I am so excited about this one. It always feels good to take a step in the right direction. Life without plastic is definitely a step in the right direction.
Important to me is that we start young. Our children's bodies have been exposed to far less toxins than we have. If we take the steps now to not only prevent as many of those toxins from entering their bodies, but more importantly, to teach them healthy habits that will last a lifetime, we are giving them priceless tools.
If they are exposed to healthy choices, they will make healthy choices.
I think is is so important that we start young, and that we teach them why we are making these choice. So that they will learn to think smart about the products they use.
The benefit to us, is that while we are creating healthy habits for our little ones, we are creating healthy habits for ourselves.
There is nothing that motivates my choices more than knowing it's good for my child.
IF YOU EVER READ SOMETHING AT WISHING PENNY, PLEASE READ THIS :) FOR YOU & YOUR CHILDREN :)
WHY NOT PLASTIC?
Environmental Problems
Environmentally, plastic is a growing disaster. Most plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource extracted and processed using energy-intensive techniques that destroy fragile ecosystems. Plastic packaging – especially the ubiquitous plastic bag – is an enormous source of landfill waste and is regularly eaten by numerous marine and land animals, to fatal consequences.
Health Risks
In terms of health risks, the evidence is growing that chemicals leached from plastics used in cooking and food/drink storage are harmful to human health. The most disturbing of these are hormone (endocrine) disrupters, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Exposure to BPA at a young age can cause genetic damage, and BPA has been linked to recurrent miscarriage in women. The health risks of plastic are significantly amplified in children, whose immune and organ systems are developing and are more vulnerable. The manufacture of plastic, as well as its destruction by incineration, pollutes air, land and water and exposes workers to toxic chemicals, including carcinogens. The evidence of health risks from certain plastics is increasingly appearing in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
KNOW YOUR PLASTIC - PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
Plastic Types, Characteristics… Dangers
Individuals have a way to identify the type of plastic in many products, especially food storage containers and packaging. Many, but not all, such plastic products have a number – the resin identification code – molded, formed or imprinted in or on the container, often on the bottom. This system of coding was developed in 1988 by the U.S.-based Society of the Plastics Industry to facilitate the recycling of post-consumer plastics.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR EVERYDAY PLASTIC USE
You may wish to seriously consider your – and especially your children's – use of plastics numbered 1, 3, 6 and 7 (polycarbonate), all of which have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals. This does not necessarily mean the others are completely safe, just that they have been studied less to date.
So if you have to use plastic, it is safest to stick to numbers 2, 4, 5 and 7 (other than polycarbonate) whenever possible.
If an item does not have a plastic code on it, or if the type of plastic is unclear from the code (e.g., with #7, it likely will not say it is polycarbonate), your best bet is to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly what type of plastic was used to make the product.
Plastic Tips
Here are some simple tips to help you in working toward a life without plastic, or a life of safer, more informed plastic use.
o Avoid polycarbonate (#7) baby bottles and sippy cups. For baby bottles, try and use glass, polyethylene or polypropylene instead. Sippy cups made of stainless steel (e.g., Kleen Kanteen, Purica), or of polypropylene or polyethylene are safer. Be sure to check the bottle or cup to be sure of the type of plastic it contains. As for baby bottle nipples, try and use silicone which does not leach the carcinogenic nitrosamines that can be found in latex.
o If you must use polycarbonate (#7) bottles, avoid heating food and drink in the bottle. Heat it in a separate container and transfer it to the bottle once it is warm enough for the child to eat or drink. If the plastic is showing signs of wear – scratched, cloudy – discard the container.
o For drinking water, try and avoid plastic bottles. If you do use plastic bottles made from #1 or #2 plastic try not to reuse them as they are intended only for single use. One alternative is a stainless steel water bottle. For storing large quantities of water, glass and stainless steel containers are also available. If you use a #1 water bottle, try to consume the contents as soon as possible because leaching of antimony increases with time.
o Try to avoid heating foods in plastic containers, especially in the microwave oven, which can cause the plastic to degrade and leach chemicals faster. As well, leaching increases when plastic comes into contact with oily or fatty foods, or when the plastic is scratched, worn, cracked, or sticky.
o Use plastic wraps with caution, especially in the microwave, and try to keep the plastic from touching the food. Alternatives include wax paper or paper towels.
o Try and use alternatives to plastic packaging and storage containers. Cloth, paper or cardboard are possibilities for transporting groceries. Stainless steel and glass food storage containers are available.
o Avoid plastic dishes and utensils for meals. Alternatives include glass, ceramic, wood, stainless steel, and lacquer ware. Offer your child or grandchild a non-plastic dish set made of either stainless steel or wood (safely coated with a non-toxic lacquer).
These days, plastic is so omnipresent it can be difficult to imagine life without plastic. Yet, our ancestors managed just fine without it. All it takes is a little imagination, determination and discipline.
So, if I could choose a review post for all of you to actually read, it would be this one. If you could memorize the plastics which are safer to use in moderation & the plastics to always avoid, you would be taking a step in the right direction. Remember natural materials are always best for everything. Best for our bodies, best for our Earth!
Wishing you all HEALTH :)
BUY IT:
You can purchase this set and Water Bottles, Children & Baby Products, Food Storage Containers, Other Products ... Online at http://lifewithoutplastic.com/ Life Without Plastic . Com What better gift for a child than giving them a healthy alternative & it's fun having their very own dishes - remember birthdays, Easter, Christmas, even baby showers!
WIN IT!!!
One very lucky winner will win a step in the right direction for their little one - Children's 3-Piece Green Frog Stainless Steel Dish Set !!
MAIN ENTRY:
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