8 Everyday Alternatives to Help Your Family Go Plastic-Free

by: Lindsay Hutton

You've likely heard about Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates in plastics, but do you know the effects they can have on your family's health? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), BPA, found in many reusable water bottles, food containers, and the liners in aluminum cans, has been found to cause endocrine disruption, physical and behavior problems in children, and reproductive problems. Although the Food and Drug Administration has deemed the levels of BPA found in food and plastic products safe for humans, some scientists are now looking into whether plastics contain even more chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen and can be harmful to your health. Phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastics, has been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, early puberty, asthma, cancer, and endocrine disruption. Additionally, plastics found in landfills and the ocean can leach chemicals into groundwater and contaminate water sources for humans and animals. So how can you minimize your family's exposure and lessen your impact on the environment? Try swapping out some of your everyday plastic products with these non-plastic alternatives.