Toxic-Free Tips: Reusables

Our food system is riddled with plastic, which is nowhere more prevalent than in food packaging. The FDA should rein in plastics and phthalates in the packaging that touches our food. That’s why we’re urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy to do just that in his role as the head of the department that manages the FDA. We’ve launched a petition for anyone to sign that will be sent directly to Kennedy. If you haven’t yet signed it, please add your name and share the petition with a friend. 

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and have no business being near our food. Plastics are made from fossil oil and gas, and numerous potentially dangerous additives are added during processing. These additives can often easily migrate from plastics into the food packaged within. 

We talk a lot about the dangers of plastics and how hard it can be to escape using them. One way to cut plastic out of our lives is by using reusable containers at every opportunity, but finding those opportunities is not always easy. The current state of manufacturing in the U.S. favors disposable systems, and most localities do nothing to encourage reusable systems, even though the supply of reusables has not yet met consumers’ demand. That’s why we love this map of reusables made by Plastic-Free Future. The shops on the map provide a wide array of goods in refillable containers and are a great way to cut back on plastic if you live near one. 

Another great first step that can be easy for people is to use a refillable water bottle, ideally a metal one like those made by Klean Kanteen. If you prefer to use a straw or have kids who need straws, those can also be purchased in reusable metal form. Blueland sells a number of household cleaning products in refillable containers. 

Metal water bottles, metal straws, and refillable soaps are all possible steps to start your reuse journey. Beyond your own home, school cafeterias are ripe for reusable food ware. If you’re involved with a school, you can share this helpful toolkit for K-12 schools from our friends at the Center for Environmental Health. Do you know of a school that’s made the switch? Please shoot me an email at mrommwatt@defendourhealth.org, and let us know!