Plastic is everywhere and while you might not consider that a bad thing – research is actually wracking up the date against plastic. So it’s time, to start switching the plastic to glass or stainless and revamp your kitchen with this plastic-free challenge.
A few years ago, I found myself fumbling around in my kitchen. Drawers wouldn’t open because utensils {like the potato smasher} kept getting stuck – bowls toppled over as I looked for the one I used on repeat. And so I did what I do when I get overwhelmed – I purged.
I got rid of gadgets we never used, excess mixing bowls we didn’t need, and the thirteen pie pans got condensed to two. Really, what are the chances I would ever make more than two pies at once?
I brought it back to the basics.
During the process, not only did I simplify the cooking experience, but I also got rid of plastic. Can we state how easy it is to fill a kitchen with plastic? Sure it seems economical, but it doesn’t last, not to mention there are real health implications. Places like the Environmental Working Group has issued warnings around the use of plastics – and I’m ready to take it seriously.
the worries about plastic
Plastics come with a lot of concern – big ones for our environment but maybe even more for our health.
Certain types of plastic have been found to be hormone-mimicking compounds – meaning they interact with the body as a hormone would but in mixed ratios. Because of this, hormones have been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of several endocrine disorders. These include female and male infertility, early puberty, breast and prostate cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome.
That makes it no surprise that plastic has been linked to obesity primarily because of the way plastic interacts with the endocrine system. It also increases blood pressure, affects thyroid function, increases the risk of diabetes, causes bowel dysfunction, heart disease, and more.
things you can do
Of course, the best answer to this is to stop using plastic. But if you take a look around, that is easier said than done. While it might be an impossible feat, here is a list of “must-avoid” when it comes to plastic.
- Stop drinking bottled water – Large pieces of plastic break down into microplastics. A recent study tested 259 water bottles from 11 brands sold cross nine counties {including the United State}. They found that 93% of those tested contained microplastic contamination – at an average of 104 plastic particles per liter. That’s double the plastic contamination found in tap water.
- Don’t heat plastic – Heated plastic leaches chemicals 55 times faster – leave the lid off, skip the Tupperware, and opt for glass.
- Stop wearing plastic sandals – Every step you take, you risk absorbing the plastic through the soles of your feet.
- Get rid of scratched plastic – Whether it’s a cutting board, plastic containers, or plates. Dented, crumbled, and scratched plastic means that there is more plastic readily available to be absorbed into the food or drink and thus your body.
plastic-free challenge
There’s nothing new around the block – including a solid plastic-free challenge. While there are valid reasons to do this, like saving the environment and nixing some added hormone-mimicking compounds, for me, it’s all about adding simplicity. That’s why I’m opting to avoid as much plastic as possible for one month and opting for a more simple kitchen solution. Here are my favorite-plastic free products that are free of plastic, economical, and simple.
favorite plastic-free products
Glass Storage Containers
Beverage Containers
- Glass LifeFactory water bottles with silicone cover.
- Stainless steel 30-ounce tumbler with straw.
- HydroFlask Stainless Steel Coffee Mug.
- Stainless Steel Blender Bottle.
Mixing Bowls
- 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set.
- Set of 6-Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls.
- 8-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set with Lids.
Cutting Boards and Cooking Utensils
- Large Wood Cutting Board.
- Small Wood Cutting Board – Maybe frivolous but handy for chopping just a small piece of fruit or something.
- 3-Piece Stainless Steel Colander Set.
- Wooden Spatulas, Spoons, etc.
Storage Bags
Lunch Box Utensils
- Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Lunch Thermos
- Mira Set of 3 Stainless Steel Lunch Box and Food Storage Containers
- My favorite school box essentials my kids love.
keep it realistic
Don’t get overwhelmed by plastic; it’s a big problem we all face. But do use this challenge to make you more aware of your environment and the amount of plastic we encounter. The more you can choose something other than plastic, the better off you’ll be.
Even more than a challenge, this has to become a new rhythm, a new normal, and that takes time. Let it take the time it needs. Start slowly, take notice, and make the necessary changes you can without added stress.
So the time is here, the plastic-free September. Will you join?
Just pick one thing and keep building from there.