Getting Off the Plastic Bottle

Thursday, 17 June 2010 13:23

You dutifully re-use your water bottle at the gym, get a soy latte to go after your workout, and bring your healthy lunch to work in Tupperware. But plastics found in items like these (and many other common items) not only “make it possible,” they may also make you sick.

By Tony Federico

Compounds with bizarre-sounding names like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and polycarbonate are used in items such as foam coffee cups, takeout containers and that water bottle. Thanks to recent scientific research, we now know that chemicals in these plastics are making their way into your food and into your body.

When plastics are exposed to extreme temperatures, and especially when they are in contact with fatty foods (think lattés, restaurant leftovers and “microwave safe” plastic bowls), chemicals like sterene, phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol-a (BPA) and even lead can leach out. Some of these compounds have shapes similar to the hormone estrogen, which disrupts human reproductive development, fertility, mood and neurological functions such as learning.

By reducing the amount of chemicals your body is exposed to, you give your natural excretion and detoxification systems a chance to kick in and clean up. Cutting out the chemical crud doesn’t have to be difficult either. There are now many convenient and eco-friendly options available made from glass, ceramic and natural materials. Take a look at these:

Coffee Cups
Ceramic coffee cups with silicone lids and sleeves, like this one we found at Fred Flare, not only look authentic, they work well, they’re dishwasher safe and they’ll save you money when you refill at the coffee shop.
Fred Flare, $14

Water bottles
Aluminum water bottles, like these from Sigg and Klean Kanteen, come in many different sizes, colors and customizable options, like wide mouth lids or sip tops. Be sure to pick up a cleaning kit so you can scrub them out every few days.
Klean Kanteen, $20
Sigg, $25

Food containers
Whether it’s in the fridge, microwave or oven, Pyrex glass and ceramic cookware, like Corning Ware, work wonders. Be sure to transfer cellophane-wrapped meats, cheeses and other food into these types of containers for safe storage.
Corningware, $20
Pyrex, $3