A STEP BEYOND OUR COMFORT ZONES - WEEK 5

Week 5

Please join me in the effort to “Walk Lightly” on this earth.  This week I talk about plastics and their alternatives that are much healthier for us and the environment. 


Day 1
USE GLASS AND NATURAL FABRICS

PET #1
Use glass or stainless steel. I use glass for everything from keeping spices in pretty jam jars to storing thinners for my printmaking. Choose natural fabrics (e.g., organic cotton, wool, hemp) for clothing.




PET is used in bottles (water, soft drink, juice, beer, wine, mouthwash, salad dressing), peanut butter jars, oven-ready and microwaveable meal trays, detergent and cleaner containers.

PET fabric (polyester) is commonly used in textiles (fabric and clothing).

AVOID.  Many consider PET a relatively safe single use plastic, but given the research indicating PET CAN RELEASE ANTIMONY AND PHTHALATES. If you must use it, keep it away from heat and do not reuse it.

You can find plastic types, their alternatives and recycling here.


Day 2
USE REUSABLE BAGS

HDPE #2 and LDPE #4
Use reusable bags made of natural fibres (cotton, hemp). Grocery bags are LDPE or HDPE.

RELATIVELY SAFE. But HDPE and LDPE has been shown TO RELEASE ENDOCRINE DISTRUPTING CHEMICALS.

You can find plastic types, their alternatives and recycling here.


Day 3
USE NON-PLASTIC FOOD WRAP

PVC #3
Use non-plastic food wrap (food wrap is mostly PVC, also clear take out boxes, cling wrap, shower curtains)

Use hemp or cotton

Relatively safe. But PVC has been shown TO RELEASE ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS. It may contain and leach a variety of toxic chemicals including, but not limited to:  bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, lead, dioxins, mercury, and cadmium.


Day 4
PURCHASE MARGARINE/BUTTER IN CUBES NOT PLASTIC

PP #5
Purchase margarine/butter in cubes. These are mostly sold in PP containers.

Relatively Safe. But PP has been shown TO RELEASE ADDITIVE CHEMICALS when used as labware in scientific experiments.


Day 5
USE REUSABLE DISHES AND CUTLERY

PS #5
Use reusable dishes (e.g., ceramic, stainless steel) and cutlery (e.g., stainless steel, bamboo) for picnics and events.

Styrofoam food containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, deli food plates, packaging, packing peanuts, bike helmets, and disposable cutlery are made from PS. 

AVOID.  STYROFOAM (OR ANY OTHER PS) CAN LEACH STYRENE, which is a BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM TOXIN and likely CARCINOGENIC.


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