WHO KNEW an Important New Year’s Resolution Could Be to Limit Your Exposure to Plastics in the Foods You Eat?

WHO KNEW an Important New Year’s Resolution Could Be to Limit Your Exposure to Plastics in the Foods You Eat?

According to the January 4, 2025 Consumer Reports, common chemicals found in plastic are harmful to our health. The endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with our hormones and “can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children, and death.” https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/plastics-edcs-and-health These chemicals can be absorbed into the food we eat from contact with plastic.

To avoid plastic contamination, avoid storing your food in plastic wrap and plastic storage containers, especially if the food is hot. Use glass, steel, or silicon containers. Consumer Reports came up with a list of the ones they recommend. https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/food-storage/best-food-storage-containers-of-the-year-a7678521903/?EXTKEY=YCRMAGFEB24. Avoid fast foods as they show high levels of the chemicals, maybe from the vinyl gloves worn by the food handlers. And eat fresh minimally-processed food when possible.

Kitchen tools can also be a source of contamination. Once again use wood, stainless steel and silicon for spoons, cutting boards, bowls, lettuce spinners, etc. Water bottles made of glass or steel are a better choice than plastic.

Avoid single use plastic bags at the grocery store as well. Use fabric bags you can make yourself or purchase at the store. They are the first place you can avoid the transfer of contaminates.

Sarah Young

Sustainable Hanover

Community Climate Connections (C3)