Everyday more and more products and items seem to be plastic. Everything from tableware to mechanical components of military defense systems. The question is "Is it safe?". The easy answer is simply "No".
Plastics, especially when heated, omit toxic fumes. These fumes are dangerous to your health and the planet as a whole. Many chemicals in the plastics can also find their way into your food and skin.
People may tell you that everythings ok since chemicals such as BPA have been removed from plastics. The problem is, BPA-free plastics are comprised of undisclosed ingredients, so is it really safer? Many plastics, including polycarbonate, do contain BPA amongst other harmful toxins.
Others may suggest plastic is ok because it can be recycled. Plastic may be able to be remade into newer plastic, but at what cost? In the process of recycling and production of plastics, the fumes of the toxins in the plastic fill the air. Plastic is just as unhealthy and un-safe to recycle as it is to produce in the first place.
The main concern with several types of plastic is that they contain endocrine disruptors — substances that, when taken into our bodies, alter normal hormonal function. Over the past several years, scientists and the media have struggled to find answers to mysteries such as precocious puberty, declining fertility rates in otherwise healthy adults, hyperactivity in kids, the fattening of America, and the persistent scourges of prostate cancer and breast cancer. Although multiple factors play a role in all of these conditions, one recurrent theme is the brew of endocrine disruptors infiltrating our lives.
Endocrine disruptors (which are now widespread in food, water, soil and even the air we breathe) include a long list of chemicals such as dioxins, cadmium, parabens, bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), agricultural chemicals, polybrominated flame retardants, and some of the active ingredients in sunscreens.
Considering it is known these chemicals can leach into our skin and food, is it not safe to assume they are also leaching into our cleaning products as well? Many companies are putting a lot of effort into manufacturing 100% plant-based cleaning products that work just as well as, if not better than, the chemical cpunter-parts. I give them credit for trying to be as healthy and eco-friendly as possible, but is it enough? Would it not be healthier and safer to utilize glass or metal containers?
Some may say this would be more costly, but would it? Why can't a company sell the product and offer a discount for the reuse of the container? This would cut down on unnecessary toxins and waste, and consumers would only be paying for the product (not the container) if reusing the original container. Online companies could offer a rebate-like discount for recieving old containers back from customers who purchase new products online.
Getting back to the plastics:
I understand many have a love for plastic. I also understand ridding of plastic would be a timely endeavor. However, are you truly willing to risk the health of yourself, your family, and the planet et al, to health-hazards and diseases simply due to your love of plastic? Those of you who have already began the move towards Green Living, why stop where you are? Why not go all the way?
Yes, utilizing non-plastics would equate to more dish-washing and other tasks not enjoyed since the "plastic revolution", but is your health not worth the time?
The less plastics we use, the less plastics are either in the dumps or throwing toxins into the air during recycling. The less plastics we consume, the healthier we will be and the less plastics that will be produced.
For all the naysayers towards glass and metal containers, I have this to say:
What do you think our ancestors have used for thousands of years? All containers, cleaners, utensils, etc were made from what the Earth provided. Wood, metal, glass (made from heating sand). Plastic is an unhealthy, unsafe, unnecessary, extremely toxic, man-made material.
If not for the planet, then atleast for the benefit of yourself, avoid as much plastics as possible. Less plastic in your life will give you a far healthier life.
Additional Information:
Dangerous Plastics, Safe Plastics by Mother Earth News
Recognize the Plastics That Are Dangerous To You by iO9
Plastics by Natural Resources Defense Council
Plastics, especially when heated, omit toxic fumes. These fumes are dangerous to your health and the planet as a whole. Many chemicals in the plastics can also find their way into your food and skin.
People may tell you that everythings ok since chemicals such as BPA have been removed from plastics. The problem is, BPA-free plastics are comprised of undisclosed ingredients, so is it really safer? Many plastics, including polycarbonate, do contain BPA amongst other harmful toxins.
Others may suggest plastic is ok because it can be recycled. Plastic may be able to be remade into newer plastic, but at what cost? In the process of recycling and production of plastics, the fumes of the toxins in the plastic fill the air. Plastic is just as unhealthy and un-safe to recycle as it is to produce in the first place.
The main concern with several types of plastic is that they contain endocrine disruptors — substances that, when taken into our bodies, alter normal hormonal function. Over the past several years, scientists and the media have struggled to find answers to mysteries such as precocious puberty, declining fertility rates in otherwise healthy adults, hyperactivity in kids, the fattening of America, and the persistent scourges of prostate cancer and breast cancer. Although multiple factors play a role in all of these conditions, one recurrent theme is the brew of endocrine disruptors infiltrating our lives.
Endocrine disruptors (which are now widespread in food, water, soil and even the air we breathe) include a long list of chemicals such as dioxins, cadmium, parabens, bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), agricultural chemicals, polybrominated flame retardants, and some of the active ingredients in sunscreens.
Considering it is known these chemicals can leach into our skin and food, is it not safe to assume they are also leaching into our cleaning products as well? Many companies are putting a lot of effort into manufacturing 100% plant-based cleaning products that work just as well as, if not better than, the chemical cpunter-parts. I give them credit for trying to be as healthy and eco-friendly as possible, but is it enough? Would it not be healthier and safer to utilize glass or metal containers?
Some may say this would be more costly, but would it? Why can't a company sell the product and offer a discount for the reuse of the container? This would cut down on unnecessary toxins and waste, and consumers would only be paying for the product (not the container) if reusing the original container. Online companies could offer a rebate-like discount for recieving old containers back from customers who purchase new products online.
Getting back to the plastics:
I understand many have a love for plastic. I also understand ridding of plastic would be a timely endeavor. However, are you truly willing to risk the health of yourself, your family, and the planet et al, to health-hazards and diseases simply due to your love of plastic? Those of you who have already began the move towards Green Living, why stop where you are? Why not go all the way?
Yes, utilizing non-plastics would equate to more dish-washing and other tasks not enjoyed since the "plastic revolution", but is your health not worth the time?
The less plastics we use, the less plastics are either in the dumps or throwing toxins into the air during recycling. The less plastics we consume, the healthier we will be and the less plastics that will be produced.
For all the naysayers towards glass and metal containers, I have this to say:
What do you think our ancestors have used for thousands of years? All containers, cleaners, utensils, etc were made from what the Earth provided. Wood, metal, glass (made from heating sand). Plastic is an unhealthy, unsafe, unnecessary, extremely toxic, man-made material.
If not for the planet, then atleast for the benefit of yourself, avoid as much plastics as possible. Less plastic in your life will give you a far healthier life.
Additional Information:
Dangerous Plastics, Safe Plastics by Mother Earth News
Recognize the Plastics That Are Dangerous To You by iO9
Plastics by Natural Resources Defense Council