Did you know your plastic is killing you?

Sorry for the dramatic title, but I had to get your attention because it’s true. Being a thrifty person, especially in the kitchen, I have always reused plastic food containers from the grocery store. I buy lunch meat, butter and desserts that come in the “perfect looking” reusable container. The lid snaps well, it’s clear (which I like) so I know what’s inside, if I give it to someone and it doesn’t make it home, it’s ok. So why should I recycle it away when it still has so much use left? Let me share with you why. Recently, I started an eco friendly, organic website and have had the pleasure of doing tons of research and learning so much and I really learned something VERY important about BPA, which is found in everyday things like water bottles, baby bottles, milk cartons, and water pipes.

What Is BPA And Why Is It Bad?

It’s simple, the technical name is bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like chemical found in a variety of common plastics used by most Americans on a daily basis. There is documented evidence that BPA is tied to diabetes, liver disease, cancer of the breast and prostate, brain disorders, and elevated risk of hormonal imbalance. Scientists have known for years that the chemical structure of BPA is quite unstable, especially in the presence of heat. When food and liquid come into contact with these plastic containers, the chemical instability allows BPA to leach into the food.*

YES, THE CHEMICAL LEACHES INTO OUR FOOD AND IT’S WORSE WHEN WE HEAT THE CONTAINER. Sorry to yell, but I still can’t believe it, I’ve been doing this for years!

As of December 2008, the Federal Drug Administration agreed to reconsider the health risks of BPA. High levels of exposure and slow rate of excretion means that BPA can pose serious health problems to millions of Americans. The Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center confirmed that high levels of BPA can remain in the bloodstream even after fasting for 24 hours. That’s crazy, especially when you think how many products we all use a day that have BPA in them. Now you know why I MUST pass on this information.

Ways To Avoid BPA

Now that the scary part is over, let me share with you the better part of what I learned. There are EASY ways to avoid BPA poisoning.

* The biggest and EASIEST thing to”do is to avoid leaving plastic water bottles or baby bottles in the car or outside in the summer heat, since high temps are known to increase the release of BPA from the plastic.

* Do NOT reuse plastic water bottles and never wash them in the dishwasher to reuse.

* Avoid microwaving food or liquids in BPA containers; they are usually stamped with No. 7 on the bottom.

* When preparing hot food or liquids, use glass, porcelain or stainless steel.

* Only use BPA-free baby bottles. Check label or for No. 7 on the bottom.

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