Plastic’s not fantastic
Filed Under Going Green, Stuff, Tips & Tricks | July 23, 2007
Sometimes it seems a miracle that those of us born in the sixties and seventies made it through our childhoods safely – after all many of us weren’t breastfed, there were no carseats, and we ate neon-orange mac ‘n cheese instead of organic bunny pasta. These days a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
Take plastic for example. Studies are showing that plastic can leach the toxin Bisphenol-A, which is linked to birth defects, miscarriage and prostate cancer. Other studies question the leaching studies, so how’s a mama supposed to know what to do?
We figure that while the jury’s still out your best bet is to err on the side of caution and choose glass or “safer” plastic (plastics labeled No. 1, No. 2 or No. 5 in the recycling triangle are considered safer.) Also, avoid microwaving food or liquids in plastic containers and try and keep your tots from putting plastic toys (especially those designed for older children) in their mouths. Plus avoiding plastic is better for the environment. Not only does less plastic go into the landfill but it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil each year to make plastic water bottles.
Some of our favourite plastic-free drinking products for our littlest ones are glass bottles from BornFreeâ„¢, and they also makes plastic bottles that are Bisphenol-A Free. We (and our children) love Klean Kanteen’s sippy cups, canteens and thermoses, and early adopters to yoyomama will know we’re also fans of Sigg bottles.
You can find Born Free at Crocodile Baby, Whole Foods and Capers. Klean Kanteens can be delivered right to your door thanks to Natural Pod and Sigg Bottles are available at multiple locations around town.
We’re working hard on tomorrow’s yoyomama, which will list places to go and things to do with your kids while the municipal strike is on. Any suggestions? Send them along.
Don’t forget!
When you sign up for yoyomama in July you’ll be entered to win a $200 gift certificate from Natural Pod, which offers natural items for your child’s play and everyday life including wooden toys, natural dolls, organic clothing and more – and Klean Kanteens (of course). If you’re starting to think more green, you’ll definitely be intrigued by what they have to offer.
And if you were already a subscriber before July don’t worry, we’re not leaving you out. Every time you use the forward feature at the bottom of your daily email to share yoyomama with your friends you’ll be entered into our contest too. The more you share, the more chances you have to win.
One Response to “Plastic’s not fantastic”
Leave a Comment
Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
[...] and snack packing options that are lead, PVC and BPA-free. Remember plastics #1, 2, 4 and 5 and the “best”. And you’ll find PVC in backpacks too – so look for ones that are made from natural fibres, [...]