Tip of the Day - Replace #7 Plastics
Seventh Generation’s Non-Toxic Times newsletter (soon to be 7Gen Newsletter) advises weeding out the #7 plastics and other household items that contain Bisphenol-A. Let’s talk about why it’s a problem and what you should do about it.
When number #7 plastics begin to break down, they leach Bisphenol-A into the contents of the container. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an estrogen mimic. It disrupts the endocrine systems in the body and can cause breast and prostate changes, as well as issues in fetal and childhood growth and development, and could even be responsible for the last few pounds you can’t seem to lose.
“A Centers for Disease Control study has detected BPA in 93% of the people tested. In the bloodstream and body tissues, BPA mimics the hormone estrogen. Low levels of BPA have been shown to affect prostate development, promote prostate tumors, affect breast tissue development and sperm counts, and possibly even create and enlarge fat cells. Scientists have also linked BPA exposure to premature puberty, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, miscarriage, and birth defects like Down Syndrome.”
The article goes on to say that coatings in canned products can leach BPA, and are especially an issue when the contents of the cans are acidic (like soft drinks and tomato, and citrus).
BPA isn’t just a food container concern either. It can be in fillings, toys, and baby products. Read the full article here to find out more about the products you may need to replace and what you should replace them with.
Plastics numbered 2, 4 and 5 are still considered not as likely to leach chemicals into food products, but it’s still best not to use plastic in the microwave, and use glass when possible.
February 28th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I read as I sip from my ever-present polycarbonate (#7) Nalgene. Maybe that’s what’s wrong with me. But this bottle has so much history! Every scratch and ding (and they are numerous) has a story! I’ve customized it with duct tape and a handle/clip-in loop of half-inch webbing! It’s so hard to give it up!
February 28th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I know. I have attachments to my Nalgene too. I recently switched to a Kleen Kanteen bottle, and I really like it, but it makes a weird shrill noise when I drink from it.
Maybe you can use your Nalgene to collect pennies or as a vase for flowers or hang it from a string in front of a window to catch illuminate all the scratches and dings. I don’t know. I’m reaching. What are you supposed to do with a water bottle that could be messing with your hormones?
February 28th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Also, the need to replace my poisonous bottle (which I will do, eventually), clashes with my urge to use, use and reuse everything to death. Think of the energy it’ll take to make me a new bottle! I know, I know- it’s my health we’re talking about.
February 28th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I know! It feels so wasteful! It still holds water! I will need to find another use for mine.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Great blog, Allie.
I just bought a metal bottle at Whole Foods for $10. It’s from a Swiss company called Sigg. I know it’s wasteful to throw the other ones away & buy something else but I had just found out about leaching and was so disgusted. Heaven only knows how we survived before plastic but hopefully we can find a better way.
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Sigg bottles are great!
Leaching is disgusting. I don’t even want to think about how much use my #7 water bottles have gotten.