Alternative Plastic Options

We know the dangers of BPA, and the damage it can do to our children. Now let’s discuss what steps we can take to avoid the use of plastics that contain BPA.

Obviously, the goal is to reduce the amount of plastic items we use: cups, bowls, bottles, etc. There are alternatives for some, and optimal choices for when plastic is our only option.

Look for alternative choices, such as wood, stainless steel or glass. There are many drinking cups out there made from stainless steel; these will not only be safer for you and your family to drink from, but they are also insulated so things stay the correct temperature longer.

Perhaps the best thing you can do is learn about the different types of plastics. Some are better than others.

Common plastic containers have a triangle shaped symbol created with arrows, with a number inside. 1, 3, and 6 should be avoided.

1 means the item is made with Polyethylene Terephthalate and can be found in soda bottles, water bottles and cooking oil bottles. Yet another reason to avoid drinking soda! Try drinking glasses of water instead of purchasing water bottles.

Number 3 plastics are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and are used in plastic wrap, condiment bottles, teething rings and toys. Pretty scary to think that our babies are chewing on lethal chemicals!

The final plastic (#6) is Polystyrene, or Styrofoam and is used for meat trays, and some cups. Most of us no longer use Styrofoam, but it’s a good reminder of why!

Safer varieties of plastic do exist. If the number inside the triangle of arrows is 2, 4 or 5 these plastics are safer than the above varieties.

#2 plastics are made from High Density Polyethylene; examples include milk jugs, plastic bags and prepackaged yogurt cups.

#4 plastics are Low Density Polyethylene; you’ll see these in produce bags at the grocery store and containers made for food storage.

#5 plastics are made from Polypropylene and is commonly found in food storage containers, bottle caps and dishes.

Most products on the market today are made from some type of plastic. It’s difficult to avoid, since it’s such a common item in our world. However, with a little effort, we can avoid the dangerous plastics, saving our health, our children’s health and the environment.