Life with Chronic Conditions: Reducing the use of plastics

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) via daily use of plastics is a major contributor to the overall disease burden in the United States and the associated costs to society amount to more than 1% of the gross domestic product. The research, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society on January 11, points out the chemicals in plastics have been shown to leach and disturb the body's hormone systems, increasing the risk for cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments in developing fetuses and children, and even death.

Below are ways to reduce plastics, particularly what you eat, wash, and wear. When shopping to replace plastic with glass, steel or bamboo, check out your local thrift store(s) as well as TJ Maxx. The latter has a surprising number of plastic free items for kitchen, bathroom and personal care.

 

This list can feel pretty daunting, but don’t be hard on yourself and do what you can do. Note that there are plenty of options to consider and this list is by no means the end all and be all, it’s just a way to help you get started. 

 

Reduce plastic to essentials only

Avoid products containing polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and nylon.

 

Reduce plastics from food and in the kitchen

• Never microwave in plastic containers, even if they say they are microwave safe

• Buy food in glass jars and recycle them for storage containers. Replace Tupperware and similar products with glass or steel containers. Ditch plastic plates, cups and glasses and replace with glass or ceramics. Bin shop using your own bags.

• Purchase eggs in paper cartons not plastic

• Don’t put plastic in your dishwasher

• Reduce canned good purchases as much as possible

• Pack lunches in glass or stainless steel containers. Beeswax wraps are also a good option. 

• Chewing gum contains plastic so replace with natural and organic chewing gum

• Take a reusable coffee cup to your favorite barista. 

• Avoid excessive food packaging

• Bring your own bags, including ones for veggies and fruit, when you grocery shop

• Look for natural corks when purchasing wine

Reduce plastic in personal care

• Replace plastic water bottles with stainless steel, glass etc. If flying, fill your water bottle with water before boarding the plane but after you’ve been through security.

• Say no to plastic straws and plastic cutlery. If you need to use a straw, purchase stainless steel ones and use them in restaurants. 

• Replace plastic toothbrush with bamboo

• Avoid cosmetics that contain microbead

• Choose metal over plastic razors

• Use wire or wooden hangers. 

• Use bar versions of shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

• Buy deodorant that comes in biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable packaging. Many of these options consist of cardboard sticks, glass jars, or even just deodorant bars.

• Purchase clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, silk, or bamboo. Read labels

• Switch to silk dental floss

 

Reduce plastic in cleaning products

• Ditch microfiber cleaning cloths in exchange for cotton. Old cotton T shirts work well for cleaning.

• Use natural sponges

• Use wool dryer balls in place of fabric softener and dryer sheets

• Replace the Swiffer disposables with old towels or clothes that can be washed