Did you know? Food and beverage containers, some disposable plates, and toiletry bottles are all made from a range of chemicals. Research suggests that all plastics may leach chemicals if they’re scratched or heated. Research also strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in these products, such as bisphenol A (BPA), may cause cancer in people[2].

Steps you can take now!

While it’s likely impossible to completely avoid all plastic products, try to use as little plastic as possible, especially if you’re pregnant, and never use it around food.

To reduce your exposure to BPA:

• Carry your own glass, steel, or ceramic water bottle filled with filtered tap water.
• Reduce how much canned food you eat and how much canned formula your baby uses.
• Don’t cook food in plastic containers or use roasting/steaming bags; the plastic residues may leach into food when heated in a regular or microwave oven.
• Use glass, porcelain, enamel-covered metal, or stainless steel pots, pans, and containers for food and beverages whenever possible, especially if the food or drink is hot.

So….how do I do this?

• I love to use glass water bottles! I really think water tastes better out of a glass bottle. They are simple to clean and are environmentally friendly. I can just hear people thinking “but I am clumsy and will break it.” Let me tell you that I am a disaster for dropping things and thanks to the people at PureFree they have designed a stylish and durable bottle.
• I also suggest that as much as you can purchase containers that are made from glass and store your pantry staples in glass jars. This is also a great way to save money. Keep any glass jars and bottles, give them a good clean and let them dry out completely. Being a bit of a Type A personality I also
  use a label maker to ensure that I know exactly what is in the jars. You don’t want to make the mistake of putting cumin on your breakfast oats instead of cinnamon. I have done this and it wasn’t that tasty. My favourite glass containers for food left overs and meal prep are Pyrex as they are really durable and come in a range of sizes and shapes.
• Instead of purchasing canned beans I purchase bulk from a food coop and cook them in my pressure cooker. Once cooked they can be frozen in portion sizes. This reduces waste and saves you serious dollars $$$

What I love most about all the tips that I have suggested is that they not only improve your health but also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste and recycling whenever possible. Last but not least you will also save money in the process.

[1] http://theresekerr.com/boycott-the-bottle/

[2] http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/plastic