The number one thing you can do right now to improve your health is to: Ditch the plastic!!
Yes, plastic is easy to use and tends to be popular when needing a food storage container or form of Tupperware, but it has loads of downfalls when it comes to your health.
Sure, it’s okay to use plastic when you have no other options. However, the majority of the time it’s best to opt for a safe alternative that is better for your health and just as easy to use!
Just one easy swap and you will drastically change your overall well being.
Plus, your food will taste better. BONUS.
In This Article We Will Cover:
- What is a food container?
- How does plastic affect your health?
- Which toxic chemicals does plastic expose us to?
- What are the safe alternatives?
What Is A Food Storage Container?
- The term “food storage container” is broad. It refers to anything that comes in contact with food or beverage. This includes all containers, packaging, kitchen utensils, food wraps, plastic tupperware, to-go containers, dishes, bottles, etc.
- Majority of food containers are made of plastic for the low cost, convenience, and disposability.
- Some examples: fast food containers, to go containers (tupperware), plastic water bottles, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn, etc.
How Does Plastic Affect Your Health?
- Plastic is made of numerous chemicals that inherently leaches into your food. In turn, you ingest these chemicals.
- Each and every day humans (and animals) are ingesting microplastics without the slightest idea. They come from various sources and end up entering our bodies, which we then have to attempt to digest and function with.
The toxic chemicals which are known to be toxic in plastics are:
- BPA – Bisphenol A
- Phthalates
- PFAS – Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
If you want to learn more in depth about what each of these chemicals do, as well as how they individually affect our health, stay tuned for upcoming blog posts.
As a brief summary, these chemicals are hormone/endocrine disruptors!
- They suppress the function of our bodies natural hormone levels
- They cause our bodies to produce too much or too little of our hormones
- Could cause fertility issues (low sperm count and egg production), irregular menstrual cycles and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS)
- Increased risk of cancer (specifically prostate, breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer)
- Can affect brain development in children
- According to the Mayo Clinic, “there may be a link between BPA and high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.” (Bauer, 2022).
The extent to which chemicals have leached or migrated into food depends on:
- The food temperature
- AVOID microwaving any food in plastic containers
- Scratching/wear and tear
- Increased probability of leaching
- Storage time
- The longer the food/liquid is in the plastic, the more exposure
- Food container characteristics
- How the product is made and what is made of exactly
I know all this information may be overwhelming, but remember: KNOWLEDGE is POWER.
With the more you learn, you can make educated and intentional decisions for YOUR LIFE.
Not every swap and change needs to happen overnight, especially if there are limitations or if you recently purchased something.
When the time feels best for you, make the appropriate changes and don’t stress!!
You are doing something GOOD!
Are BPA FREE Products Safe and Non Toxic?
Today, there are a lot of “BPA Free” plastics out there. Do NOT be fooled by this.
Although we all would love to believe that the claimed removal of BPA is a healthy and safe alternative, it’s not best option.
This is a greenwashing technique and there’s still chemicals in the product.
Some products I use do have a “BPA FREE” label on them. If you use them, try to make sure that the plastic doesn’t come in contact with the food/beverage. If they do, they should not come in contact for long and the plastic should NEVER be heated.
What Are Safe Non Toxic Food Storage Containers?
GLASS
- Personally, glass is what I use most for all my food, even food on the go. You can buy glass to go Tupperware for a similar price to plastic. I like the ones with silicone edges, so it feels a little more protected from breaking! Plus, they are microwave safe, minus the lids. The lids are made of plastic, however the seal on the containers keep the plastic from coming in too close contact with the food.
Click here for these glass containers with silicone sleeves!
Click here for these Pyrex glass storage containers!
- If looking for glass containers that are 100% plastic free. Look for lids that are made of bamboo! Bamboo is antimicrobial, meaning that they absorb less bacteria than plastic.
Click here for these glass containers with bamboo lids!
STAINLESS STEEL
- I don’t use much stainless steel to contain my food, as it’s not microwave safe. It ultimately depends on what food you are storing. These stainless steel containers are great when you have something that doesn’t require to be warmed up!
Click here for these practical stainless steel food storage containers!
- However, I always carry a stainless steel water bottle instead of using plastic disposable water bottles.
Click here for a great reusable water bottle!
SILICONE
- Silicone is great for containing fresh foods or leftovers in the fridge. There’s these silicone ziplock bags that work great for just about anything!
Here’s a great option! It’s from the company ZipTop and you can find them on Amazon!
Follow The 80/20 Rule!
I’m a firm believer in the 80/20 rule when it comes to your health.
80% of the time, make healthy choices. 20% of the time, it’s okay to relax a bit.
Not everything has to be perfect! All you have to do is try your best and intentionally make choices that make sense for your life. Try to use the most safe and healthy products to your knowledge.
It’s never too late to make changes and try out something new!
I’m here to help and support you. Let’s create a healthy, less toxic community and take our power back!
Resources:
Bauerr, B. (2022, March 08). What is BPA, and what are the concerns with BPA? Mayo Clinic.
7 Harmful Chemical Types in Plastics. Endocrine Society.
2020-dec-7-harmful-chemicals-backgrounder.pdf (endocrine.org)