Welcome to Plastic Free July
by Eileen Haflich, St. Andrew Green Team
Did you know that every piece of plastic ever made still exists in our world?
Since 2011 there has been a steadily growing movement to reduce our use of plastic during the month of July. And the positive effects from this campaign are astonishing. Collectively more than 3 billion pounds of plastic have been prevented from going into our waste stream over the last 5 years.
While actually being “plastic free” is virtually impossible, we can do much to change our habits. It might start with reducing our exposure to micro- and nano-plastics. All plastic sheds small pieces of plastic all the time, but it’s particularly worrisome when these get into our bodies. We should be especially cautious with food we buy or make for our children.
Here are some tips to reduce your “consumption” of micro-and nano-plastics:
- It is best not to store food in plastic. Plastic sheds more readily with heat, so the least probability of plastic getting into your food is freezing it in a plastic container. But better yet, use glass or metal.
- Never microwave food in plastic. Evidence shows that literally billions of tiny particles of plastic are shed when a plastic container is heated in a microwave. Plus, heat causes some of the chemicals in the plastic to leach into the food.
- Do not drink water bottled in plastic. On average, bottled water contains 60 times more microplastics than tap water. Get in the habit of taking a refillable bottle with you.
- Ditch the plastic cutting boards. Each time a plastic cutting board is scored, microplastics are released into the food.
- Replace film plastic with aluminum foil or beeswax wraps. Again, never microwave food covered with a film plastic.
- Avoid plastic produce bags. Switch to mesh produce bags which can be used many times and can be washed with your laundry.
- Also avoid plastic Ziploc bags. Use silicon or waxed paper bags.
The best solution is for the government to step in and minimize plastic used in packaging, but in the meantime, we have agency to make personal choices that will result in better health for us and the planet.
From your St. Andrew Green Team
