Scientific researches have shown evidence that several types of plastics contain endocrine disruptors, which alter hormonal function when taken into our bodies.

BPA is a common ingredient in plastic. It is found in many drinking containers, cans, food storage containers, toys, water pipes, etc.

BPA migrates from the plastic into food or water in the containers. Heat, acid, alkaline and repeated washing accelerate the process.

Animal research on BPA showed that it alters reproductive hormone cycles and causes problems ranging from reproductive abnormality in both males and females, cancer, overweight, to behavioral changes.

These changes in animals mimic many human health problems, including infertility, autism, obesity, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes, etc.

Another endocrine disruptor is phthalates, which exist in many products, including toys, personal care products, air fresheners, vinyl products, coating on many pills, food packaging, etc.

Phthalates release into neighboring substances readily.

The main health concern about phthalates is reproductive toxicity, particularly for males.

These BPA and phthalates containing products not only increase health risks, the production of them also uses largely non-renewable resources. Use of these products contributes to increased waste and pollution production as well.

Read more, go here.

Now that we bring it up again, 1000 Green Steps strongly advise you to wash again your plastic silverware to be used again next time you want to have your meal. You don’t have to throw it out because you can actually reuse it. You don’t have to reuse it again to eat, if you really that paranoid about cleanliness and all. However, there is another way!

You can now reuse it to mark plants in your garden or to locate summer bulbs that need to be dug up in the fall.

Pretty much a brilliant idea, isn’t it?

~Happy Green Living!~