We are aware of the environmental impact of plastic… but do we know enough about its implications associated with ingesting or even just being in contact with plastic?
As we dive deeper into the world of plastic, we uncover the negative influence that plastic may have on your hormones, endocrine system and overall health.
BPA and why we should avoid it
BPA is the synthetic chemical most commonly used in making plastics. It can be found in everything from plastic water bottles and bags to lunch containers; but also in the inside of tin cans, disposable coffee cups and plastic toys.
Unfortunately BPA can leach from these products, most commonly when they become worn down, scratched, heated, frozen or are left out in the sun. Once leached, BPA can make its way into your body either through ingestion (i.e. drinking water out of a plastic bottle or disposable coffee cup), or absorption through skin contact.
BPA has been researched and linked to many nasty health conditions including heart disease, cancer and asthma. Furthermore, BPA is considered to be an endocrine-disruptor, which essentially means it can wreak havoc on your natural hormone levels… No good at all. As a xenoestrogen, BPA mimics the sex hormone oestrogen and can lead to hormonal issues as well.
What can we do
While modern living makes it challenging to completely avoid plastic, there are plenty of ways you can minimise your contact with plastic. Here are our top tips & tricks for avoiding BPA:
- Stop buying and using plastic bottles. Get yourself a reusable drinking water to refill and take with you wherever you go.
- Reduce the amount of food you buy in plastic packaging.
- Replace your takeaway cup with a reusable travel mug.
- Eliminate plastic food wrap from your home and swap them for honey wraps!
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Buy organic veggies at a local market and use cotton bags to keep them fresh. As well as reducing plastic exposure, this will reduce your exposure to chemicals sprayed on non-organic veggies and will also support local farmers.
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Change your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo eco friendly toothbrush!
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Replace those disposable cotton rounds with bamboo reusable makeup remover pads.