We use plastics every day, in every way. Food storage is one of the areas where plastics reign supreme. We also hear that there are adverse health effects of the chemicals in plastics.
BPA—bisphenol A is one of those chemicals. It is found in polycarbonate plastics which are used in water bottles and other food and beverage containers.
How do we then manage this double-edged sword—use the plastic, but not ingest the chemicals in it?
Let’s start with the common suggestions:
- ⛔No HOT food or beverage in plastic containers
- ✅Stainless steel, glass, or ceramic bottles
- ⛔No plastic to-go containers
Moving on to less obvious uses of plastic with food:
- 🤔Be mindful of plastic appliances, such as blenders and coffee machines.
- It’s best to wash them by hand instead of using the dishwasher. This also saves valuable space for the plates!
- If you use your blender to make soup or any hot food/beverage, try to minimize the time spent in the plastic container. Use the blender and then immediately pour your hot liquid into a non-plastic cup.
- Even though the freshly brewed coffee is in a glass pot, hot water comes into contact with plastic during the brewing process. One recommendation I read is using a french press to make your daily coffee.
- 🤔Speaking of coffee, this next point was an eye-opener to me: The to-go cups at your favorite coffee shop are most likely non-plastic. How about the lids though? Something to keep in mind, if you’re buying a hot beverage on the go every day. Using your stainless steel coffee mug is a solution.
- 🔄Try to replace plastic kitchen utensils with bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone counterparts.
- 🔄Switch plastic sponges with plant-based ones. I use Trader Joe’s pop-up sponges.
And remember one step at a time is better than no step forward. So make small adjustments and soon you’ll use less plastic in your day-to-day life.
Stay healthy, stay happy.