Plastics are one of the greatest and most prevalent human inventions… And also one with risks that have only recently began to get the proper attention.
It’s not only about the environment, wildlife or trash piles either. “Microplastics” are a particularly bothersome issue we’re not very sure what impact it will have and how to deal with it.
Another potential issue is hygiene, as plastic is easy to scratch, with the gaps becoming good home for microbes.
But plastics are also hard to avoid. Sometimes we just need to buy a drink in a plastic bottle, or we don’t have a store nearby to get cheese without plastic packaging. And the plastic containers are so practical to stock up the freezer…
Do you try to limit the use of plastics around food, or have you mostly given up on that particular cause?
Yes I absolutely do. I won’t microwave anything with plastic around it, even a plastic container used to store it. If I’m drinking something very hot I tend to avoid straws because of leaching. I don’t even like using styrofoam cups or cans of soda (plastic liner). Is it a bit extreme? Maybe? I haven’t really noticed myself doing the extra effort, not even sure if it’s helpful. However, it puts my mind at ease that I’m at least limiting plastic access to my body.
For straws I bought some metal straws. I initially bought them to prevent the waste of single use plastic straws but it also helps with the microplastic problem.
About 3 years ago my husband and I stopped reheating anything in plastic containers. We still use them to store food in, but mainly have switched to glass containers.
We also invested in good water bottles that we use daily when in transit or at work.
We don’t really use straws much but have been gifted reusable straws and occasionally use them, mostly for guests.
We recycle and have become more conscientious over the years in making greater attempts to avoid purchases that involve environmental contaminants.
TIL there are reusable straws.
