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<p>It's particularly popular amongst busy people because it can save a lot of time.</p><p>Having pre-prepared meals on hand can also reduce portion size and help you reach your nutrition goals. This way, you'll avoid unhealthy options like TV dinners or takeout, especially when you're overwhelmed or exhausted.</p><p>And since it requires you to determine what to eat ahead of time, meal prepping can lead to more nutritious meal choices over the long term.</p><p>Despite what people may think, there are various ways to meal prep—not all of which involve spending a whole Sunday afternoon cooking dishes for the week to come. You can choose methods that work best for you.</p><p>This article explores the most important principles of meal prepping and breaks down the process into a few simple steps.</p>
<p> <em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-meal-prep" target="_blank">Healthline</a>.</em><em></em></p>
Different Ways to Meal Prep
<p>You may think that cooking meals for the week ahead will consume a big chunk of your weekend.</p><p>However, because there are various ways to meal prep, you don't have to stand in the kitchen for an entire Sunday afternoon. Everyone can find a suitable meal preparation style.</p><p>The most popular ways to meal-prep include:</p><ul> <li><strong>Make-ahead meals:</strong> Full meals cooked in advance which can be refrigerated and reheated at mealtimes. This is particularly handy for dinnertime meals.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Batch cooking:</strong> Making large batches of a specific recipe, then splitting it into individual portions to be frozen and eaten over the next few months. These make for popular warm lunch or dinner options.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Individually portioned meals:</strong> Preparing fresh meals and portioning them into individual grab-and-go portions to be refrigerated and eaten over the next few days. This is particularly handy for quick lunches.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Ready-to-cook ingredients:</strong> Prepping the ingredients required for specific meals ahead of time as a way to cut down on cooking time in the kitchen.</li></ul><p>The method that will work best for you depends on your goals and daily routine.</p><p>For instance, make-ahead <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-best-foods-to-eat-in-morning" target="_blank">breakfasts</a> might work best if you're looking to streamline your morning routine. On the other hand, keeping batch-cooked meals in your freezer is particularly handy for those who have limited time in the evenings.</p><p>The different meal-prepping methods can also be mixed and matched depending on your own circumstances. Start by choosing the most appealing method, then slowly experiment with the others to determine what suits you best.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>There are many ways to meal prep, depending on your goals, schedule and meal preferences. Some options include making large batches to be frozen, full meals to be refrigerated and separate portions to be combined as you see fit.</p>Picking the Right Number and Variety of Meals
<p>Figuring out how many meals to make and what to include in each meal can sometimes be tricky.</p><p>The best way to plan ahead is to first decide on which meals you'd like to focus and which meal-prepping method fits your lifestyle.</p><p>Then, check your calendar to decide the number of breakfasts, lunches and dinners you'll need for the upcoming week.</p><p>Also, remember to account for times you're likely to eat out—for instance, on dates, at brunch with friends or at client dinners.</p><p>When selecting which meals to make, it's best to start with a limited number of recipes that you already know. This will ease your transition into meal planning.</p><p>That said, it's also important to avoid picking only one recipe for the whole week. This lack of variety can lead to boredom and won't provide your body with the nutrients it needs.</p><p>Instead, try picking meals that contain different vegetables and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-delicious-high-protein-foods" target="_blank">protein-rich foods</a>, as well as varied complex carbs such as brown rice, quinoa or sweet potatoes. Integrating a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-vs-vegetarian" target="_blank">vegetarian or vegan</a> meal into the mix is another way to add variety.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The right number of meals depends on your individual routine and needs. Variety is key to providing your body with the vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds it needs.</p>Tips to Cut Down on Cooking Time
<p>Few people look forward to spending hours in the kitchen while meal prepping. This is only natural since the key incentive for meal prepping is reduced cooking time.</p><p>The following methods will help streamline prep and cook times.</p><h3>Stick to a Consistent Schedule</h3><p>Meal prepping works best when you stick to a regular schedule. Knowing exactly when you'll shop for groceries and prep your meals will help you form a good routine.</p><p>For instance, you might reserve Sunday mornings for grocery shopping and meal prepping. Or you could select Monday evenings for making lunches for the rest of the week.</p><p>The schedule is up to you and should fit your weekly routine. Keep in mind that picking specific times and sticking to them will simplify the decision-making process, freeing up mental space for other things.</p><h3>Pick the Right Combination of Recipes</h3><p>Picking the right combination of recipes will help you become more effective in the kitchen.</p><p>To save time, select recipes requiring different cooking methods. Having too many recipes requiring the same appliance—the oven, for instance—will limit the number of dishes you can prepare at once.</p><p>This is especially important when selecting make-ahead meals or for batch cooking.</p><p>A good rule of thumb is to stick to one oven meal and a maximum of two stovetop meals at once—for example, loaded baked <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-potatoes" target="_blank">potatoes</a>, a stir-fry and a soup.</p><p>Then simply add meals that don't require cooking to the mix, such as sandwiches or salads.</p><h3>Organize Your Prep and Cook Times</h3><p>A well-thought-out workflow will save you a lot of time in the kitchen.</p><p>To best organize your prep and cook times, start with the recipe requiring the longest cook time. This is often the soup or oven meal. Once that meal is underway, focus on the rest.</p><p>Reserve the cold meals for last since they can easily be made while the other meals are cooking.</p><p>For extra time savings, double-check the ingredients for all recipes before starting. This way, if two recipes require diced onions or julienned peppers, you'll be able to chop the total quantity at once.</p><p>Using automated gadgets such as a rice cooker or slow cooker can further streamline your workflow.</p><h3>Make a Shopping List</h3><p>Grocery shopping can be a big time waster.</p><p>To half the time you spend in the grocery store, keep a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-grocery-list" target="_blank">detailed grocery list</a> organized by supermarket departments.</p><p>This will prevent doubling back to a previously visited section and accelerate your shopping.</p><p>Limiting grocery shopping to once per week and making use of a grocery delivery service are two additional ways to spend less time shopping.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>To cut time in the kitchen, stick to a consistent schedule and make use of a shopping list. Picking the right combination of meals and organizing your cooking is also important.</p>Picking the Right Storage Containers
<p>Your food storage containers can make the difference between a fabulous or mediocre meal.</p><p>Here are some container recommendations:</p><ul> <li><strong>Airtight containers for ready-to-cook ingredients:</strong> Washable, reusable silicone baggies and stainless steel containers are great for keeping ingredients crisp and foods fresh.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>BPA-free microwavable containers:</strong> These are both convenient and better for your health. Pyrex glassware or collapsible silicone containers are some good options.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Freezer-safe containers:</strong> These will limit freezer burn and nutrient losses. Wide-mouth mason jars are ideal, as long as you leave at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of headspace so food can expand as it freezes.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Leak-proof, compartmentalized containers:</strong> These are great for lunches or meals which require ingredients to be mixed at the last minute. One good example is bento lunch boxes.</li></ul><p>Stackable or similarly shaped containers will help optimize the space in your refrigerator, freezer or workbag.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Containers are convenient and save space. They can also help your meals taste better and retain more nutrients.</p>Cooking, Storing and Reheating Foods Safely
<p>Food safety is an important yet overlooked component of meal prepping.</p><p>Cooking, storing and reheating foods at the right temperature can prevent <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-food-poisoning" target="_blank">food poisoning</a>, which affects an estimated 9.4 million Americans each year (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21192849" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23622497" target="_blank">2</a>).</p><p>Here are some government-approved food safety guidelines (<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/keep-food-safe-food-safety-basics/ct_index" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-store-food-and-leftovers/" target="_blank">2</a>):</p><ul> <li><strong>Be mindful of proper temperatures: </strong>Make sure your refrigerator is kept at 40°F (5°C) or below and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Cool foods quickly: </strong>Always refrigerate fresh foods and meals within two hours of purchase or cooking. For quick cooling, spread out cooked foods in shallow containers and immediately place in your refrigerator.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Keep storage times in mind: </strong>Cook fresh meat, poultry and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-health-benefits-of-fish" target="_blank">fish</a> within two days of purchase and red meat within 3–5 days. In the meantime, keep them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Cook at the right temperatures: </strong>Meats should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C), as this kills most bacteria.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Thaw foods safely: </strong>Thaw frozen foods or meals in your refrigerator instead of on your countertop. For faster thawing, submerge foods in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Reheat foods only once: </strong>The more times you cool and reheat a food, the higher the risk of food poisoning. That's why defrosted foods should only be reheated once.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Reheat foods at the right temperature:</strong> All meals should be reheated to 165°F (75°C) before being eaten. Frozen meals should be reheated and eaten within 24 hours of defrosting.</li></ul><ul> <li><strong>Use labels: </strong>Remember to label and date your containers so that you can consume foods within the food-safe period.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Eat foods within the right time period:</strong> Refrigerated meals should be consumed within 3–4 days and frozen meals within 3–6 months (<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/keep-food-safe-food-safety-basics" target="_blank">3</a>).</li></ul><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Cooking, storing and reheating foods at the correct temperatures can reduce your risk of food poisoning. The guidelines above give you an overview of the main food safety measures to keep in mind.</p>Steps to a Successful Meal Prep
<p>Prepping a week's worth of meals can sound daunting, especially for first-timers. But it doesn't have to be hard.</p><p>Below, you'll find a simple step-by-step guide to streamline your meal prepping process.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>1. Select your meal prep method of choice: </strong>This can also be a combination of methods and should be based on your lifestyle and nutrition goals.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>2. Stick to a schedule:</strong> Pick one day each week to do your <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-meal-planning-apps" target="_blank">meal planning</a>, shop for groceries and cook.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>3. Pick the right number of meals:</strong> Bear in mind your calendar and the restaurant meals you've planned for the week.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>4. Select the right recipes:</strong> Keep an eye out for variety and preparation methods. When starting out, stick to recipes you already know.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>5. Reduce the time you spend on grocery shopping:</strong> Make a grocery list organized by supermarket departments or shop for groceries online.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>6. Spend less time in the kitchen:</strong> Choose which meals to cook first based on cook times.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>7. Store your meals:</strong> Use safe cooling methods and appropriate containers. Refrigerate meals you're planning to eat within 3–4 days, then label and freeze the rest.</p><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Meal prepping doesn't have to be complex. Basic steps can help you cut back on cooking time, freeing you up for the activities that matter most.</p>The Bottom Line
<p>Meal prepping is great for people who want to spend less time in the kitchen.</p><p>It can also promote <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-most-nutrient-dense-foods-on-the-planet" target="_blank">nutrient-rich</a>, healthy meals and discourage <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-foods-to-avoid-like-the-plague" target="_blank">less nutritious</a> fast food options.</p><p>Depending on your goals, schedule and meal preferences, meal prepping may involve making large batches to be frozen, full meals to be refrigerated or prepared ingredients to be combined as needed.</p><p>Find a method that works for you and pick one day per week to meal plan, shop and cook.</p>From Your Site Articles
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By Sydney Swanson
As we head into the holiday season, the marathon task of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner or even just one dish to contribute as a guest—may be stressful.
To help you combat the inevitable stress surrounding this meal, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has put together this guide suggesting what to make yourself and what to buy, and when to go organic.
<h1>Main Dishes</h1><h3>Turkey</h3><p>Most conventional turkeys are tainted with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/superbugs/" target="_blank">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>, potentially exposing consumers to foodborne illnesses and hard-to-treat infections. To avoid these risks, look for a turkey bearing one or more of these labels:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>USDA Certified Organic.</li><li>Certified Humane®.</li><li>Global Animal Partnership Steps 3 to 5+.</li><li>Certified Animal Welfare Approved.</li></ul><p>Confused by head-spinning labels? EWG's <a href="https://cdn3.ewg.org/sites/default/files/u352/EWG_ThanksgivingTurkeyTips_2018_C01.pdf?_ga=2.257205645.788128345.1541426334-408927168.1532972327&_gac=1.192993887.1540930661.Cj0KCQjwguDeBRDCARIsAGxuU8bQ95V0-luZfVa5QPoryaBdqFFKTJ_B64Tj7dstZ0A-0dXx8mYohYIaAlTsEALw_wcB" target="_blank">turkey label decoder</a> can help.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>Purchase a turkey from a local farm by searching for your city or zip code at <a href="https://www.localharvest.org/organic-turkey.jsp" target="_blank">LocalHarvest</a>.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong> Look for brands at the supermarket that are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, like <a href="http://www.marysturkeys.com/" target="_blank">Mary's</a> or <a href="https://diestelturkey.com/" target="_blank">Diestel</a>.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTIzMTk2NX0.cpNuXm6VWfYgoKxcjKgDYwHxdkjsS_WcMbtSaHoeFIQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="1e842" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1bc530f033bfe31093fcebda74917f41" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong><strong> </strong>Consider purchasing a smaller turkey, like a <a href="https://foodprint.org/blog/your-guide-to-buying-and-cooking-a-heritage-turkey-for-thanksgiving/" target="_blank">heritage bird.</a> The <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/dana-gunders/thanksgiving-be-more-grateful-wasteful" target="_blank">USDA estimates 35</a> percent of turkey meat ends up in the trash each year.<br></p><h3>Vegetarian or Vegan Options</h3><p>Meat has a significantly higher <a href="https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/eat-smart/" target="_blank">carbon footprint</a> than other protein choices. So eat your vegetables: Choose a more <a href="https://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/a-meat-eaters-guide-to-climate-change-health-what-you-eat-matters/reducing-your-footprint/" target="_blank">sustainable</a> (and cheaper!) alternative, like stuffed winter squash.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>Check out this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegan-wild-rice-stuffed-butternut-squash-3362734" target="_blank">Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe</a>. Use organic cherries and consider replacing the rice with quinoa. We advise limiting rice consumption, as both organic and conventional rice may be contaminated with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/arsenic-contamination-in-rice" target="_blank">arsenic</a>.</p><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>Use <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php" target="_blank">EWG's 2018 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a>® to determine which products have the highest amount of pesticide residue. Choose organic versions of these fruits and vegetables whenever possible. </p><h1>Sides</h1><h3>Green Beans</h3><p>As tempting as the occasional shortcut may be, try to avoid canned vegetables. Most cans are lined with <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/bpa-canned-food" target="_blank">bisphenol A</a>, or BPA, a potent endocrine-disrupting chemical. Instead, grab a reusable bag and head to the vegetable aisle for fresh, organic green beans.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong> We recommend this <a href="https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/simple-skillet-green-beans/" target="_blank">Simple Skillet Green Bean recipe</a>.</p><p><strong>Make it easy: </strong>Frozen organic green beans will also do in a pinch, but opt for whole organic green beans rather than cut, since they retain their nutrients better. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/032601025113-EarthboundFarmWholeOrganicGreenBeans" target="_blank">Earthbound Farm Whole Organic Green Beans</a> score well in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores#.W3bTP5NKi-o" target="_blank">EWG's Food Scores</a>, a free database that rates nearly 80,000 foods on nutritional concerns, ingredient toxicity and degree of processing.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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</p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> Other kinds of frozen vegetables may be a good alternative. Visit <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?category_group=Frozen+Fruits+%26+Vegetables" target="_blank">EWG's Food Scores' frozen vegetable category</a> for options.<br></p><h3>Stuffing</h3><p>You can avoid feeling groggy after eating this high-carbohydrate dish if you stuff your stuffing with protein, fiber and healthy fats. Consider adding nutritious ingredients like nuts, apples, celery, cherries or cranberries, and carrots.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong> Check out this <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/1050370/healthy-harvest-stuffing" target="_blank">Healthy Harvest Stuffing recipe</a>. If possible, choose to make it with organic celery, cranberries and apples.</p><p><strong>Make it easy</strong><strong>:</strong> <a href="http://www.arrowheadmills.com/cpt_products/organic-savory-herb-stuffing/" target="_blank">Arrowhead Mills Organic Savory Herb Stuffing</a> is USDA Certified Organic.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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</p><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> Replace the low-sodium chicken broth in this recipe with unsalted vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.<br></p><h3>Mashed Potatoes</h3><p>Potatoes are on <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php" target="_blank">EWG's Dirty Dozen list</a>, so it's best to use organic. Most frozen or instant mashed potatoes aren't, so we recommend making this dish from scratch, which will also allow you control how much butter and salt go into it.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong><strong> </strong>We recommend this <a href="https://thelivefitgirls.com/healthy-mashed-potatoes/" target="_blank">Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe</a>.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong><strong> </strong>If you prefer to use an instant version, <a href="https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/organic-gravy-and-mashed-potatoes/products/organic-home-style-mashed-potatoes" target="_blank">Edward & Sons Organic Home Style Mashed Potatoes</a> and <a href="https://store.edwardandsons.com/collections/organic-gravy-and-mashed-potatoes/products/organic-roasted-garlic-mashed-potatoes" target="_blank">Edward & Sons Organic Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes</a> are USDA Certified Organic.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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</p><p><span style="background-color: initial;"><strong>Pro tip:</strong> </span>Replace a few potatoes with the equivalent volume of cooked kale (or try this <a href="https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/kale-colcannon" target="_blank">kale colcannon recipe</a>) to add extra vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting phytochemicals to the dish and reduce the carbohydrates.<br></p><h3>Cranberry Sauce</h3><p>Cranberry sauce provides an extra punch of flavor, but it can come at a cost: unnecessary sugar. Try making it from scratch, since most <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?category=Gravy+-+Prepared+Gravy" target="_blank">store-bought versions</a> are more than 30 percent sugar.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>EWG recommends this <a href="https://www.asweetpeachef.com/best-homemade-cranberry-sauce/" target="_blank">Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe</a>, preferably made with organic cranberries.</p><p><strong>Make it easy: </strong> <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/052603064354-PacificOrganicWholeBerryCranberrySauce" target="_blank">Pacific Organic Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce</a> doesn't contain any artificial ingredient – although it's 41 percent sugar by weight.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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</p><h3>Gravy</h3><p>When gravy enthusiasts drench their mashed potatoes in this kind of thick sauce, they're adding loads of sodium to their plate. Most <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products?category=Gravy+-+Prepared+Gravy&page=1&per_page=12&type=products" target="_blank">store-bought products</a> contain more than 20 percent of the National Academy of Medicine's recommended daily sodium intake. You might want to make the gravy yourself and even consider a vegetarian option.</p><p><strong>Make your own:</strong><strong> </strong>To cut the salt content, try using a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/052603056311-PacificOrganicChickenStockUnsalted" target="_blank">low-sodium broth</a> to make your favorite recipe.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong> <a href="https://shop.pacificfoods.com/organic-turkey-gravy" target="_blank">Pacific Foods Organic Turkey Gravy</a> and <a href="https://shop.pacificfoods.com/organic-vegan-mushroom-gravy" target="_blank">Pacific Foods Organic Vegan Mushroom Gravy</a> are USDA Certified Organic.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY4My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNzI5NDI1MH0.AC_tG9l4icGvL4Sc16Trjo-mBsfILRDAIy48mSTrY2Y/img.png?width=980" id="1dc1c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cd703d858bb036ebd73599f003332682" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><h3>Sweet Potato Casserole</h3><p>Who doesn't love eating dessert as a side dish? Replace the typically high <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/11/who-wants-marshmallows" target="_blank">sugar ingredients</a> while preserving much of this dish's sweetness by using seasoned nuts, toasted <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/glyphosateincereal/" target="_blank">organic oats</a>, coconut flakes or pineapple for a healthier yet equally decadent dish.</p><p><strong>Make your own: </strong>We recommend this <a href="https://joyfoodsunshine.com/healthy-sweet-potato-casserole/" target="_blank">Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole recipe</a>. If possible, use organic apple sauce.</p><p><strong>Make it easy: </strong><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/085239002728-SimplyBalancedOrganicMashedSweetPotatoes" target="_blank">Simple Balanced Organic Mashed Sweet Potatoes</a> score moderately in EWG's Food Scores. However, if you have guests who are watching their salt intake, they may want to skip them.</p><h3>Pumpkin</h3><p>Whether making your special pumpkin pie or pumpkin soup recipe, choose a puree packaged in a carton or BPA-free can.</p><p><strong>Make it easy:</strong> <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/052603064347-PacificOrganicPumpkinPuree" target="_blank">Pacific Organic Pumpkin Puree</a> comes packaged in a BPA-free carton.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY3MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU5OTQ1NjE1MH0.4my4quJ0LkbY2qDua5BvNNiHGWRRVs8TDuioGoGClPk/img.jpg?width=980" id="4174f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="05960da4a4f01837eed11c66be9449cb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Not only can you control the amount of salt, sugar and other ingredients added when you do the cooking yourself, you can also reduce the amount of waste produced during Thanksgiving, maybe even save some money. And that's a lot to be thankful for!<br></p>
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A seagull pecks at a plastic bag on Jan. 30, 2017, in Venice Beach, California. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
By Lorraine Chow
The world's plastic problem may seem vast and incalculable, but its footprint has actually been measured. In a sweeping 2015 study, researchers calculated that 9 billion tons of the material have been made, distributed and disposed in fewer than 70 years. That's an astonishing figure, but it's also one that's hard to picture. Perhaps a better way to illustrate the problem of plastics is by looking at the damage that can be caused by a single drinking straw.
<p>In 2015, a team of marine biologists in Costa Rica pried a plastic straw from the nose of a male olive ridley sea turtle. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wH878t78bw" target="_blank">Footage</a> of the excruciating, bloody extraction was posted online and viewed by millions of people around the globe. The video is powerful not only because it suggests the pervasiveness of plastics and shows the harm it can inflict on a vulnerable species, but it also strikes a much deeper chord within: shame.</p><p>"Subconsciously, people who watched the video knew that the straw in that turtle's nose could have been thrown away by any of us," Christine Figgener, the biologist who extracted the straw, wrote in a <a href="https://medium.com/lonely-whale/sometimes-i-get-overwhelmed-when-i-try-to-communicate-that-we-need-our-ocean-e6601b497705" target="_blank">Medium</a> post after the video went viral. "They saw their own actions reflected in its eyes."</p><p>Not long after saving that turtle, members of the same team of marine biologists in Costa Rica pulled a plastic fork out of the nose of another olive ridley, this time a female. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRiTABRQOjk" target="_blank">video</a> of that disturbingly similar extraction was also posted online and viewed millions of times.</p><p>After that video came out, I <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/exclusive-interview-researchers-remove-plastic-fork-lodged-in-sea-turt-1882132312.html" target="_self">spoke</a> with George Shillinger, the former head of the Monterey, California-based conservation nonprofit called the Leatherback Trust, which works with the team in Costa Rica.</p><p>"It's just the tip of the iceberg," he told me. "This was an isolated incident involving a single turtle in a small area off a nesting beach in Costa Rica. Just imagine globally what's happening."</p><p>In 2015, a <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/08/27/1502108112" target="_blank">study</a> by Australian and British scientists determined that 90 percent of seabirds living today have ingested some form of plastic, mistaking it for food. If plastic consumption continues at its current rate, 99 percent of seabirds will carry plastic in their guts by 2050.</p><p>Then can we assume, I asked Shillinger, that the same thing is happening to sea turtles? He replied without hesitation: "Totally."</p><p>Both turtles were released back to sea after the items were freed from their nostrils, but other aquatic creatures are not so lucky. In June 2018, a small male pilot whale that died in southern Thailand was found with more than 80 plastic bags crumpled in his stomach. The veterinary surgeon who carried out the necropsy told <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/worst-case-ive-seen-vet-on-whale-that-died-after-eating-80-plastic-bags-11393507" target="_blank">Sky News</a> the animal was "emaciated," as the plastic likely stopped the whale from getting the nutrients he needed.</p><p>This is the key to understanding that aforementioned 9-billion-ton figure, which was calculated by researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of Georgia and the Sea Education Association: Most of that plastic—roughly 7 billion tons—has been thrown away. Only 9 percent is recycled and 12 percent is incinerated, leaving the vast majority of plastic waste accumulating in landfills or in the natural environment, the researchers determined. If you think one plastic straw is bad, think what 7 billion tons could do.</p><p>The most eye-opening revelation in the research is how quickly plastics proliferated since the 1950s, when mass production of synthetic plastics first took off. Half of the world's plastic now in existence was made in just the last 13 years, with most of that for products used only once, discarded and forgotten.</p><p>If you think back to that first turtle, his encounter with a plastic straw is a distinctly modern problem. Paper straws were the standard until their non-degradable cousins took over in the 1960s and '70s. Today, about <a href="https://reason.com/blog/2018/02/06/media-legislators-activists-are-all-stic" target="_blank">175 million</a> plastic straws are thrown out in the United States every day, the marketing analysis firm Technomics estimates.</p><p>There's no denying the incredible usefulness and versatility of plastic. The low-cost, durable material can be molded into everything from lightweight drinking tubes to insulation for our homes. We take for granted that plastic keeps our food fresh and encases the electronics we use every day. Modern medicine would not be possible without disposable syringes and plastic implants. However, its durability and widespread use around the globe are exactly why plastics are so pervasive in the environment.</p><p>Plastic waste that's discarded on land has three fates: recycling, thermal destruction and landfills. Each carries unique consequences.</p><p>Recycling is often promoted as a green ideal, but the small amount of plastics that do get recycled are <a href="https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/pft/2015/8/23/the-myth-of-the-recycling-solution" target="_blank">mostly downcycled</a> to a lower-grade material to make even more landfill-bound products <a href="https://napcor.com/recycling/pet-end-products/" target="_blank">such as</a> synthetic fiber for clothing and carpets or takeaway food containers. Recycling also can't possibly keep up with the expected deluge of new plastics, as fossil fuel companies have plowed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/26/180bn-investment-in-plastic-factories-feeds-global-packaging-binge" target="_blank">$180 billion</a> to fuel a 40 percent rise in plastic production in the next decade.</p><p>Incinerating plastic certainly gets rid of it, and some suggest that burning the petroleum-based waste could be a fuel source. However, the process <a href="https://e360.yale.edu/features/incineration_versus_recycling__in_europe_a_debate_over_trash" target="_blank">emits harmful dioxins</a> in the atmosphere, potentially creating a public health risk.</p><p>That leaves us with the dump, where most plastics end up. Hundreds of millions of tons take up valuable landfill space and mix with other types of trash. During rainfall, water trickles through the landfill, creating a toxic, chemically laden stew called leachate. If the landfill is not properly lined, leachate can ooze into nearby groundwater, wetlands, rivers and lakes. Bisphenol A, a ubiquitous, endocrine-disrupting plastic additive also known as BPA, has been detected in landfill leachate at levels exceeding acute toxicity benchmarks, a 2015 <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.5b01307" target="_blank">study</a> of Norwegian waste-handling facilities found.</p><p>Perhaps the biggest problem with plastics is when they escape into waterways. The same team of researchers who came up with the 9 billion ton estimate also put out another famous <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/347/6223/768" target="_blank">study</a> in 2015 that found 8 million tons of plastic leach into the world's oceans every year.</p><p>This constant flow of plastic can seriously threaten marine life that accidentally eat or become entangled in the material. The United Nations <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2016/12/547032-new-un-report-finds-marine-debris-harming-more-800-species-costing-countries" target="_blank">estimates</a> that more than 800 animal species have been negatively impacted by marine debris, which is mostly plastic.</p><p>Take the drinking straw found in the turtle's nose. How did the straw get there? I imagine that the straw was swept out of a landfill during rainfall. It trickled into a stream, flowed into a river, then was carried out to sea. Pushed along by winds and waves, the straw got drawn into a garbage gyre—one of Earth's <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/podcast/mar18/nop14-ocean-garbage-patches.html" target="_blank">five massive vortices</a> of plastic soup—and floated among millions of other pieces of trash. Then one day, the straw was accidentally inhaled by our turtle.</p><p>Notably, the most prevalent type of plastic in aquatic ecosystems isn't easily visible. Bags, bottles, fishing gear and other ocean plastics break down from currents and sunlight into smaller and smaller pieces, or microplastics. These tiny particles, which also consist of microfibers shedding off synthetic fabric during laundry, have been found in all corners of the globe.</p><p>A 2015-2017 <a href="https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/reports/quantification-microplastics-national-park-beaches" target="_blank">study</a> analyzed the abundance and distribution of microplastics and microfibers on 37 coastal National Parks and found the particles in every single one, even the most remote and secluded sites. Parks that were far away from urban areas—including sites in Alaska, along the northwest Pacific coastline and islands in the Pacific Ocean—clocked more than 100 pieces of microplastics per kilogram of sand.</p><p>"It doesn't seem to matter where you live," said Stefanie Whitmire, research scientist with Clemson University and the study's lead author. "Plastic is being found in rivers and lakes, not just in the middle of the ocean. Microfibers are found in the sea salt that I just bought from the grocery store."</p><p>Trouble is, scientists have documented all sorts of marine life gobbling up these plastics, including plankton, fish, mussels, oysters and even coral, but it's not currently clear what influence it has on the organisms' health.</p><p>"It's such a new area that scientists don't know everything about how it's affecting the organism," Whitmire explained. "But we know that plastics are made up of things that aren't great," such as BPA and other chemical additives.</p><p>New <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180917135930.htm" target="_blank">research</a> from Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the University of Georgia suggests that ingesting degrading ocean plastics poses a risk to younger sea turtles because the pieces can cause blockages and nutritional deficiencies. This not only puts entire sea turtle populations at risk, since they can take decades to sexually mature, but degrading plastics can also impact the larger oceanic food chain, the researchers warned.</p><p>"If the level of mortality we have observed in post-hatchling sea turtles also occurs for zoo plankton, baby fish and crustaceans, then we will witness a complete disruption in our ocean life cycle," co-author Branson W. Ritchie of the University of Georgia explained in a press release for the study.</p><p>What's more, Whitmire pointed out that marine plastics can also absorb other toxins in contaminated environments, including persistent organic pollutants, fire retardants and organic pesticides, potentially posing an even bigger problem for ocean life.</p><p>So, what happens when contaminated plastics are ingested by an organism?</p><p>"That's one of the big concerns," Whitmire said. "Where plastics rank on how they are affecting wildlife, we don't know that whole story yet."</p><p>What we do know is that the globe's plastic footprint is only getting larger. The Ocean Conservancy's 2018 International Coastal Cleanup report found that the 10 most common items picked up by volunteers at beach cleanups around the world were all made of plastic.</p><p>It was the first time since the annual report's inception more than 30 years ago that plastics swept the top spots. Cigarette butts, which have plastic filters, were the most commonly littered item. Food wrappers, drink bottles, bottle caps, bags, drinking straws and foam food containers were also on the list.</p><p>A lot of this plastic is tossed after minutes of use, but its impact on wildlife and the environment can last for centuries.</p><p>Nicholas Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas program, noted that plastics crept onto the list over the years, displacing items like rope, beverage cans and paper bags.</p><p>"But this is the first year that all 10 of the top-10 items collected are made of plastic," he said in an issued statement. "Given that plastic production is rising, this could be the start of a long and troubling trend."</p><p>Although the problem with plastic is usually tied to its risks to waterways and wildlife, an August 2018 <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0200574" target="_blank">study</a> found that commonly used plastics, such as grocery bags and plastic wrap, emit traces of methane and ethylene. The two potent greenhouse gases are known to exacerbate climate change.</p><p>"Considering the amounts of plastic washing ashore on our coastlines and the amount of plastic exposed to ambient conditions, our finding provides further evidence that we need to stop plastic production at the source, especially single-use plastic," lead author Sarah-Jeanne Royer <a href="http://www.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=9407" target="_blank">said</a> in a press release for the study.</p><p><em>This article was produced by <a href="http://independentmediainstitute.org/earth-food-life/" target="_blank">Earth | Food | Life</a>, a project of the Independent Media Institute.</em></p>
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A pediatricians' group representing 67,000 U.S. doctors published a statement and report Monday warning about the impact common chemicals in food and food packaging are having on children's health, The Globe and Mail reported.
The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement expressed concern over a growing body of research linking chemicals commonly added to food as coloring or flavorings or used in food packaging with health risks like hormone disruption. The doctors further argued that U.S. food regulation policy does not do enough to protect against these chemicals.
<p>"We've reached a moment wherein we recognize that the science is suggesting that we can't assume that chemicals are innocent until proven guilty," lead statement author Dr. Leonardo Trasande told The Globe and Mail. </p><p>Chemicals highlighted by the statement include bisphenols, used in the lining of metal cans; <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/phthalates">phthalates</a>, which are used to make <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastics" target="_blank">plastic</a> packaging; perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs), which are used to make grease-resistant packaging; perchlorate, used in dry-goods packaging and to clean food-making equipment; and nitrates and nitrites, used as common preservatives, especially in meats. </p><p>Studies in recent years have linked these chemicals with hormone disruption, which is especially damaging for children since their organs are still developing and any disruption of the process can have lifetime impacts. </p><p>Perchlorate, for example, has been known to disrupt the thyroid hormone, and the doctors said it might be partly responsible for the rise in neonatal hypothyroidism in the U.S. </p><p>There is also an environmental justice aspect to exposure to these chemicals. The statement pointed out that evidence of exposure to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/7-types-of-plastic-wreaking-havoc-on-our-health-1882198584.html" target="_blank">bisphenol A</a> (BPA) was higher among African American and low-income individuals. BPA has been linked to obesity, which is also higher among children of color and in low-income communities. </p><p>The statement argued that these chemicals are not sufficiently regulated because of two main problems with the U.S. food regulation system. </p><p>First, around 1,000 chemicals are used in the U.S. under a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) designation that does not require Federal Drug Administration (FDA) testing and approval. Second, the FDA is not authorized to retest additives once they are already on the market. </p><p>The GRAS mechanism also invites corruption. </p><p>"A recent evaluation of 451 GRAS evaluations voluntarily submitted to the FDA revealed that 22.4% of evaluations were made by an employee of the manufacturer, 13.3% were made by an employee of a consulting firm selected by the manufacturer, and 64.3% were made by an expert panel selected by the consulting firm or manufacturer. None were made by a third party," the statement said. </p><p>Luckily, there are simple things that parents can do to protect their children's health while they wait for FDA reforms. </p><p>"Avoiding canned food is a great way to reduce your bisphenol exposure in general, and avoiding packaged and processed food is a good way to avoid phthalates exposures," Dr. Trasande told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/23/well/chemicals-food-children-health.html" target="_blank">The New York Times.</a></p><p>The statement also recommended choosing fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible, avoiding meat consumption when pregnant, not dishwashing or microwaving plastic containers, using glass or stainless steel instead of plastic when possible, avoiding plastic packaging with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols), and washing hands before handling foods.</p>
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By Kathryn Alcantar and Jose Bravo / Independent Media Institute
No one should be exposed to toxic chemicals in their food, particularly children. But that's exactly what the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found in tests of microwave popcorn bags sold in Dollar Stores. These stores are frequented by communities of color and millions of poor Americans.
<p>In fact, every single bag that was independently tested contained toxic <a href="https://toxicfreefuture.org/science/research/pfass-popcorn-bags-pizza-boxes/" target="_blank">per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances</a> (PFASs)—chemicals linked to developmental problems, hormone disruption, organ damage and more. These findings are particularly alarming for children's health, as their bodies are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the effects of hormone disruptors.</p><p>In response to these findings, CEH <a href="http://bit.ly/poptoxic" target="_blank">released a video</a> featuring the Oakland rapper Mystic and a local kindergarten class to educate families about dangerous toxic chemicals put in microwave popcorn bags. Shot at Roses in Concrete Community School in East Oakland, the fun and engaging educational video also includes a supporting <a href="https://www.ceh.org/wp-content/uploads/Popcorn-Infographic-1.pdf" target="_blank">fact sheet</a> that teaches families how to make their own safe, toxic-free microwave popcorn.</p>
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<p>PFASs confuse our bodies' hormones and damage the liver and kidney. There are hundreds of PFAS chemicals, yet there is no publicly available information about which ones are used in microwave popcorn products. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that certain PFAS chemicals could migrate out of microwave popcorn bags and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18311629" target="_blank">contaminate popcorn</a>. A 2007 publication from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested 17 types of microwave popcorn from eight different brands and detected PFAS in the air from just-heated popcorn bags, suggesting people might also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17987444" target="_blank">inhale these chemicals</a> when eating microwave popcorn.<br></p><p>Unfortunately, it's not just microwave popcorn we need to worry about. Families may be exposed to a wide array of hazardous chemicals in a variety of products, most of which are under-regulated by authorities. PFASs or their chemical cousin perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are used for stain, water and/or grease resistance. They are not just in microwave popcorn bags but also in many household items, including furniture, carpet and carpet cleaners, textiles, floor waxes and outdoor apparel. A 2017 study by CEH—<a href="https://www.ceh.org/wp-content/uploads/Kicking-the-Can-report-final-1.pdf" target="_blank">Kicking the Can?</a>—found that 38 percent of the cans tested from Dollar Stores contained the hazardous chemical BPA, another hormone disruptor. Numerous other studies have also shown that toxic chemicals are commonly found in Dollar Store products (<a href="http://www.ecocenter.org/healthy-stuff/reports/dollar-store-report" target="_blank">summary</a> and <a href="http://ej4all.org/assets/media/documents/Report_ADayLateAndADollarShort.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>, <a href="http://www.toxicfoodcans.org/" target="_blank">BPA in canned food</a>).</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/poptoxic" target="_blank">The video</a> is part of a larger effort by the Campaign for Healthier Solutions (CHS) to convince discount retailers including Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and 99 Cents Only to embrace greater corporate responsibility and protect the health of customers and their families.</p><p>The seriousness of the threat posed by PFAS to consumers makes this more than just a toxic chemical issue, but a social justice one. Dollar Stores are <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-grocery-chains-ignore-food-deserts-20151207-story.html" target="_blank">often located in communities of color and poor neighborhoods</a> that are already exposed to chemical hazards at <a href="https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/calenviroscreen/document-calenviroscreen/raceageces3analysis.pdf" target="_blank">higher levels</a>. Frequently, Dollar Stores are the only store selling food and household products for miles, and they don't typically provide plain popcorn kernels <a href="http://retailerreportcard.com/" target="_blank">as other retailers have,</a> which are needed for making safer popcorn. Adding to this problem, Dollar Stores have committed to doing almost nothing beyond their minimum legal requirements to protect people who have no other shopping options. </p><p>CEH, CHS and a broad coalition of community groups, public health advocates, environmental justice organizations and consumers are urging Dollar Stores to adopt comprehensive, transparent hazardous chemical policies; to encourage microwave popcorn manufacturers to stop selling food products which contain hazardous chemicals; and to offer safer alternatives—like popcorn kernels—in their stores until they do.</p><p>Take Action: <a href="http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=6ChTGp%2BjxhEUZIPfxYT3TcttVZecq7Ra" target="_blank">Tell Dollar Stores to stop selling toxic popcorn</a>.</p><p><em>Kathryn Alcantar is the California policy director for the Center for Environmental Health. </em></p><p><em>Jose Bravo is the national coordinator for the Campaign for Healthier Solutions.</em></p><p><em><em>This article was produced by </em><a href="https://independentmediainstitute.org/earth-food-life/" target="_blank"><em>Earth | Food | Life</em></a><em>, a project of the Independent Media Institute.</em></em></p>
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Polystyrene foam contains potentially harmful chemicals that can leach into food and drinks. Planet Takeout / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
The next time you use a plastic container or bottle, you might want to look at the little number inside the triangle recycling symbol.
In a report issued last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said that plastics with the recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols) should be avoided unless they are labeled as "biobased" or "greenware," which do not contain these chemicals.
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<span></span><span></span>The AAP also warned that plastic should not be heated in microwaves or placed in dishwashers, as the heat can cause chemicals to leach into food.
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The AAP's report, published in the August issue of
<em>Pediatrics</em>, adds to a growing body of evidence that plastic not only negatively impacts the environment, it can also negatively impact human health.
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"Rapidly accumulating scientific evidence suggests that certain chemicals added during the processing of foods and those that may come into contact with food as part of packaging or processing may contribute to disease and disability," the authors wrote.
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"More than 10,000 chemicals are allowed to be added to food in the U.S., but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is unable to ensure all of those chemicals are safe," they added.
</p><p>
As
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/7-types-of-plastic-wreaking-havoc-on-our-health-1882198584.html" target="_blank">AlterNet</a> reported, plastic No. 3—used in plumbing pipes, clear food packaging, shrink wrap and more—contains the phthalate DEHP, which has endocrine-disrupting properties. Plastic No. 6, aka Styrofoam, can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen, especially in the presence of heat. Finally, plastic No. 7—or hard plastics—is likely to leach bisphenol A (BPA) and/or biphenol S (BPS), which are known endocrine disruptors.
</p><p>
The AAP said children are at particular risk when they are exposed to these chemicals.
</p><p>
<span></span>"The potential for endocrine system disruption is of great concern, especially in early life, when developmental programming of organ systems is susceptible to permanent and lifelong disruption," the authors state.
</p><p>
The aim of the report is to highlight the emerging child health concerns related to the use chemicals added to food and food packaging. The AAP is also calling for stronger food safety requirements from the FDA.
</p><p>
<span></span>The report offered pediatricians the following guidance to give to families:
</p><ul class="ee-ul">
<li>Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables when possible.<br></li>
<li>Avoid microwaving food or beverages (including infant formula and pumped human milk) in plastic, if possible.<br></li>
<li>Avoid placing plastics in the dishwasher.<br></li>
<li>Use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.<br></li>
<li>Look at the recycling code on the bottom of plastic products and avoid plastics with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols) unless plastics are labeled as biobased or greenware, indicating they are made from corn and do not contain bisphenols.<br></li>
<li>Encourage handwashing before handling foods/drinks.<br></li>
<li>Wash all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled.</li>
</ul><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
<iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" class="rm-shortcode twitter-embed-982338065170665472" id="twitter-embed-982338065170665472" type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-982338065170665472&created_ts=1523042620.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Humans+Eat+More+Than+100+Plastic+Fibers+With+Each+Meal+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FOAJTA9sE3t+%23microplastics+%23plasticpollutes+%40PlasticPollutes&id=982338065170665472&name=EcoWatch" frameborder="0" data-rm-shortcode-id="YJC0OX1576662725"></iframe>
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A worker inspects recycled plastic in a plastics factory. Getty Images
By Kate O'Neill
A global plastic waste crisis is building, with major implications for health and the environment. Under its so-called "National Sword" policy, China has sharply reduced imports of foreign scrap materials. As a result, piles of plastic waste are building up in ports and recycling facilities across the U.S.
<p>
In response, support is growing <a href="http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25496/singleUsePlastic_sustainability.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y" target="_blank">nationally and worldwide</a> for banning or restricting single-use consumer plastics, such as <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/23/news/plastic-straws-bans-companies/index.html" target="_blank">straws</a> and <a href="https://www-statista-com.libproxy.berkeley.edu/chart/14120/the-countries-banning-plastic-bags/" target="_blank">grocery bags</a>. These efforts are also spurred by chilling findings about how microplastics travel through <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/oceans">oceans</a> and waterways and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.016" target="_blank">up the food chain</a>.
</p><p>
I have <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YY6NEBQAAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">studied global trade in hazardous wastes</a> for many years and am currently completing a book on the global politics of waste. In my view, today's unprecedented level of public concern is an opportunity to innovate. There is growing interest in improving plastic recycling in the U.S. This means getting consumers to clean and sort recyclables, investing in better technologies for sorting and reusing waste plastics, and creating incentives for producers to buy and use recycled plastic.
</p><p>
Critiques of recycling are not <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/30/magazine/recycling-is-garbage.html" target="_blank">new</a>, and critiques of recycling plastic are <a href="http://www.no-burn.org/recyclingisnotenough/" target="_blank">many</a>, but I still believe it makes sense to expand, not abandon, the system. This will require large-scale investment and, in the long term, implementing upstream policies, including product bans.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="056aafc1ab1c56517f41c7259a328ae4"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/abcy4-5XQCQ?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
</p><p>
<strong>Easy to Use, Hard to Destroy<br>
</strong>
</p><p>
Plastics make products lighter, cheaper, easier to assemble and more disposable. They also generate waste, both at the start of their life cycles—the petrochemicals industry is a major source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions—and after disposal.
</p><p>
The <a href="https://plastics.americanchemistry.com/Plastics-Statistics/ACC-PIPS-2017-Major-Market-Pie-Chart.pdf" target="_blank">biggest domestic use</a> by far for plastic resin is packaging (34 percent in 2017), followed by consumer and institutional goods (20 percent) and construction (17 percent). Many products' useful lives can be measured in minutes. Others, especially engineered and industrial plastics, have a longer life—up to 35 years for building and construction products.
</p><p>
After disposal, plastic products take anywhere from <a href="https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/coastal/trash/documents/marine_debris.pdf" target="_blank">five to 600 years</a> to break down. Many degrade into micro-plastic fragments that effectively last forever. Rather like J.R.R. Tolkien's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings" target="_blank">One Ring</a>, plastics can be permanently destroyed only through incineration at extremely high temperatures.
</p><p>
<strong>Why the U.S. Recycles So Little Plastic</strong>
</p><p>
<a href="https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/plastics-material-specific-data" target="_blank">Less than 10 percent</a> of discarded plastics entered the recycling stream in the U.S. in 2015, compared with <a href="https://www.plasticseurope.org/application/files/5715/1717/4180/Plastics_the_facts_2017_FINAL_for_website_one_page.pdf" target="_blank">39.1 percent</a> in the European Union and <a href="http://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/china-plastic-recycling-rate-decline/" target="_blank">22 percent</a> in China. Another 15 percent of U.S. plastic waste is burned in waste-to-energy facilities. The remaining 75 percent goes to landfills. These figures do not include any dumping or illegal disposal.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODMyNzkwNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzI4MDgwNn0.T9_-VLgeJCTKN-pgv2jJQpeJlVnbgFCb0tzI1ld77Ss/img.png?width=980" id="73b62" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="79fdef9d14271ef0f28c88bd679dc78c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>
Even the most easily recyclable plastics have a lengthy <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/12/what-actually-happens-to-a-recycled-plastic-bottle/418326/" target="_blank">journey</a> from the recycling bin to their final destinations. Many barriers have become painfully apparent since China, which until recently accepted half of all U.S. plastic scrap, implemented its crackdown on March 1.<br>
</p><p>
First, there are many different types of plastics. Of the seven resin identification codes stamped on the bottom of plastic containers, only 1's and 2's are easily recyclable. Public education campaigns have lagged, particularly with respect to cleaning and preparing plastics for recycling. Getting consumers to commit to more stringent systems is critical. But scolding <a href="http://www.rachellaudan.com/2017/03/im-a-happy-food-waster.html" target="_blank">can backfire</a>, as experience with <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/food-waste">food waste</a> shows.
</p><p>
Another factor is U.S. reliance on <a href="https://www.thebalancesmb.com/single-and-dual-stream-recycling-2877722" target="_blank">single-stream recycling systems</a>, in which all recyclables are placed in the same receptacle. This approach is easier for consumers but produces a mixed stream of materials that is difficult and expensive to sort and clean at recycling facilities.
</p><p>
The U.S. currently has <a href="https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Solid-Waste-Final.pdf" target="_blank">633 materials recycling facilities</a>, which can clean, sort and bale a total of 100,000 tons of recyclables per day. Today they are under growing pressure as scrap piles up. Even before China's restrictions went into effect, materials recycling facilities operators threw out <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/12/what-actually-happens-to-a-recycled-plastic-bottle/418326/" target="_blank">around half</a> of what they received because of contamination. Most are not equipped to meet China's stringent new contamination standards, and their <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/china-contamination-standard-MRFs/519659/" target="_blank">processing rates have slowed</a>—but garbage production rates have not.
</p><p>
Finally, since China was the U.S. plastic scrap market's main buyer, its ban has eliminated a key revenue stream for municipal governments. As a result, some waste collection agencies are <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/china-ban-prompts-oregon-county-to-suspend-recycling-program/524447/" target="_blank">suspending curbside pickup</a>, while others are raising prices. All <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/what-chinese-import-policies-mean-for-all-50-states/510751/" target="_blank">50 states</a> have been affected to some extent.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODMyNzkyOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTM3NTEzMn0.co8aEaLIh_i_QrxCRLD_W48laF7RYrmTdZIO1pJmeJk/img.png?width=980" id="2d09f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e942324bb58bb4286345fffa3941d964" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Over 70 percent of U.S. plastic waste goes to landfills. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit..."><a href="https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/plastics-material-specific-data" target="_blank">USEPA</a></small></p><p>
<strong>No Silver Bullets<br>
</strong>
</p><p>
Numerous public and private entities are working to find a more viable solution for plastics recycling. They include plastics <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/Media/PressReleasesTranscripts/ACC-news-releases/Americas-Plastics-Makers-Respond-to-G7-Charter-Aimed-at-Cleaner-Oceans.html" target="_blank">producers</a> and <a href="http://www.isri.org/advocacy-compliance/china" target="_blank">recyclers</a>, corporations such as <a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/learn-more-about-sustainable-packaging" target="_blank">Coca-Cola</a>, <a href="https://serc.berkeley.edu/zero-waste/" target="_blank">colleges and universities</a>, <a href="http://www.closedlooppartners.com/" target="_blank">foundations</a>, <a href="https://www.unenvironment.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank">international organizations</a>, <a href="http://www.no-burn.org/" target="_blank">advocacy groups</a> and <a href="http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/zerowaste/" target="_blank">state governments</a>.
</p><p>
Upgrading materials recycling facilities and expanding domestic markets for plastic scrap is an obvious priority but will require large-scale investments. Increasing waste-to-energy incineration is another option. <a href="https://sweden.se/nature/the-swedish-recycling-revolution/" target="_blank">Sweden</a> relies on this approach to maintain its zero waste model.
</p><p>
But incineration is deeply controversial in the U.S., where it has <a href="https://www-statista-com.libproxy.berkeley.edu/statistics/499736/waste-to-energy-recovery-facilities-in-the-us/" target="_blank">declined</a> since 2001, partly due to strong opposition from host communities. Zero-waste and anti-incineration advocates have <a href="https://theconversation.com/garbage-in-garbage-out-incinerating-trash-is-not-an-effective-way-to-protect-the-climate-or-reduce-waste-84182" target="_blank">heavily criticized</a> initiatives such as the <a href="http://www.hefty.com/hefty-energybag/hefty-energybag-program/" target="_blank">Hefty EnergyBag Program</a>, a recent pilot initiative in Omaha, Nebraska to divert plastics to energy production. But small companies like Salt Lake City-based <a href="http://www.renewlogy.com/" target="_blank">Renewlogy</a> are working to develop newer, cleaner ways to convert plastics to energy.
</p><p>
Efforts to cut plastic use in the U.S. and other wealthy countries are <a href="http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25496/singleUsePlastic_sustainability.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y" target="_blank">focusing on single-use products</a>. Initiatives such as <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/07/news-how-plastic-straw-bans-work/" target="_blank">plastic straw</a> and <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/over-60-countries-introduced-bans-fees-single-use-plastic-waste/" target="_blank">bag bans</a> build awareness, but may not significantly reduce the problem of plastic trash by themselves. For example, plastic straws account for only <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-06-07/plastic-straws-aren-t-the-problem" target="_blank">0.03 percent</a> of the plastic that is likely to enter the oceans in any given year.<br>
</p><p>
Industry is starting to <a href="https://www.salon.com/2018/05/24/as-plastic-straw-bans-become-mainstream-some-fear-pushback-from-corporations/" target="_blank">push back</a>, with corporations like <a href="https://www.salon.com/2018/05/24/as-plastic-straw-bans-become-mainstream-some-fear-pushback-from-corporations/" target="_blank">McDonald's</a> resisting straw bans. Some U.S. states have passed measures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2016/03/14/arizona-legislature-approves-ban-on-plastic-bag.html" target="_blank">forbidding plastic bag restrictions</a>.
</p><p>
To stem ocean plastic pollution, <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/closed-loop-partners-southeast-asia-ocean-plastics-initiative/518489/" target="_blank">better waste management on land</a> is critical, including steps to combat illegal dumping and manage hard-to-recycle plastics. Examples include <a href="https://phys.org/news/2016-06-recycle-polycarbonates-bpa-leaching.html" target="_blank">preventing BPA leaching from discarded products</a>, dechlorinating <a href="https://www.vinylplus.eu/uploads/Modules/Documents/2015-04-20-pvc-recycling-brochure---english.pdf" target="_blank">polyvinyl chloride</a> products, on-site <a href="http://news.berkeley.edu/2017/02/15/3d-printer-filament-reclamation-project/" target="_blank">recycling of 3D printer waste</a>, and making <a href="http://purecycletech.com/" target="_blank">virgin-quality plastic</a> out of used polypropylene.
</p><p>
The European Union is developing a <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm" target="_blank">circular economy platform</a> that contains a multi-part strategy to increase plastics recycling and control waste. It includes making all plastic packaging recyclable by 2030 and reducing leakage of plastic products into the environment. The U.S. is unlikely to adopt such sweeping policies at the national level. But for cities and states, especially those where support for environmental protection is strong, it could be a more attainable vision.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
<iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" class="rm-shortcode twitter-embed-990037901592416256" id="twitter-embed-990037901592416256" type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-990037901592416256&created_ts=1524878404.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Scientists+Develop+%27Infinitely%27+Recyclable+Plastics+Replacement+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fq8lK2Fq8xq+%40savingoceans+%40PlasticPollutes&id=990037901592416256&name=EcoWatch" frameborder="0" data-rm-shortcode-id="S8R28B1576663177"></iframe>
</p><p><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-plastic-waste-crisis-is-an-opportunity-for-the-us-to-get-serious-about-recycling-at-home-93254" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.</em><br></p><script async="async" data-counter="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/93254/count?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" id="theconversation_tracker_hook" src="https://theconversation.com/javascripts/lib/content_tracker_hook.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
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U.S. Department of Agriculture / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Even if you try to avoid buying plastics, you might be surprised to find it lurks in many common food and beverage containers, including tin cans, disposable coffee cups and even tea bags.
On Wednesday, however, the environmental group A Plastic Planet debuted the world's first "Plastic Free Trust Mark" to help shoppers know that their products are packaged entirely without the non-biodegradable material, which harms marine life and has entered the larger food chain.
<p>
"Now we all know the damage our addiction to plastic has caused, we want to do the right thing and buy plastic-free. But it is harder than you think and a clear no-nonsense label is much needed," said A Plastic Planet co-founder Sian Sutherland in a statement.<br>
</p><p>
<span></span>"Our Trust Mark cuts through the confusion of symbols and labels and tells you just one thing—this packaging is plastic-free and therefore guilt-free. Finally shoppers can be part of the solution, not the problem."
</p><p>
According to <a href="https://packagingeurope.com/first-plastic-free-trustmark-launched/" target="_blank">Packaging Europe</a>, Trust Mark-accredited packaging will include materials such as carton board, wood pulp, glass, metal and certified-compostable biomaterials.
</p><p>
<span></span>Early adopters of the new stamp include UK supermarket chain <a href="https://www.iceland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Iceland Foods</a>, Dutch grocer <a href="https://www.ekoplaza.nl/" target="_blank">Ekoplaza</a> and tea brand <a href="https://www.teapigs.co.uk/" target="_blank">teapigs</a>.
</p><p>
Iceland Foods, which <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-pollution-mcdonalds-2525962206.html" target="_blank">pledged</a> to eliminate plastic packaging from its own brand of products by 2023, will sell eggs, cottage pie and vegetable burgers that feature the new "plastic free" label, which the company says will remove more than 600 tonnes of plastic out of circulation annually. Many of its other products are expected to make the switch.<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
<iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" class="rm-shortcode twitter-embed-996732835305320449" id="twitter-embed-996732835305320449" type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-996732835305320449&created_ts=1526474600.0&screen_name=IcelandFoods&text=%F0%9F%93%A3+This+is+a+%23TooCoolForPlastic+announcement+%F0%9F%93%A3%0AWe%E2%80%99re+very+proud+to+announce+our+partnership+with+%40aplastic_planet%21%E2%80%A6+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Ft5NaFypB6T&id=996732835305320449&name=Iceland+Foods+%E2%9D%84%EF%B8%8F" frameborder="0" data-rm-shortcode-id="O30X761576683816"></iframe>
</p><p>"With the grocery retail sector accounting for more than 40 percent of plastic packaging in the UK, it's high time that Britain's supermarkets came together to take a lead on this issue," said Iceland managing director, Richard Walker, in a statement. "I'm proud to lead a supermarket that is working with A Plastic Planet to realize a plastic-free future for food and drink retail."</p><p>
Ekoplaza, which launched the world's first
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-free-supermarket-2540794987.html" target="_blank">plastic-free supermarket aisle</a> in Amsterdam this past February, will roll out the Trust Mark at 74 branches across the Netherlands. It aims to have each store feature the label on selected Ekoplaza brands by the end of the year.
</p><p>
Teapigs co-founder Louise Cheadle said the company is pleased to add the mark to its packaging.
</p><p>
"A lot of tea drinkers have been surprised to learn that many teabags contain plastic," Cheadle said in a statement. "Our tea 'temples' have always been plastic free and our clear inner bags (that keep the tea nice and fresh) are made from Natureflex which looks like plastic but is made from wood pulp. The trust mark will make it easy for consumers to make the right plastic-free choices."
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
<iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" class="rm-shortcode twitter-embed-996732725049643008" id="twitter-embed-996732725049643008" type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-996732725049643008&created_ts=1526474574.0&screen_name=teapigs&text=The+response+to+being+awarded+a+Plastic-Free+Trust+Mark+has+been+amazing%21%21+%40aplastic_planet+have+worked+so+hard+to%E2%80%A6+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F8UNgJcpSkb&id=996732725049643008&name=teapigs" frameborder="0" data-rm-shortcode-id="Y3OV381576683816"></iframe>
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Aardvark
Last week, New York City lawmakers introduced a bill banning plastic straws in all bars and restaurants in the Big Apple, joining the growing worldwide war against this environmental scourge.
"There are 500 million straws being used everyday in the U.S.," Councilman Rafael L. Espinal Jr., the bill's lead sponsor, told NY1 on Thursday. "That's enough to fill Yankee Stadium five times over."
<p>
The 8 million tons of
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastics">plastic</a> garbage that flows into our <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/oceans">oceans</a> every year can easily harm or entangle <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/marine-life">marine life</a>, which is why it's important for us to prevent further damage. As Espinal <a href="https://twitter.com/RLEspinal/status/999343484367753216" target="_blank">tweeted</a>, "It's time for us as consumers to protect our planet by weaning off our dependence on single use plastic."
</p><p>
<span></span>The councilman is right. <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/straws-plastic-pollution-2461919306.html">Skipping the straw</a>, or opting for one of these sustainable options below, is a great way to start.
</p><p>
<strong>1. Compostable Straws</strong>
</p><p>
Marvin Stone invented the original paper straw in 1888. His invention was the go-to choice until plastic varieties became the standard after the 1960s. But there are still many paper varieties on the market today, including <a href="http://www.aardvarkstraws.com/" target="_blank">Aardvark</a>, which sells durable, compostable paper tubes based on Stone's original patent. Last September, Aardvark teamed up with ocean advocacy group <a href="https://www.lonelywhale.org/" target="_blank">Lonely Whale Foundation</a> for <a href="https://www.strawlessocean.org/seattle/" target="_blank">Strawless in Seattle</a>, the first-ever citywide takeover to eliminate plastic straws.
</p><p>
Compostable straws work well if you like the convenience of something disposable or plan to serve drinks at a party or gathering. Other choices include straws made from <a href="https://www.haystraws.com/" target="_blank">wheat stems</a> (yes a straw straw) or <a href="http://www.bgreentoday.com/biodegradable-products/corn-pla-79-straw">corn bioplastic</a> (although this material is best composted in a commercial composting facility). One <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/6282028/plastic-straws-replaced-pasta/" target="_blank">restaurant</a> in Bristol, England even pairs drinks with Bucatini pasta, a spaghetti-like noodle with a hole running through the middle.
</p><p>
<strong>2. Bamboo</strong>
</p><p>
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/simple-tips-to-reduce-waste-2561236357.html" target="_blank">Reusable</a> straws are ideal for sipping beverages at home or when you're on the go. One of the best options is bamboo, as these all-natural straws are usually made without pesticides, chemicals or dyes. Bamboo is also a versatile and rapidly renewable crop. Since it's a natural material, bamboo straws are not dishwasher-safe and must be hand-washed. You also want the straw to be bone dry after cleaning and stored in a well-ventilated place to prevent mold. Check out <a href="https://strawfree.org/shop/" target="_blank">StrawFree</a>, which even sells an extra-wide, boba-friendly straw so you'll be able to sip bubble tea sans plastic.
<strong></strong>
</p><p>
<strong>3. Metal</strong>
</p><p>
<strong></strong>Unlike bamboo, which might wear and tear over time, metal straws are made to last. I own dishwasher-safe, stainless steel straws from <a href="http://bunkoza.com/product/bunkoza-eco-straws-classic-stainless-steel-drinking-straw-cleaner/" target="_blank">Bunkoza</a>, which comes with a handy pouch and a natural wool cleaner. I love them because they keep my drinks cool, although they did clink against my teeth when I wasn't used to them at first. If you don't like the idea of toting around a metal tube, the Santa Fe-based team at <a href="https://finalstraw.com/" target="_blank">FinalStraw</a> have also invented the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/finalstraw-collapsible-straw-2562955647.html" target="_blank">world's first collapsible</a> stainless steel straw that you can conveniently attach to your keychain.
</p><p>
<strong>4. Glass</strong>
</p><p>
<strong></strong>Another eco-friendly, long-lasting option is glass. Although these can break or shatter if you are not careful, the advantage is you can see through them, so you can make sure they are squeaky clean. Another cool thing about glass straws is that they come in all kinds of colors and whimsical designs. <a href="https://www.strawesome.com/discover/choosing-best-glass-straw/" target="_blank">Strawsome</a> has advice on the perfect glass straw for you.<span></span>
</p><p>
<strong>5. Silicone</strong>
</p><p>
Unlike metal or glass, soft and bendy silicone straws don't clink your teeth, making them ideal for kids and straw-biters. <a href="https://www.softystraws.com/" target="_blank">Softy Straws</a> are made from food grade, BPA-free silicone and can handle extreme temperatures, so they work with hot drinks and can withstand the dishwasher.</p><p><em>*Note: The 500 million straws a day statistic stated in this article comes from the nonprofit <a href="http://www.ecocycle.org/bestrawfree" target="_blank">Eco-Cycle</a>. The statistic has been widely used in other media outlets including <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/01/travel/straw-bans-hotels-resorts.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-waste-factbox/small-changes-big-impact-how-to-reduce-waste-in-your-daily-life-idUSKCN1BF043" target="_blank">Reuters</a>, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/14/world/plastic-straws-ban-campaigns/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>, as well as by the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/straw-free.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a>. The statistic has <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/04/22/nbc-news-source-for-fishy-statistic-about-plastic-straws-is-research-by-9-year-old-boy.html" target="_blank">received criticism</a>, and in July 2018, the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html" target="_blank">New York Times published a story about the debate</a>, stating that "market research firms put the figure between 170 million and 390 million per day." </em></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
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Cryptic Moth Productions Inc / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Today, on World Environment Day 2018, the United Nations' Environment Program is urging governments, industries, communities and individuals around the world to take on a daunting but necessary task: Beat Plastic Pollution.
"Plastic pollution has become an epidemic," the agency writes. "Every year, we throw away enough plastic to circle the Earth four times. Much of that waste doesn't make it into a landfill, but instead ends up in our oceans, where it's responsible for killing one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals every year. For the good of the planet, it's time to rethink how we use plastic."
<p>
We couldn't agree more. Although plastic is undeniably useful, durable and affordable, the impact of this pervasive, non-biodegradable material on the environment will last for centuries. Here's what you should know about plastic—and also how you can make a positive difference.
</p><p>
<strong>1. Conventional Plastic Is Made From Fossil Fuels</strong></p><p>
The vast majority of scientists agree that the primary driver of global
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> is the burning of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fossil-fuels">fossil fuels</a>. And guess what? "Almost all plastics are made from fossil fuels, often by the same companies that produce oil and gas," Dr. David Suzuki <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/oceans-plastic-pollution-2554131906.html" target="_blank">writes</a>. The production of plastic uses <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/oceans-plastic-pollution-2554131906.html" target="_blank">around 8 percent</a> of the world's oil production.
</p><p>
Suzuki notes, "We don't have to stop using fossil fuels and producing fossil-fuel-derived plastics overnight, but we can't continue to regard the industry as the backbone of our economies and ways of life, and we must stop being so wasteful."
</p><p>
<strong>2. We've Thrown Away Most of the Plastic Ever Made</strong>
</p><p>
Since the 1950s, when plastic production started to take off, more than 9 billion tons of plastic have been generated, distributed and discarded.
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-pollution-2464595364.html" target="_blank">Climate News Network</a> explains, "Of that waste, only 9 percent has been recycled, 12 percent incinerated and 79 percent of what is essentially indestructible man-made material is either in landfill or polluting the environment."
</p><p>
The three ways we get rid of plastic has its own problems. When it sits in a landfill, harmful chemicals used to produce plastics
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/7-types-of-plastic-wreaking-havoc-on-our-health-1882198584.html">such as BPA</a> can leach into our groundwater. As for the small amount that gets incinerated, burning the plastic is a major source of air pollution and thus harmful to human health. And while recycling is always encouraged, not only is the process energy intensive, plastics (<a href="when%20plastics%20break%20down,%20they%20usually%20break%20down%20into%20molecules%20that%20can't%20be%20easily%20reshaped%20into%20plastics%20or%20other%20useful%20items%20without%20going%20through%20many%20different%20chemical%20processes.">for now</a>) are not infinitely recyclable. As <a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/article/plastic-polymer-recyclable" target="_blank">ScienceNews</a> explained, when plastics break down, they usually break down into molecules that can't be easily reshaped into plastics or other useful items without going through many different chemical processes.
</p><p>
<strong>3. Oceans Have Become a Dumping Ground for Plastic Waste</strong>
</p><p>
An
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/8-million-metric-tons-of-plastic-dumped-into-worlds-oceans-each-year-1882012563.html">estimated 8 million tons</a> of plastics leaches into the oceans each year. The material can be found in the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-bag-mariana-trench-2567907997.html">deepest ocean trenches</a> or circulating around and around the world's <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/5-gyres-of-plastic-trash-pollutes-the-worlds-oceans-1881896559.html">five gyres</a>, where it can potentially entangle, choke or kill aquatic life.
</p><p>
Ocean plastic is a minefield for marine creatures, affecting everything from
<a href="http://ecowatch.com/2015/07/09/plankton-eat-ocean-plastic/" target="_blank">microscopic plankton</a> to <a href="http://ecowatch.com/2015/08/14/whale-choke-plastic/" target="_blank">giant whales</a>. One <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/ocean-plastic-will-be-found-in-99-percent-of-seabirds-by-2050-1882094531.html">study</a> estimated that the debris can be found in the majority of all species of seabirds. Another <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/there-will-be-more-plastic-than-fish-in-the-ocean-by-2050-1882154887.html" target="_blank">study</a> found that if we continue to consume plastics in a business-as-usual scenario, the ocean is expected to contain one ton of plastic for every three tons of fish by 2025, and by 2050, more plastics than fish by weight. Of course, the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-bali-manta-point-diver-2543541335.html" target="_blank">proliferation</a> of plastic and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/microplastics" target="_blank">microplastics</a> has prompted <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-consumption-food-dust-2556502607.html">concerns</a> that they might work their way up the food chain to us.
</p><p>
<strong>4. Governments and Businesses Are Waking Up to the Planet's Plastic Scourge </strong>
</p><p>
Here's some good news. It seems like every month, a new
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/alaska-airlines-plastic-straws-2571032415.html">business</a>, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/san-francisco-plastic-straw-ban-2569049425.html">municipality</a>, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/chile-plastic-ban-2573881713.html">country</a>, and even an <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/eu-ban-single-use-plastic-2538546402.html">entire continent</a> are taking action against single-use plastics. These entities have introduced or have <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/kenya-plastic-bag-ban-2478631203.html">already enforced</a> bans on items such plastic drinking straws, stirrers, grocery bags, bottles, plastic-lined coffee cups, takeaway foam containers and even non-biodegradable <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/wet-wipes-ban-uk-2566716761.html">wet wipes</a>.
</p><p>
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/eu-plastics-ban-2573215290.html">Last week</a>, the European Union's executive arm <a href="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-3927_en.htm" target="_blank">proposed</a> banning the 10 most common single-use plastic products as well as lost and abandoned <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fishing" target="_blank">fishing gear</a>.
</p><p>
"Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem, because plastic waste ends up in our air, our soil, our oceans, and in our food," said EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans in a statement.
</p><p>
<strong><span></span>5. You Can Be a Part of the Solution </strong>
</p><p>
The United Nations puts it this way: "If you can't reuse it, refuse it." For instance, say no to plastic straws at restaurants and bars. Or, you can bring your own
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-drinking-straw-alternatives-2571689759.html">eco-friendly alternative</a>.
</p><p>
You can also volunteer at a beach cleanup, pressure your local lawmakers and government to take action, and spread the word to your friends and family. The UN recently launched it
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/beat-plastic-pollution-2573622594.html" target="_blank">#BeatPlasticPollution challenge</a> to encourage people to give up single-use plastics. Participants are asked to announce their commitment on social media and tag their friends to help spread the message within 24 hours.
</p><p>
Former California Governor and staunch environmentalist
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/arnold-schwarzenegger" target="_blank">Arnold Schwarzenegger</a> participated in the challenge. In his video, he pledged to "terminate" plastic spoons in his house and replace them with metal spoons.
</p><p>
"We all have to work very hard to make this a healthy environment, a great environment, and to save our oceans and save the planet," he said.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
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Toxic Chemicals May Increase Chances of Regaining Weight After Dieting
26 March 2018
Health + Wellness
By Alexis Temkin
Exposure to fluorinated industrial chemicals, known as PFAS or PFC chemicals, may increase the amount of weight that people, especially women, regain after dieting, according to a new study by Harvard University researchers, published in PLOS Medicine. It found that women with higher levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood at the start of the study regained an average of 3.7 to 4.8 pounds more than women with lower levels of the chemicals in their blood.
<p>People can be exposed to PFAS chemicals from many sources, including water, food and consumer products. In the home, PFAS chemicals can be found in stain-proofing treatments for <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/03/first-california-moves-protect-people-toxic-pfas-chemicals-carpets-0" target="_blank">carpets</a>, in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/03/washington-first-state-ban-fluorinated-chemicals-food-packaging#.WrPJfJPwZQN" target="_blank">food packaging materials</a> and even in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/2018/03/07/is-teflon-in-your-cosmetics" target="_blank">cosmetics and personal care products</a>. The Harvard study joins a significant body of research linking PFAS chemicals to cancer, thyroid disease, endocrine disruption and other health problems. One of the study co-authors, Philippe Grandjean, a professor at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has published studies showing that very low levels of PFAS chemicals can reduce the effectiveness of childhood vaccines.</p><p>The researchers measured PFAS levels in the blood of 621 study participants, who were put on weight loss diets for the study. In addition to greater weight gain after diet-induced weight loss, higher PFAS levels were associated with lowered metabolism, a possible explanation for the weight gain.</p><p>The senior author of the study was Qi Sun, a professor at the Harvard Chan School. In a <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/pfass-chemicals-environment-body-weight/" target="_blank">press release</a>, he said PFASs and other chemicals have been linked with weight gain and obesity in laboratory animals, but until now there has been little data on their effect on people.</p><p>"Now, for the first time, our findings have revealed a novel pathway through which PFASs might interfere with human body weight regulation and thus contribute to the obesity epidemic," Qi said.</p><p>Years of research have shown that dieters who lose weight often regain some or all of it in a year or two. The new study, along with a growing body of scientific evidence, suggests exposure to chemical pollutants may play a role in how we manage our weight and that we may be more likely to develop diseases like obesity and diabetes based on our chemical exposures. These chemicals are called obesogens.</p><p>A new book by <a href="http://www.ehn.org/dieting-and-exercise-arent-enough-chemicals-are-making-us-fat-2550463702.html" target="_blank">Bruce Blumberg</a>, Ph.D., a professor at the University of California at Irvine, explains how obesogens may be offsetting our efforts to control our weight.</p><p><em>The Obesogen Effect: Why We Eat Less and Exercise More But Still Struggle to Lose Weight</em> describes the science of obesogens and how they fit into the bigger picture of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Endocrine disruptors are a class of chemicals that can alter hormone function, leading to reproductive harms like infertility and neurodevelopment problems like lowered IQ. Scientific evidence indicates that several endocrine-disrupting chemicals Americans are exposed to daily include obesogens like PFASs, phthalates, flame retardants, bisphenol A and artificial sweeteners.</p><p>As with endocrine-disrupting chemicals, children and developing fetuses can be more vulnerable than adults to the harms associated with obesogens. As <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2017/11/researchers-link-kids-weight-gain-chemical-exposures#.WrQIzmaZNBx" target="_blank">EWG reported</a> in November, researchers are finding that exposures in the womb to BPA and air pollution are associated with increased fat and body mass index when children reach school age and adolescence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm" target="_blank">almost one-fifth of American children are obese.</a></p><p>"The existence of obesogens and the potential heritability of the effects they cause means that women of childbearing age, women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or who have young children would benefit greatly by reducing their exposure—and their children's exposure—to obesogens and [endocrine-disrupting chemicals] in general," Blumberg told EWG. </p><p>Wondering how to do that? In the book, Blumberg discusses steps to follow if you want to reduce your exposure to obesogens and other endocrine disruptors. One way is to follow the tips in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/#.WrLn9VPwYdU" target="_blank">EWG's Healthy Living: Home Guide</a>. But the best place to start is food.</p><p>Blumberg recommends "providing whole, fresh, unprocessed food that is free of dietary and chemical obesogens. To the extent possible, these foods should be organic."</p><p>If some organic foods are unavailable or unaffordable, turn to EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/?gclid=CjwKCAjws6jVBRBZEiwAkIfZ2tWHOcMwgwTr5yBQTgclW0lo9ix4QSCZAa-r00GjuR0CDA9hRKZ5JRoCaA4QAvD_BwE#.WqqlbpPwZTY" target="_blank">Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™</a>. It'll tell you which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy organic. An updated version of the guide will be released next month.</p>
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