Naturalpath

Plastic is everywhere, from Tupperware to plastic wrap, to bowls and utensils -- even paper cartons and deli paper are usually sprayed with a layer of plastic. Plastic is a treacherous biohazard for two reasons:

1. It can leach carcinogenic chemicals into our food (and our bodies) from plastic food packaging; and,
2. Perhaps just as alarming, plastics are contaminating our environment.

Can plastic containers contaminate our food? They're made from a variety of toxic chemicals, including a known class of carcinogens called phthalates (which are softeners that are added to make plastic flexible) and Bisphenol A (BPA), both of which can migrate into food.

Have you ever smelled that "plastic" smell of milk stored in plastic jugs? Or in the apple juice in your child's sippy cup? That smell may mean that the plastic has made its way into the drink.

The debate of plastic's safety around food continues. The FDA claims that all plastic is tested before it is approved for use with food and should be safe, but admits that heating plastic can cause plastics to leach into the food.

Plastics are Forever

The potential risk of plastics goes beyond the dinner table into the realm of environmental hazard. Don't let the myth of plastic's recyclability fool you: just because a container has circular arrows with a number in the middle, it does not necessarily mean that it is recycle-ready. These numbers only identify what type of plastic the product contains, not the availability of recycling in your area.

The sad fact is that a great deal of plastic never gets recycled. Even if you recycle plastic at home, chances are that those water bottles and yogurt containers will end up shipped to third world countries or floating atop our oceans.

Toward a Safer Plastic

Debate has been raging about emerging trends in "bioplastics" made from corn. Don't confuse this "sustainable plastic" with biodegradable plastic, which is petroleum-based and dense with toxic chemicals. Bioplastics do show promise, but when made with genetically modified corn, it may provide no better solution than regular plastics.

As consumers, we can vote with our dollars by buying bioplastic products. Earthware sells bio-plastic forks, spoons and knives, which are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic utensils. BIOgroup USA, Inc. sells BioBag trash bags, which are based on starch, vegetable oil and other renewable resources.

Better yet, consumers can take advantage of products that eschew plastic altogether. Wooden spoons and spatulas are a great substitute for plastic kitchen utensils. Wooden, glass, and stainless steel bowls easily replace plastic ones. Unbleached, natural waxed paper and bags are a good substitute for plastic sandwich bags and plastic wrap (we like Natural Value bags and paper).

To minimize use of plastic (and unrecylcable) containers, some grocery stores allow shoppers to bring in their own containers (of whatever material they choose). Another easy idea to minimize the use of plastic shopping bags is to ask for paper bags -- or bring your own mesh, cloth, or recycled bags with you.

Another new, potentially exciting alternative to plastic wrap is an edible food wrap made from concentrated fruit and vegetable purees with vegetable oils added to make them more water resistant. They are not only completely biodegradable, but provide a healthy serving of fruit or vegetables, too!

No matter how you wrap it, plastics aren't a green kitchen's best bet.