Blog > How to Minimize the Use of Plastic in Your Kitchen for Better Health

How to Minimize the Use of Plastic in Your Kitchen for Better Health

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Glass bottles

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You’ve likely heard about the benefits of recycling and how we should cut back on single-use plastics to benefit the Earth. However, plastic is more prevalent than ever, and it’s not just bad for the planet but also for our bodies.

According to the nonprofit Plastic Oceans International, global plastic production has increased dramatically, reaching over 380 million tons annually. Approximately 50% of this plastic is for single-use purposes, used briefly but persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. Additionally, an early 2024 Consumer Reports article found that plastic leaches into the food we eat at every stage of that food’s lifecycle and that plastic comes with high health risks, from insulin resistance to high blood pressure to reproductive issues.

While most of us can’t do much to reduce plastic usage globally, we can reduce plastic usage in our own lives and thus see the benefits for our health. July is the perfect time to do so, too. The Plastic Free July initiative provides plenty of opportunities and inspiration to help you reduce the plastic in your home, body, and community.

Want to learn more? Read on to discover simple yet impactful changes you can make today.

The Dangers of Toxic Plastics in Food

First, let’s delve into the broader implications of plastic on our environment.

Much of the dangers of plastic-contaminated foods stem from chemical leaching. This means that the chemicals in plastic shed off and onto the food around or touching that plastic. Think of food in plastic containers or packaging, for example.

This chemical leaching occurs more often than you might think. For example, as CNN reported, many tea bags are made from plastic; if they are, they can release a considerable amount of microplastics into each cup of tea you drink. The same goes for plastic bottles containing water or rice packaged in plastic bags.

This plastic leads to severe problems. As the CNN article noted, “A March 2024 study found people with microplastics or nanoplastics in arteries in the neck were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from any cause over the next three years than people who had none.” Cancers, reproductive issues, and hormonal disruptions are also connected to inadvertent plastic consumption.

Beyond the individual impact, there’s also the environmental impact. The UN Environment Programme reports staggering figures: one million plastic bottles are bought each minute, and the annual consumption of plastic bags reaches a colossal 5 trillion globally. Annually, we generate approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste. Presently, the oceans may be home to as many as 200 million tons of plastic, which has the potential to persist for hundreds of years.

The U.S. EPA further states that some plastic could take up to a thousand years to decompose and threatens more than 1,500 wildlife species likely to ingest it. As of 2019, plastic products were estimated to be responsible for more than 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the total global plastics industries may account for up to 15% of global carbon emissions by 2050.

In other words, plastic is a big deal.

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Ways to Minimize Plastic Use in Foods and at Home

Make these straightforward changes to help you do your part to minimize plastic use in your home.

1. Find Substitutes and Alternatives

You don’t need plastic water bottles, leftover containers, or even plastic wrap or baggies. Plenty of substitutes and alternatives are non-toxic, reusable, and recyclable. Try glassware, stainless steel water bottles, silicone storage bags or lips, or beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.

Not only are these options healthier and better for the planet, but they’re also often more stylish, and you’ll enjoy the added benefit of saving money and time, as you can reuse the same containers repeatedly.

2. Shop for Less Plastic

You may need to switch up your grocery shopping habits. Consider buying items that often come in plastic-heavy packaging (think grains, pasta, nuts, or spices) in bulk. Many health food stores sell these items in bulk, and you can bring your own reusable containers and bags like those discussed above to fill up your ingredients and then pay by ounce or pound.

If this isn’t possible, look for brands that specifically use cardboard or glass instead of plastic, for their packaging. You can also support local businesses, as many local farmers and producers opt for items other than plastic for their packaging.

3. Make Simple Lifestyle Changes

You should make a few simple lifestyle changes to reduce your plastic consumption. If you cook more at home, you’ll naturally use less plastic associated with dining out. Don’t have time to cook at home? Ask for more planet-friendly options whenever you dine out and seek out restaurants that forgo plastic straws and take-out containers. Additionally, consider stocking your car with reusable tote bags to reduce plastic shopping bag usage.

The Bottom Line

If the prevalence of plastic in your home, community, and body has never crossed your mind, now is an opportune time to address it. Commit to a focused plan to reduce your plastic use and waste. Your health, the environment, and your wallet will thank you.

Explore our health coaching program to learn more about embracing a healthy lifestyle and the positive outcomes it entails. Get started with a complimentary intro coaching call.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be taken as professional medical, psychological, legal, investment, financial, accounting, or tax advice. Arootah does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read in our newsletter, blog or anywhere else on our website.

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