The EssentiaList

BPA-Free Plastics

by Catherine Haug, Nov 2009 (Photo, right, from NPR (8))

We’re hearing a lot about toxic plastics these days, and its not just BPA-containing plastics.

• The most toxic of plastics is PVC (poly-vinyl chloride), which is used to make plastic wraps for foods, and water pipe (3). It is also commonly used for garden hoops, but its toxins can leach into garden soil and be taken up by plants.
• Polycarbonate or Nalgene baby and sports bottles have been targeted because they contain toxic BPA. Its toxicity lies in its estrogen-mimicking ability. This means that when you absorb it into your body, it binds on estrogen receptors, blocking them from your own estrogen and perhaps initiating errant body processes that lead to the formation of cancers.
• And most recently, the PET plastic used for soda and water bottles has been found to be toxic by disrupting hormone activity (6).

But there are other reasons (besides toxicity) to avoid plastics; perhaps chief among these is the high amount of energy and resources used to make these plastics. And, of course, our objective is to minimize energy consumption!

• Plastics are not (generally) biodegradable, and many are not recyclable here.
• For the most part, they are made from petroleum (or petroleum-dependent corn crops), and require additional fossil fuels to power their production.
• They are a major contributor to the problem of global climate change.

Plastics have become a ubiquitous part of our lives, from microwaveable frozen food trays to children’s toys, to replacement body parts. How can one avoid them?

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