel Containers Instead of Plastic Tupperware

When taking leftovers out of the refrigerator, many people want to just pop them in the microwave, however, the heat will cause the toxins in the plastic to leach into your food. Choose glass containers especially if you plan on reheating them in the microwave.

Avoid Plastics to Save Your Body and the Earth

Plastics are used in many parts of our everyday life, despite the havoc they wreak on our bodies and the planet. It may not be easy, however, it's important that we take steps to avoid plastic whenever possible.