I wanted to share with you some common toxins that are found in everyday products, however as I began preparing to write this article the list just got to long and way to scary to go into one article (I didn’t want to stop you sleeping at night!). Instead I decided to focus on some of the chemicals found in plastic that you can easily avoid by simply banning plastic in all its forms from your homes. I did this last year and have never looked back! EthicalCommunity.com is full of great natural alternatives, which make going plastic free painless.

Here are just some of the nasty chemicals found in plastic:

BISPHENOL A

What Is it The now-notorious, plastic-derived compound that’s been in the headlines for the past few years is still at it and is up to no good in our bodies!

How Does It Impact The Body? 90% of Americans carry detectable levels of this estrogen-mimicking menace in their blood, and in addition to the chemical messing with the reproductive system, it is believed to trigger cancer of the breast and prostate, and hyperactivity in children.

Where can I find it? Thermal paper grocery shop receipts, dental sealants, polycarbonate plastic food packaging, water bottles, disposable plastic cutlery, the linings in metal beverage/food cans, a whole host of children’s products especially baby bottles, and even plastic sunglasses!

How Can I Avoid It?

• Try to purge your household and life of plastic, beginning with all food storage and reusable water bottles -- shift over to glass and/or stainless steel options instead.
• If you must use plastic, avoid containers with a #7 or PC indicator since they commonly contain BPA.
• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers, and switch to natural wooden or bamboo spoons and spatulas when cooking as plastic typically leach chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.
• Seek out BPA-free food packaging such as aseptic Tetra Pak cartons and canned brands, which use alternative liners such as Eden Organic.
• Better yet, go for convenience foods which either need no packaging such as organic vegetables and fruit. If packaging cant be avoided use glass jars which are non-reactive and absent of chemicals.

PHTHALATES

What Are They? A chemical, which is used as the key softening agents, that makes plastics pliable, durable and long lasting. Sadly their softening effects don’t stop once they are ingested.

How Do They Impact The Body? Like BPA, phthalates cause all sorts of damage to the reproductive system, from birth defects and hormone changes to obesity and liver damage.

Where can I find it? Vinyl, insect repellents, food wrappers, intravenous tubing, rubber sex toys, the coating of herbal supplements and pharmaceutical drugs, shower curtains, household caulk and paint, children’s toys, shower curtains, textiles, garden hoses, personal care products (including nail polish, moisturizer, hair spray, eye shadow and perfume).

How Can I Avoid Them?

• Kick the plastic addiction – Plastic is horrible stuff don’t be tricked by its convenience there is thousands of natural alternatives which are just as easy and contain no nasty’s.
• Use 100% phthalate-free personal care products since your skin absorbs whatever you slather on it, and be wary of the term ‘fragrance’ as it is often used as a catch-all phrase that can include phthalates.
• Avoid any product containing DMP (dimethyl phthalate), DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, BzBP (benzylbutyl phthalate), DEP (diethyl phthalate) or DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate).
• Look for phthalate-free nutritional supplements as it can be used as a coating on the supplements.