"There's evidence that plastic is making its way into our bodies," said Charles Rolksy, a scientist at Arizona State University. asuresearch / YouTube
By Krissy Waite
Bolstering activists' demands to reduce plastic pollution worldwide, Arizona State University scientists on Monday presented their research on finding micro- and nanoplastics in human organs to the American Chemical Society.
<p>Greenpeace UK responded to the reporting on the study by calling to "massively reduce the amount of plastic" produced and used worldwide. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Microplastic particles have been found in human organs for the first time! 😟<br><br>Microplastic pollution effects the entire planet. The best way to tackle the problem is to massively reduce the amount of plastic that's being made and used.<a href="https://t.co/ARSPnjttLn">https://t.co/ARSPnjttLn</a></p>— Greenpeace UK (@GreenpeaceUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenpeaceUK/status/1295346422477463552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Microplastics are plastics that are less than five millimeters in diameter and nanoplastics are less than 0.001 millimeters in diameter. Both are broken down bits of larger plastic pieces that were dumped into the environment. According to <a href="https://www.plasticseurope.org/application/files/9715/7129/9584/FINAL_web_version_Plastics_the_facts2019_14102019.pdf" target="_blank">PlasticsEurope.org</a>, 359 million tons of plastic was produced globally in 2019.</p><p>Previous research has shown that people could be eating a credit card's <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/?348371/Could-you-be-eating-a-credit-card-a-week" target="_blank">worth of plastic a day</a>; a study <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank">published in 2019 suggests</a> humans eat, drink and breathe almost 74,000 microplastic particles a year. Microplastics have been found in places ranging from the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/27/the-hills-are-alive-with-the-signs-of-plastic-even-swiss-mountains-are-polluted" target="_blank">tallest mountains</a> in the world to the depths of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/20/plastic-pollution-mariana-trench-deepest-point-ocean" target="_blank">Mariana Trench</a>. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/31/microplastics-found-every-marine-mammal-uk-study" target="_blank">Plastic particles in wildlife</a> have been shown to substantially <a href="https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/plastic-problem/plastic-affect-animals/" target="_blank">harm entire ecosystems</a>, especially <a href="https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/microplastics-problem-for-marine-animals/" target="_blank">marine organisms</a>.</p>
<p>The Arizona State University scientists developed and tested a new method to identify dozens of plastics in human tissue that could eventually be used to collect global data on microplastic pollution and its impact on people. To test the technique, the scientists used 47 tissue samples from lung, liver, spleen and kidney samples collected from a tissue bank. Researchers then added particles to the samples and found they could detect microplastics in every sample.<br></p><p>These specific tissues were used because these organs are the most likely to be exposed to, filter or collect plastics in the human body. Because the samples were taken from a tissue bank, scientists also were able to analyze the donors' lifestyles including environmental and occupational exposures.</p>
<p>"It would be naive to believe there is plastic everywhere but just not in us," Rolf Halden, a scientist on the team, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/17/microplastic-particles-discovered-in-human-organs?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco" target="_blank">told</a> The Guardian. "We are now providing a research platform that will allow us and others to look for what is invisible — these particles too small for the naked eye to see. The risk [to health] really resides in the small particles … This shared resource will help build a plastic exposure database so that we can compare exposures in organs and groups of people over time and geographic space."</p><p>The researchers found bisphenol A (BPA) in all 47 samples and were also able to detect polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — a chemical used in plastic drink bottles and shopping bags. They also found and analyzed polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene (PE). These particles can end up in human bodies through the air or by consuming wildlife like seafood that has eaten plastic; or by consuming other foods with trace amounts of plastic from packaging.</p><p>The team also <a href="https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/2020/august/micro-and-nanoplastics-detectable-in-human-tissues.html" target="_blank">developed a computer program</a> that converts the collected data on plastic particle count into units of mass and area.</p><p>"In a few short decades, we've gone from seeing plastic as a wonderful benefit to considering it a threat," Charles Rolsky, a member of the team, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/17/in%20a%20press%20release" target="_blank">said</a> in a press release. "There's evidence that plastic is making its way into our bodies, but very few studies have looked for it there. And at this point, we don't know whether this plastic is just a nuisance or whether it represents a human health hazard."</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/08/17/activists-demand-bolder-efforts-address-pollution-after-scientists-find" target="_blank">Common Dreams</a>.</em><br/></p>From Your Site Articles
- Microplastics Are Increasing in Our Lives, New Research Finds ... ›
- Microplastics Found in Antarctic Sea Ice Samples for First Time ... ›
- Study: 93% of Bottled Water Contains Microplastics - EcoWatch ›
- People Eat 50,000+ Microplastics Every Year, New Study Finds ... ›
- Microplastics Are Raining Down on Cities - EcoWatch ›
- New Study: 15.5 Million Tons of Microplastics Litter Ocean Floor - EcoWatch ›
- Bottle-Fed Babies May Consume Millions of Microplastic Particles a Day ›
- Microplastics Discovered Near Mount Everest Summit - EcoWatch ›
- 550 Groups Urge Biden to Become #PlasticFreePresident With 8 Executive Actions - EcoWatch ›
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First U.S. BPA Lab Study on Humans Finds Troubling Health Effects at Levels Deemed ‘Safe’
14 September 2018
Health + Wellness
BPA is found in plastic bottles, and it also leaches from can linings into foods, beverages and infant formula. Pixabay
The first U.S. study of the effect on people of exposure to a hormone-disrupting chemical widely used in food packaging showed that levels the Food and Drug Administration deems "safe" can alter insulin response, a key marker for diabetes.
The groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, administered low doses of bisphenol A, or BPA, to 16 people, then tested their insulin production in response to glucose, commonly called blood sugar. When insulin and blood glucose levels were compared to the same measurements taken without exposure to BPA, researchers found that BPA significantly changed how glucose affected insulin levels. Similar insulin and glucose tests are used by doctors for diagnosing diabetes.
<p>"We're living in an age where type 2 diabetes is rampant. Here is a signal of a new path to explore for what is causing it," Pete Myers, a co-author of the study, told <a href="https://www.ehn.org/bpa-linked-to-diabetes-2604258226.html" target="_blank">Environmental Health News.</a></p><p>Myers is founder, CEO and chief scientist of Environmental Health Sciences. Other researchers for the study were from the University of Missouri at Columbia, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Elche in Spain.</p><p>"These troubling findings should raise alarms at the Food and Drug Administration and ignite renewed efforts to drastically reduce all Americans' exposure to BPA," said Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., an EWG toxicologist. "It's appalling that the FDA and other federal agencies continue to say current exposure levels to BPA are safe, and refuse to ban BPA from food and food packaging."</p><p>The study also adds to the body of literature suggesting that insulin response could be a key link between BPA exposure and obesity. In recent years, studies from researchers at the <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1205548/" target="_blank">University of California at Berkeley</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047776/" target="_blank">Columbia University</a> and the <a href="https://experts.umich.edu/en/publications/bisphenol-a-and-phthalates-in-utero-and-in-childhood-association-" target="_blank">University of Michigan</a> reported that children exposed to BPA had increased amounts of body fat.</p><p>In the new study, people who were less effective at controlling blood sugar levels seemed more sensitive to BPA's effects. In addition to diabetes and obesity, it has been linked to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935116302110" target="_blank">ADHD</a> in children and <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/04/new-research-links-bpa-breast-cancer-lab-animals-fda-downplays-concerns#.W5p5lpNKjok" target="_blank">breast cancer</a> in laboratory animals.</p><p>It leaches from can linings into <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/food/">foods</a>, beverages and even infant formula, and ends up in the bodies of more than 9 in 10 of Americans. Another main route of exposure to BPA comes from handling store receipts. In 2010, EWG found BPA in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news/news-releases/2010/07/27/ewg-tests-find-high-bpa-loads-receipts#.W5p6RZNKjok" target="_blank">40 percent of receipts</a> sampled from major U.S. businesses and services, including outlets of McDonald's, CVS, KFC, Whole Foods, Walmart, Safeway and the U.S. Postal Service.</p><p>Independent research consistently documents serious health problems associated with low-dose exposure to BPA, yet the FDA continues to insist that the chemical is "<a href="https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/FoodAdditivesIngredients/ucm064437.htm#summary" target="_blank">safe at the current levels occurring in foods</a>."</p><p>This week, independent scientists who have studied BPA held a <a href="https://www.cmu.edu/igs/sustainable/CLARITY-BPA/index.html" target="_blank">webinar</a> discussing results of a joint FDA and academic study that found statistically significant adverse health effects associated with low level exposure to BPA. The webinar presenters stated the FDA's reference dose for BPA would need to be cut by 20,000 times in order to protect public health.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="515a1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="AOYNRI1576662843"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="744647228757794816" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">These 16,000 Foods May Contain the Hormone-Disrupting Chemical BPA https://t.co/EUyylKrBTo @Healthy_Child @Healthy_Child</div> — EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)<a href="https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/statuses/744647228757794816">1466372708.0</a></blockquote></div>
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Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They are produced when minerals and salts, most commonly calcium oxalate, crystallize in the kidneys, creating hard, crystal-like stones. If you've ever had a kidney stone, we're sure you won't want to repeat the experience!
Ideally, you never want to have to go through this painful process. Fortunately, several steps and natural treatments can be used to reduce the chances of suffering them. In this article we'll examine how these annoying solidifications originate and how to treat them effectively and quickly with natural remedies.
<h1>What are Kidney Stones?</h1><p>Kidney stones are solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones may occur at the same time in the kidney or ureters. The stone formations can consist of calcium oxalate, phosphates, or cystine. Stone formation occurs when urine is high in certain crystal-forming substances. The stones have to travel through the<a href="https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/calculos-renales" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> urinary tract</a> to leave the body, which is known as eliminating kidney stones, something that can be utterly painful. </p><p>Deposits made of calcium are the most common ones, and they can be formed by combining with phosphate or carbonate. But there are also calcium oxalate stones, which involve a nutrient present in certain foods like spinach and vitamin C supplements. These can be recurrent in people suffering from small intestine diseases, increasing the risk of kidney stones.</p><p>The crystals can turn into stones over weeks or even months, so you may not have symptoms until the stones move down the tubes called ureters, through which urine empties into your bladder. This is why it is possible to have kidney stones without you noticing any discomfort at the beginning.</p><p>However, the main symptom is intense pain that begins and disappears suddenly. This acute pain can be around the abdominal area or a side of the back, and sometimes it spreads to the groin area. Some more advanced symptoms include an abnormal color of urine or blood in the secretion, shivering, fever, nausea, and vomiting.</p><h1>Kidney Stone Treatments</h1><p>Before trying any home remedies, it is necessary to speak with a doctor, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or you are taking prescription medication.</p><p>Kidney stones that cause serious problems can be treated with a technique called "<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/treatment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy</a>," which is a technique that can break up these stones from outside the body, allowing them to pass out through the urethra more easily. However, occasionally, surgery may be necessary.</p><p>For those who can spontaneously pass a stone, the conventional treatments are pain relievers and drinking lots of fluids. But if you already know that you frequently suffer from "silent" stones or those that do not cause symptoms, they can be mainly treated with preventive dietary measures alone. These methods include increasing fluids, modifying your diet, and taking medications or supplements that alter urine chemistry.</p><h1>Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones</h1>
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<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNjAzNTg2MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDQzMjk0NH0.CxfL9p37i28Dy7o2jgWQJWmuVpvzqO8CAG2cNMVSQR0/img.jpg?width=980" id="76bf5" width="1280" height="733" data-rm-shortcode-id="285757819a14c127c005969d90fa605e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Joff Lee / The Image Bank / Getty Images</small></p>
<p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><h3>Water<br></h3><p>Make sure you are constantly hydrated. Drink enough liquid to generate at least<a href="https://soycomocomo.es/especialista/marc-verges/calculos-renales-o-piedras-en-el-rinon" target="_blank"> 2.5 liters</a> of urine daily. If you do not drink enough, the chances of developing deposits are more significant, and, therefore, the formation of stones will increase. If you avoid products from the processed food industry, you will already reduce sodium consumption, which is responsible for increasing urinary calcium excretion and present in high quantities in almost every preservative additive. Drinks such as sodas are a big facilitator for the formation of stones. This is why water—at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day—is the number one aid in both preventing and expelling kidney stones. </p><h3>Chanca Piedra</h3><p>This amazing herb, native to South America, is one of the best <a href="https://disolvatol.com/?ref=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">natural remedies for kidney stones</a>. It is rich in minerals that cleanse and detoxify the body, and it has been used for decades by the ancestral healers of Peru with wonderful results and a very low incidence of side effects. It is also used for the treatment of cystitis and urethritis resulting from the presence of calculi in either the kidney or bladder. </p><p>If you buy a Chanca Piedra product and aren't sure of its source, it's likely that it's not as potent as it could be. It's essential to choose reputable supplements to really take advantage of all the benefits and to be sure of its safety. <a href="https://disolvatol.com/?ref=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Disolvatol</a> is a supplement that uses 99.8% purity grade Chanca Piedra, making it an all-natural, safe, and effective herbal supplement designed to support kidney health.</p><h3>Apple Cider Vinegar</h3><p>Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which can help dissolve calcium deposits. Two tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces (0.24L) of water can <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319418" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce the symptoms of kidney stones</a> and prevent their development. This mixture should be drunk several times a day and can be most effective when consumed before meals.</p><h3>Lemon Juice</h3><p>Citric acid consumption increases diuresis, and this benefits renal filtration. Therefore, juices that contain citric acid, such as lemon juice, have a diuretic effect and can help us for two reasons. The first is that they leave less calcium available in the urine, and the second is that 60% of the patients with kidney stones have a low level of citrate in the urine, which is responsible for preventing crystals from forming.</p><h3>Basil</h3><p>Basil contains compounds known to help stabilize uric acid levels, and since it contains acetic acid, it helps to dissolve existing stones too. By simply drinking one teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice a day for two weeks, you can pass your stones safely and naturally without surgery or drugs. Also, it can help prevent and treat possible future kidney stones.</p><h3>Pomegranate Juice</h3><p>Buying whole pomegranates and eating their seeds, or squeezing them for juice, is the easiest way to get the health benefits of this fruit. Pomegranate juice also contains compounds that decrease urine acidity, making it difficult to form stones. The astringent and antioxidant properties of pomegranates are believed to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones and facilitate their elimination.</p><h3>Olive Oil</h3><p>Olive is the fruit of one of the most ancient trees on earth. Its cultivation goes back at least eight thousand years. It is a natural remedy for kidney stones. Because olive oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats, it is an excellent alternative to facilitate the removal of kidney stones by lubricating the urinary tract.</p><p>A 5-ounce (0.15L) glass first thing in the morning and another in the late afternoon, ideally at the same time as other herbal or home remedies, can reduce pain and discomfort.</p><h3>Kidney Beans</h3><p>These small red beans provide a robust and nutty flavor and are a natural remedy against forming kidney stones. Kidney beans are rich in nutrients that can affect the uric acid cycle, preventing calcium oxalate crystals.</p><h3>Dandelion roots</h3><p>Dandelion root and honey blend have been used as folk remedies for kidney stones for more than 100 years. It contains compounds that increase the production of bile and urine, which helps eliminate waste from the body. It is recommended to take 3 to 4 cups daily in the form of tea or juice.</p><h3>Horsetail</h3><p>Horsetail is one of the most prevalent kidney stone natural home remedies used by holistic practitioners for years due to its apparent ability to increase urine flow. The standard dose of horsetail is 1 g in capsule or tea form up to three times daily. </p><h1>How to Prevent Kidney Stones</h1>
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<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNjAzNTg2My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjU1ODkxMn0.G66cYOkdqw3LptrRSvhBVhMf15l-h4NfR0LSrnrdGTQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="a433a" width="1280" height="735" data-rm-shortcode-id="2f756fac28c9901c6ba3c575aa132a38" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">ericsphotography / E+ / Getty Images</small></p>
<p>Among the most common causes of kidney stones is a diet too rich in foods such as animal protein, bacon, dried legumes (peas, chickpeas, etc.), chocolate, cocoa, coffee, products with excess phosphorus or calcium.<br></p><p>Also, vitamin deficiency (in particular vitamins A), the acidity of the urine, or inflammation of the pelvis can play a role in kidney stones. Considering this, the primary tool to prevent kidney stones is to follow a healthy lifestyle, especially a <a href="https://vinculando.org/remedios_naturales/remedios_caseros_para_calculos_renales_calculos_biliares.html?format=pdf" target="_blank">diet based on</a> vegetables, and abundant fruits, especially pears and grapefruit. Avoid eating foods that are <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-kidney-stone-diet-not-as-restrictive-as-you-may-think" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high in oxalate</a>, salt, and animal proteins, as well as eggs, strong cheeses, and alcohol.</p><h2>When to Consult With a Doctor</h2><p>Kidney stones are most common in men between the ages of 40 and 60. In many cases they can cause severe pain in the back, lower abdomen, or the side below the ribs. If not treated quickly, they can damage your kidneys, and they can even lead to a kidney infection, urinary tract infection, or complete kidney failure if they are left too long. It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional long before any of these complications arise.</p><p>If you have already been diagnosed with a blockage due to a stone, its expulsion should be confirmed either by trapping it in a filter during urination or with a follow-up X-ray under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Some cases could even require immediate surgery. Remember, having no pain does not in any way confirm or guarantee that the stone has already passed.</p><p>Warning signs that should be evaluated by a doctor include persistent lower abdominal or lower back pain lasting more than four weeks, fever, chills, or vomiting.</p><h2>Prevent the Formation of Kidney Stones Naturally</h2><p>We can use natural aids in the form of <a href="https://disolvatol.com/?ref=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">supplements</a>, herbs, or specific foods to help decrease kidney stones and improve urine diuresis. The best way to deal with kidney stones is to prevent them in the first place with naturally available nutrients and supplements. Knowing how to take advantage of the magical tools that Mother Nature puts at our disposal can make a tremendous difference in our well-being and lifestyle.</p><p><em><strong>Sarita Vanegas</strong> is a writer based in Medellín, Columbia, where she covers environmentally-friendly products, natural health, and plant-based remedies. A former Baselang teacher, she is also passionate about learning languages and exploring other cultures.</em></p>
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The campaign to re-elect President Donald Trump has found a new way to troll liberals and sea turtles.
<p>The campaign website is selling packs of 10 <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastic-straws" target="_self">plastic straws</a> for $15, Trump re-election campaign manager Brad Parscale tweeted on Thursday, as <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/07/19/donald-trumps-2020-re-election-campaign-starts-selling-plastic-straws/1775841001/" target="_blank">USA Today reported</a>.</p><p>"Liberal paper straws don't work. STAND WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP and buy your pack of recyclable straws today," the <a href="https://shop.donaldjtrump.com/products/trump-straws" target="_blank">straws' description reads</a>.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="c9b4e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="HUP29B1576663882"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1151978569763082240" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Making Straws Great Again #Trump2020
https://t.co/kHXWaUnKt6</div> — Brad Parscale (@Brad Parscale)<a href="https://twitter.com/parscale/statuses/1151978569763082240">1563488068.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>Parscale further promoted the straws in an email Friday titled "Make Straws Great Again," <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/07/19/743683131/trump-seizes-on-soggy-paper-straws-as-campaign-issue-make-straws-great-again" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.<br></p><p>"I'm so over paper straws, and I'm sure you are too. Much like most liberal ideas, paper straws don't work and they fall apart instantly. That's why we just launched our latest product—Official Trump Straws," Parscale wrote. "Now you can finally be free from liberal paper straws that fall apart within minutes and ruin your drink." </p><p>Calls to ban plastic straws increased after a video of a turtle with a straw stuck up its nose went viral. Cities like <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/seattle-plastic-straw-ban-2579730918.html" target="_self">Seattle</a> have passed restrictions, and companies <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/starbucks-plastic-ban-2585390569.html" target="_self">including Starbucks</a> have vowed to phase them out. California <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-straws-california-2606762227.html" target="_self">became the first state</a> to ban them in sit-down restaurants last September.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
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</p><p>But conservatives aren't the only ones who have expressed frustration with the paper alternatives, which tend to become unusable as the liquid permeates them, NPR pointed out. Journalists across the political spectrum have complained about them on social media. For <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-straw-bans-disabled-2587630750.html" target="_self">some people with disabilities</a>, the flexibility and heat resistance of plastic straws are more than just a convenience: They enable people with mobility issues to hydrate on their own and drink independently when dining out.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="72329" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0H56XG1576663882"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1149411824657473536" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">me trying to use a paper straw, every single time https://t.co/W0lBCmE8Vt</div> — Mark Berman (@Mark Berman)<a href="https://twitter.com/markberman/statuses/1149411824657473536">1562876108.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>When asked about straw bans on Friday, Trump gave an answer that was "oddly reasonable," according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jul/19/trump-plastic-straws" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>.<br></p><p>"I do think we have bigger problems than plastic straws," Trump answered. "You know, it's interesting about plastic straws: so, you have a little straw, but what about the plates, the wrappers, and everything else that are much bigger and they're made of the same material? So, the straws are interesting. Everybody focuses on the straws. There's a lot of other things to focus on. But it's an–it's an interesting question."</p><p>Plastic straws only account for about one percent of the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastics" target="_self">plastic</a> in the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/oceans" target="_self">oceans</a>, according to Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions co-director Jim Leape. The oft-cited statistic that Americans use 500 million straws a day was downgraded to between 170 - 390 million straws a day, according to market research firms cited in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html" target="_blank">New York Times article</a> fact-checking the higher claim.</p><p>But Trump's uncharacteristically nuanced response seems to run against the tone his campaign manager was trying to set, The Guardian wrote, noting that Parscale was exploiting the straws' emerging position as a cultural-war battleground. Last summer, conservatives began taking defiant selfies of themselves drinking from plastic straws.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="15708" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="XFLMFU1576663882"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1024435048009748480" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Mmmm yum 😋 #straw tastes good! https://t.co/mdilaSvJJW</div> — Kaya Jones (@Kaya Jones)<a href="https://twitter.com/KayaJones/statuses/1024435048009748480">1533079323.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>Some have joked that the Trump campaign's latest attempt to "own the libs" has become something of a self-own. That's because the straws sold by the Trump campaign, which are recyclable, BPA-free, U.S. made and laser engraved, also cost $1.50 per straw. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/07/20/some-day-turtle-may-end-up-with-trump-branded-straw-its-nose-heres-why/?utm_term=.996f6a150a56" target="_blank">The Washington Post noted</a> that they are much more expensive than other plastic straw options on the market. Even extra-thick, reusable straws sell on Amazon for around $8 per pack of 12 to 30.<br></p><p>"Paying $1.50 a straw to own the libs," ProPublica journalist Jessica Huseman tweeted, as USA Today reported.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="2390e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="YSBYY91576663882"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1152054426267463680" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Paying $1.50 a straw to own the libs https://t.co/AAAuF4mPOJ</div> — Jessica Huseman (@Jessica Huseman)<a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaHuseman/statuses/1152054426267463680">1563506154.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>Despite the cost, the straws proved popular with Trump supporters. Republican National Committee spokesperson Elizabeth Harrington tweeted Friday that they had sold out.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="f50d7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="FLHJLS1576663883"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1152297624713793536" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Trump Straws already SOLD OUT
Should have stocked up while I had the chance!
#BanLibPaperStraws
https://t.co/GDhpKDX6qK</div> — Elizabeth Harrington (@Elizabeth Harrington)<a href="https://twitter.com/LizRNC/statuses/1152297624713793536">1563564137.0</a></blockquote></div>
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DESIREE MARTIN / AFP / Getty Images
What's the last thing you ate? Chances are you took a big bite of plastic.
<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank">Environmental Science & Technology</a> found that the average person swallows about 50,000 pieces of plastic per year and inhales about the same amount. <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/microplastics">Microplastics</a> — bits of plastic invisible to the human eye — are in our food, drinks, air, and increasingly in our stomachs and lungs. </p>
<p>But if eating 50,000 pieces of plastic per year isn't alarming enough, the true number is likely much higher. The researchers only looked at a small number of foods and drinks. And, drinking bottled water drastically increases the amount of microplastics you consume, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/05/people-eat-at-least-50000-plastic-particles-a-year-study-finds" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> reports.</p><p>"Individuals who meet their recommended water intake through only bottled sources may be ingesting an additional 90,000 microplastics annually, compared to 4,000 microplastics for those who consume only tap water," the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank">study</a> reads.</p><p>While you may try to reduce your plastic intake by not drinking from plastic bottles or eschewing plastic cutlery, you can't avoid it all together. The study authors note that microplastics are ubiquitous across ecosystems.</p><p>The researchers reviewed 26 previous studies that analyzed the amounts of microplastic particles in fish, shellfish, added sugars, salts, alcohol, tap or bottled water, and air. They then extrapolated U.S. dietary guidelines to calculate how many particle people would eat annually.</p><p>The studies available only allowed the researchers to look at a small percentage of foods. "We don't know a huge amount. There are some major data gaps that need to get filled," said Kieran Cox, at the University of Victoria in Canada, who led the research, as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/05/people-eat-at-least-50000-plastic-particles-a-year-study-finds" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> reported.</p><p>Foods like bread, processed products, meat, dairy and vegetables, may well contain just as much plastic, he said to The Guardian. "It is really highly likely there is going to be large amounts of plastic particles in these. You could be heading into the hundreds of thousands."</p><p>So, how dangerous is all this plastic in us? The jury is still out, but some pieces are small enough to enter human tissue. Once there, they are able to trigger immune reactions or release toxins, according to the <a href="https://phys.org/news/2019-06-microplastic-consumption.html" target="_blank">American Chemical Society</a>. And, the evidence on animals isn't promising — <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29529442" target="_blank">studies</a> show plastics in the ocean harm marine life, slow growth rates, and lower reproductive rates. Two ubiquitous plastics, BPA and phthalates, have been linked to lower sperm counts and decreases in male testosterone levels, according to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.sg/eating-microplastic-potential-health-effects-2019-6/?r=US&IR=T" target="_blank">Business Insider</a>.</p><p>Cox told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jun/05/people-eat-at-least-50000-plastic-particles-a-year-study-finds" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> that his research changed his own behavior. "I definitely steer away from plastic packaging and try to avoid bottled water as much as possible," he said.</p><p>He added ways that small actions can lead to big impacts. "Removing single-use plastic from your life and supporting companies that are moving away from plastic packaging is going to have a non-trivial impact," he said. </p>
<p><br/></p>From Your Site Articles
- Humans Eat More Than 100 Plastic Fibers With Each Meal - EcoWatch ›
- Microplastics Found in Antarctica's Food Chain for First Time - EcoWatch ›
- Microplastics Are Increasing in Our Lives, New Research Finds - EcoWatch ›
- Seafood Study Finds Plastic in 100% of Samples - EcoWatch ›
- Microplastics Found in Human Organs for First Time - EcoWatch ›
- Paint: The Big Source of Ocean Microplastics You Didn’t Know About - EcoWatch ›
- Bottle-Fed Babies May Consume Millions of Microplastic Particles a Day ›
- Microplastics Exposed to Water More Likely to Invade Animals ›
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The U.S. generates almost 80 million tons of packaging waste each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When landfilled or incinerated, this waste pollutes the environment and poses health risks to humans and wildlife. Packaging is also the main source of the plastic pollution that is clogging the ocean and expected to exceed the weight of all fish by 2050 at current rates. The food industry is largely responsible for this growing packaging problem.
<p>About <a href="http://www.ift.org/knowledge-center/read-ift-publications/science-reports/scientific-status-summaries/food-packaging.aspx" target="_blank">half</a> of the packaging waste in the U.S. comes from food and beverage products. And <a href="https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/globalbrandauditreport2018/" target="_blank">studies</a> suggest that large food corporations like Nestle and Uniliver generate the <a href="http://www.no-burn.org/waba2019/" target="_blank">majority</a> of the plastic waste</p><p><a href="https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2019/01/22/Consumer-push-back-against-plastic-will-spur-manufacturers-to-seek-new-packaging-in-2019" target="_blank">Recognizing this issue, and under pressure from consumers</a>, several of these very same corporations have recently pledged to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. Many smaller companies in the food and beverage and industry are doing the same, and some of them have been on the forefront of packaging innovations for years. Food Tank highlights 16 food and beverage companies to exhibit the industry's various approaches to sustainable packaging.</p><p><br/></p>
Alter Eco
<p>Alter Eco set out a decade ago to find sustainable alternatives to the non-recyclable flexible plastic used for their chocolate truffle wrappers and stand-up pouch packaging. After several years of research and development, Alter Eco released the <a href="https://sustainablebrands.com/read/chemistry-materials-packaging/alter-eco-s-gone4good-packaging-eliminates-plastic-pouch-problem" target="_blank">first</a> ever <a href="https://www.gone4good.com/" target="_blank">laminated stand-up pouch</a> made of plant-based compostable materials for their quinoa products. For the truffles, Alter Eco now partners with <a href="http://www.futamuragroup.com/divisions/cellulose-films/products/natureflex/" target="_blank">Natureflex</a> to make a compostable wrapper <a href="http://composed/" target="_blank">made</a> of eucalyptus and birch trees with <a href="https://www.newhope.com/supply-news-amp-analysis/guayaki-announces-ultimate-green-packaging-biodegradable-compostable" target="_blank">microscopic aluminum layers</a> that maintain freshness. The packaging will compost in home and industrial facilities and will <a href="http://www.futamuragroup.com/sustainability/certifications/" target="_blank">biodegrade in the ocean</a>. Alter Eco also uses non-toxic ink on all their packaging. For chocolate bar packaging, Alter Eco uses Forest Steward Council (<a href="https://us.fsc.org/en-us" target="_blank">FSC</a>) certified paperboard that comes from sustainably managed forests.</p>BOSS Foods
<p>BOSS Food's vegan superfood bars use compostable wrappers. The wrappers are made by <a href="https://tipa-corp.com/general/b-o-s-s-food-co-s-clean-label-products-called-compostable-packaging/" target="_blank">TIPA</a><u>.</u> TIPA's <a href="https://tipa-corp.com/products/" target="_blank">propriety</a> bio-based blend has all <a href="https://www.plasticethics.com/home/2018/11/15/tipa-an-innovative-company-producing-compostable-flexible-packaging-could-save-the-world" target="_blank">the properties of normal plastic</a> but is <a href="https://tipa-corp.com/sustainability_in_packaging/" target="_blank">certified</a> for industrial and home composting. TIPA <a href="https://www.newhope.com/manufacturing-and-supply-business-resources/tipa-create-next-generation-packaging-compostable" target="_blank">conducts</a> shelf-life tests with each brand they work with to ensure the same shelf life as conventional packaging.</p>Boxed Water is Better
<p>Reusable bottles are the most sustainable way to haul around water. But when that's not an option, Boxed Water is Better offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottles. The 100 percent recyclable box is 75 percent paper. The cap is made of plastic, and the rest is aluminum lining. The packaging is free of BPAs and phthalates. The paper comes from well-managed forests, and they use some of their profits for <a href="https://boxedwaterisbetter.com/pages/planting-trees" target="_blank">planting trees</a> in areas affected by deforestation and fires. The boxes flatten for shipping to regional filling locations, reducing the companies carbon footprint by using one truck for every 26 trucks needed for shipping plastic bottles.</p>Buddy Fruits
<p>Some companies would like to use more sustainable packaging but feel the nature of their product makes it difficult or impossible with available options. Recycling facilities can't accept the flexible plastic pouches Buddy Fruits uses for their small-batch fresh fruit purees. Sustainability is an important part of their brand, but the highly perishable product needs to be as airtight as possible. While searching for a more sustainable and equally secure alternative, BuddyFruits has partnered with <a href="https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/honest-kids" target="_blank">TerraCycle</a>. Terracycle collects and recycles hard to recycle products and makes new materials and products. Buddy Fruits customers can request an envelope from TerraCycle to ship-in their empty pouches. Many other food and beverage companies, like <a href="https://www.whiteleafprovision.com/pages/terracycle" target="_blank">White</a><a href="https://www.whiteleafprovision.com/pages/terracycle" target="_blank"> Leaf</a><a href="https://www.whiteleafprovision.com/pages/terracycle" target="_blank"> Provi</a><a href="https://www.whiteleafprovision.com/pages/terracycle" target="_blank">sions</a>, partner with TerraCycle for the same reasons as Buddy Fruits.</p>Celestial Tea
<p>Celestial Tea does not use strings, staples, and individual wrappers for its tea bags. The company says these practices prevent 3.5 million pounds of landfill material a year. Celestial's tea bags are compostable, and their outer boxes are made with 100 percent recycled paperboard.</p>Don Maslow Coffee
<p><a href="https://sprudge.com/the-truth-about-compostable-coffee-bags-105358.html" target="_blank">Several companies</a> sell coffee in bags that claim to be compostable but are not actually certified for composting. These bags use non-compostable plastic parts to keep them airtight. Fully compostable bags without these parts are also available, but they can't keep the coffee fresh for as long. A couple years ago, <a href="https://elevatepackaging.com/" target="_blank">Elevate Packaging</a> released the first coffee bag with compostable zippers and valves. Now Dan Maslow Coffee is one of the first to sell products in these <a href="https://donmaslowcoffee.com/blogs/sustainability/elevate-packaging" target="_blank">certified compostable bags</a>.</p>GF Harvest
<p>Instant meals are convenient in today's busy society, but they use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/14/meal-kits-cut-food-waste-but-packaging-is-a-problem-study-finds" target="_blank">lots of packaging</a>. GF Harvest offers sustainable to-go option with their <a href="http://glutenfreeoats.com/go/" target="_blank">GoPack</a> oatmeal bowls. The <a href="https://ecotensil.com/newsletters/where-sustainability-meets-grab-n-go-packaging/" target="_blank">recyclable bowls</a> are made from the <a href="https://www.graphicpkg.com/products/integraflex/" target="_blank">IntegraFlex collapsible cup</a>, with a rigid outer carton and an inner liner. The packaging comes flat to save space. When the customer is ready to eat, they prop up the outer layer into a bowl and add hot water. GoPacks come with a wrapped <a href="https://ecotensil.com/about/sustainability/" target="_blank">paper spoon</a> that is partially made from FSC certified paper and is recyclable wherever coffee cups are recyclable.</p>Guayaki
<p>This sustainability-focused yerba mate company is constantly seeking to reduce their packaging's environmental impact. It has been a difficult and on-going process — they identify packaging as the largest contributor to their overall GHG emissions. <a href="https://guayaki.com/regeneration-business-model/" target="_blank">Almost all</a> of Guyaki's packaging is recyclable bottles and cans, and they sell their loose leaf yerba mate in compostable <a href="http://www.biomasspackaging.com/brands/natureflex/" target="_blank">Natureflex</a> bags. They recently reduced their annual packaging use by 44,000 pounds by eliminating the overwrap and tea string from their single-use mate bags. A large portion of their cans are made of half previously recycled aluminum and use 95 percent less energy than conventional aluminum cans.</p>Honest Tea
<p>Honest Tea has <a href="https://www.c2ccertified.org/get-certified/product-certification" target="_blank">Cradle to Cradle</a> certification on their glass bottles. The certification indicates high marks in several sustainable indicators: use of reutilized materials, water stewardship, material safety, and use of renewable energy. Honest Tea is also in the process of rolling out new Tetra Pak packaging for their line of kids juices. <a href="https://www.tetrapak.com/us/sustainability/carton-recycling" target="_blank">Tetra Pak</a> is 75 percent FSC certified carton, and the rest is a mixture of plastic polymers and aluminum. Numerous <a href="http://tpcomprod.blob.core.windows.net/static/in/documents/good%20for%20you,%20good%20for%20the%20earth.pdf" target="_blank">studies</a> have found that the life-cycle GHG emissions of Tetra Pak is generally the lowest of packaging types. But not all recycling programs accept mixed material cartons like Tetra Pak, and <a href="http://www.exchangeorcas.org/non-recyclable-item-of-the-month-tetrapak/" target="_blank">some</a> that do end up sending the cartons to the dump or incinerator.</p>Love the Wild
<p>After a year of development and testing, Loving the Wild recently <a href="https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2019/03/13/Seafood-kit-company-LoveTheWild-overhauls-its-packaging-branding-to-further-its-sustainability-mission" target="_blank">released</a> a compostable tray for their line of ready-to-cook sustainable seafood meals. The tray is certified compostable and made from plant-based plastic. Loving the Wild will come out with a microwaveable version later this year.</p>Loving Earth
<p>Loving Earth's <a href="https://www.econicpack.com/econic-enhances-the-sustainability-of-loving-earth-chocolate/" target="_blank">chocolate bar</a> and <a href="https://www.econicpack.com/econic-packaging-launched-by-loving-earth/" target="_blank">superfood bar</a> packaging is made with <a href="https://www.econicpack.com/products/" target="_blank">Econic</a>, a compostable film derived from FSC certified wood pulp and non-gmo corn. Their chocolate boxes and line of boxed cereals <a href="https://m.lovingearth.net/blog/blog/2016/02/17/sustainable-packaging/" target="_blank">are made of</a> 100 percent recycled wood fibers. The inner bag of the cereal boxes is made from Econic. All of Loving Earth's products use non-toxic vegetable-based printing ink to prevent contamination of water supplies and compost piles. Loving Earth has also taken a sustainable packaging approach to all most all of their <a href="https://lovingearth.net/our-products.html" target="_blank">wide range of other </a><a href="https://lovingearth.net/our-products.html" target="_blank">products</a>. </p>Mindful Inc
<p>Mindful Inc packages their organic tea lines in Tetra Pak with a plant-based cap. Tetra Pak offers this cap as an option to companies utilizing their technology. The <a href="https://innovationcreatesvalue.tetrapak.com/story/a-sweet-deal-on-caps/" target="_blank">cap</a> is made of plastic derived from sugarcane, and its production process has a smaller GHG footprint than conventional plastic caps.</p>No Evil Foods
<p>No Evil Foods' vegetarian meat alternatives come in <a href="https://www.packagingdigest.com/packaging-design/compostable-crafted-cartons-perform-for-artisan-food-brand-2017-09-25" target="_blank">compostable packaging</a> made by <a href="http://ipp.nl/kraftpak/?lang=en" target="_blank">Kraftpak</a> and are printed with plant-based ink. Previously, No Evil Foods used butcher paper with a non-biodegradable sticker, making it difficult to compost the butcher paper. Kraftpak is a biodegradable unbleached carton board that seals with water-soluble adhesives. The packaging unfolds like origami to mimic the unfolding of butcher paper. Kraftpak is also certified for recycling.</p>Numi Organic Teas
<p><a href="https://numitea.com/eco-responsibility/" target="_blank">'</a><a href="https://numitea.com/eco-responsibility/" target="_blank">E</a><a href="https://numitea.com/eco-responsibility/" target="_blank">co-responsible packaging'</a> is part of Numi's environmentally and socially conscious business model. Their efforts include opting for biodegradable non-gmo filter-paper tea bags instead of nylon bags, using boxes made of 85 percent recycled paper products, and using soy-based inks. They are working with 30 other companies to develop the first home-compostable, plant-based, non-gmo material overwrap for tea bags. Also, Numi sells gift boxes made of bamboo, a more <a href="https://www.bamboogrove.com/why-bamboo-save-planet.html" target="_blank">sustainable</a> alternative to slower growing trees. In their last annual sustainability audit, Numi <a href="https://numitea.com/impactreport/" target="_blank">calculated</a> that their packaging choices conserved 5,000 trees, 659 thousand pounds of GHG emissions, 4 million gallons of water, and 317 thousand pounds of waste.</p>Saltwater Brewery
<p>The six-pack rings on this brewery's beers are 100 percent biodegradable and edible. Saltwater is one of a handful of breweries now using <a href="https://www.e6pr.com/" target="_blank">Eco Six Pack Rings</a> technology. Saltwater makes the rings from barley and wheat ribbons leftover from brewing. The rings compost within a few days. On open land and in the ocean, the rings decompose in a few weeks. The rings are not <a href="https://earth911.com/eco-tech/eco-friendly-six-pack-rings/" target="_blank">recommended</a> for consumption, but animals can safely eat them. But if left to decompose in an open area, the rings can still potentially entrap marine life and other animals.</p>Strauss Family Creamery
<p>For 25 years, Strauss Family Creamery has <a href="https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/pioneering-straus-family-creamery-celebrates-25-years-of-commitment-to-the-planet-farmers-and-food/" target="_blank">packaged</a> organic milk in reusable glass bottles made with up to 30 percent recycled glass. Customers <a href="https://www.strausfamilycreamery.com/pioneering-straus-family-creamery-celebrates-25-years-of-commitment-to-the-planet-farmers-and-food/" target="_blank">can</a> rinse their bottles and return them to the store where purchased to get back a US$2.00 deposit. Strauss then takes the bottles back to their facilities to reuse the bottles an average of five times before recycling them. The company has an 80 percent return rate on bottles, keeping about 500,000 pounds of milk containers and plastic out of landfills each year.</p>
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These days, mobile phone chargers and cables can be picked up at just about any drug store or gas station. But these products can be cheaply made, come in unnecessary plastic packaging, and certainly add to world's toxic and growing electronic waste, or e-waste, problem
With that in mind, Nimble has launched a line of sustainably made mobile accessories that include wireless charging pads, stands and travel kits.
<p>
The devices have features such as plant-based bioplastic, 100 percent organic hemp, recycled PET from plastic bottles and recyclable aluminum, as well as USB cables that are BPA- and PVC-free. </p><p>Instead of using paint or toxic adhesives, they're speckled with natural mineral crystals to create a unique design. They also come packaged in 100 percent recycled scrap paper with no inks, adhesives or dyes, making them completely compostable.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="3a880" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6KONME1576662843"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1029169048083296256" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Infinitely recyclable and highly durable. Our products are housed in aluminum for the protection, and the appeal. J… https://t.co/qbBH0XZlx9</div> — nimble (@nimble)<a href="https://twitter.com/nimbleforgood/statuses/1029169048083296256">1534207996.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
The battery cells themselves are made of standard lithium-ion, which are non-biodegradable, of course. But to make up for that, the startup has a
<a href="https://www.gonimble.com/pages/recycling-program" target="_blank">One-for-One Tech Recovery Project</a> that aims to recycle one pound of e-waste for every product sold. Each gadget comes with a recyclable bag that you can stuff with any old and unwanted phones, tablets and other electronics you have lying around. You then print out a free-shipping label from the Nimble website and send it directly to their e-waste recycling partner, Homeboy Electronics Recycling in Los Angeles, for proper reclamation.</p><p>
Nimble aims to be e-waste neutral by 2022 through recovery of an equal amount of e-waste as it adds in new items to their line.
</p><p>
The three founders, Ross Howe, Jon Bradley and Kevin Malinowski, are all ex-employees of the mobile accessory maker <a href="http://www.mophie.com/" target="_blank">Mophie</a>.
</p><p>
"We all came from the consumer electronics industry and we realized that that business model is really broken," Howe, the CEO of Nimble,
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2z5nYiIcZE" target="_blank">said</a> in a company video, adding that typical packaging for phone accessories are not only unrecyclable, it also adds $8-10 dollars to the item.
</p><p>
<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/nimble-charging-accessories/" target="_blank">Wired</a> noted that Nimble's pricing is competitive—more expensive than the budget stuff, but cheaper than big-name brands. Nimble's products won't be sold at traditional retail shops, which cuts prices even more.
</p><p>
<span></span>Their least expensive option is the $40 wireless pad that can power all the latest iPhones at 7.5 watts and other smartphones at up to 10 watts. The portable chargers are available at 10K, 13K, 20K and 26K mAh capacities and range from $50 to $100.
</p><p>
The devices can be purchased directly on their website and on Amazon in the coming days. It ships straight from their facility in Orange County, California. At this time, Nimble only ships to addresses in the U.S.</p><p>
"We believe people should know how their products are made, where they come from and what the impact is on the world," said Howe in a
<a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/new_startup_offers_sustainably_made_tech_products/prweb15719347.htm" target="_blank">press release</a>. "Simply put, we make great personal tech products, more thoughtfully."
</p><p>
<span></span>Watch here to learn more:
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One of the major health concerns associated with the widespread use of plastics is exposure to bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it mimics the effects of estrogen on the body and has been linked to the growth of tumors in the breast, uterus and prostate, impacts on pregnancy and fertility and disruption of the sexual development of the fetus that can cause cancer later in life.
<p>Now, a new study indicates that BPA might also have a negative impact on the developing hearts of children. </p><p style="">According to a <a href="https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-05-early-exposure-bpa-cardiac-rhythm.html" target="_blank">press release</a> for the study published Monday in Phys.org, 8 million pounds of BPA are produced every year, and 90 percent of the population interacts with it through consumer or medical goods. </p><p style="">BPA is commonly found in plastic bottles and the lining of canned food and has been known to leach into groundwater from landfills. Plastics have also increasingly been used in medical devices, the press release noted. </p><p style="">The study, published May 9 in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-25719-8" target="_blank">Scientific Reports</a>, looked at the impact of BPA exposure on neonatal rat heart cells. It found exposure could lead to a lower heart rate, irregular cardiac rhythms and calcium instabilities that can increase skipped heart beats. </p><p style="">The study comes after other studies have found that BPA exposure is associated with abnormal heart beats, chest pain and coronary artery disease in adults. </p><p style="">"Current research explores the impact endocrine disruptors, specifically BPA, have on adults and their cardiovascular and kidney function," study co-author and Children's National Heart Institute and George Washington University Assistant Professor Nikki Gillum Posnack said in the press release. </p><p style="">"We know that once this chemical enters the body, it can be bioactive and therefore can influence how heart cells function. This is the first study to look at the impact BPA exposure can have on heart cells that are still developing."</p><p style="">More research is needed to determine the impacts of long-term BPA exposure on developing hearts, but this study simulated the amount of time children might be exposed to BPA in emergency care scenarios, since many medical professionals use plastics in treating young patients with cardiac or immune problems. </p><p style="">"We're exploring the potential—and inadvertent risk of plastic medical devices, which have revolutionized the medical field," Posnack said. "We're investigating whether these hospital-based exposures may cause unintended effects on cardiac function and looking at ways to mitigate chemical exposure. We hope this preliminary research incentivizes the development of alternative products by medical device manufacturers and encourages the research community to study the impact of plastics on sensitive patient populations," she said. </p>
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By Sydney Evans and Ketura Persellin
"Lose weight." "Exercise." "Save money."
<p>Those annual post-holiday, guilt-fueled mantras aren't only tiresome but are also usually doomed to fail. <a href="https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2015-12-29/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail" target="_blank">Eighty percent</a> of resolutions fail just weeks into the new year. That's not surprising: They may seem simple, but they usually mean sustaining major lifestyle changes over the long haul.</p><p>So we've come up with a year's worth of resolutions to help you build a healthy environment for you and your family—bite-size challenges, each focusing on food, cosmetics and your home. The feeling of fulfillment and happiness that follows will keep you motivated, and who knows? Maybe along the way you'll find success with some of those other age-old resolutions.</p><p><strong>1. Clean up your water. </strong>If you think there's just water in your water, think again. Many contaminants may be in your tap water at levels that are legally allowed but could pose some health risks, especially to young children. Find out what's in your water in the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/" target="_blank">EWG Tap Water Database</a> and then consult the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/water-filter-guide.php" target="_blank">Water Filter Buying Guide</a> to find an inexpensive filter. Make sure to use a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2011/07/think-your-water-bottle-bpa-free-better-double-check" target="_blank">BPA-free water bottle</a> to take your water with you on the go.</p><p><strong>2. Clean up your food.</strong> More than 10,000 additives are allowed into Americans' food. Some of them present serious health concerns, and they're found in every aisle of the grocery store. Check out <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives" target="_blank">EWG's Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives</a>, and choose at least one to cut out entirely. The <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores" target="_blank">EWG Food Scores database</a> is a great place to find out which foods may have these additives.</p><p><strong>3. Let your hair down.</strong> You make it a point to buy special personal care products for your kids, why not choose those you can feel completely confident about? Consult our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">Skin Deep</a>® cosmetics database to identify a safer children's shampoo to switch to in the new year. While you're at it, look for <a href="https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/personal-care.php" target="_blank">EWG VERIFIED™</a> hair products for yourself that meet EWG's strictest standards for health without any of our chemicals of concern. If you'd like a stretch goal, consider giving up the most caustic hair products—relaxers and straighteners, particularly <a href="https://www.ewg.org/hair-straighteners/our-report/hair-straighteners-that-hide-formaldehyde/" target="_blank">keratin treatments</a>, which often contain formaldehyde.</p><p><strong>4. Breathe easy. </strong>Upgrade your air filter to improve air circulation in your home and remove airborne pollutants. Use a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/air-filters/#.XA6ZxxNKiWh" target="_blank">high-quality filter</a> and replace it at least every three months—more often if you're renovating or if there are other unusually dusty conditions. At least once a month, clean dust buildup from the filter.</p><p><strong>5. Clean gently. </strong>We typically use household cleaners that are far stronger than needed. Resolve to eliminate the harsh ones you use on your <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/5-Dishwashing" target="_blank">dishes</a> and <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/categories/9-Laundry" target="_blank">laundry</a>. Then move on to other cleaners, if you're so inclined. Try one of our <a href="https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/0ad54e429b2b6238550f24701541130b978e4640/EWG%20Guide%20to%20Healthy%20Cleaning.pdf" target="_blank">DIY cleaning solutions</a> or consult our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners" target="_blank">Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> to find less harmful products. They're better for your health and for the environment.</p><p><strong>6. Kick the antibacterial habit. </strong>Antibacterial products take the idea of <a href="https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/faq#q30" target="_blank">cleaning</a> to an extreme, to the point of combatting important "healthy" bacteria we all need—especially children—and causing a proliferation of the kind we don't want. Instead, look for ordinary cleaning supplies to use, or a plain old-fashioned <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse/bar+soap/" target="_blank">hand soap</a> that's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/personal-care.php" target="_blank">EWG VERIFIED</a>™—made according to our strictest criteria for transparency and healthfulness.</p><p><strong>7. Wrap it up better. </strong>Additives may not be the only toxic ingredient in your food. Food wrappings and containers, particularly those made of plastic, may leach harmful chemicals. Challenge yourself to see how much toxic food packaging you can avoid. Start by eliminating <a href="https://www.ewg.org/childrenshealth/22091/these-toxic-chemicals-food-packaging-are-getting-your-meals" target="_blank">PFAS-containing fast food containers</a> from your life or replacing <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/06/reduce-your-use-plastics" target="_blank">plastic baggies and lunch boxes</a> with reusable glass and steel containers. </p><p><strong>8. Avoid mystery ingredients.</strong> Eliminate one of the biggest unknowns in many consumer products: <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/not-so-sexy" target="_blank">fragrance</a>, a vague term that could mean one or more than 3,000 different chemicals. Some companies are moving toward greater transparency by disclosing the ingredients they use, and some are eliminating fragrance altogether. Make it a habit to read product labels and avoid buying those that don't disclose their fragrance ingredients. You can also refer to <a href="https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides" target="_blank">EWG guides</a> to help you find healthy alternatives.</p><p><strong>9. Eat organic.</strong> Recently, a <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/11/eating-organic-diet-may-reduce-your-cancer-risk" target="_blank">groundbreaking study</a> showed that eating more organic foods, rather than those treated with chemical pesticides, may reduce your risk of cancer. You may not be able to switch overnight to an all-organic diet, though. You can start slowly by buying organic just for the produce on the Dirty Dozen list on <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php" target="_blank">EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce.™</a></p><p><strong>10. Detox your makeup bag. </strong>You may not be ready to ditch your high-end cosmetics just yet, but consider auditing what you use most often and switching them out, one product at a time, using our <a href="https://www.ewg.org/videos/ewgs-healthy-living-app" target="_blank">Healthy Living app</a> or this <a href="https://secure.ewg.org/images/SkinDeep_WalletGuide_EWGVPlug_C01.pdf?_ga=2.84073049.1513303428.1544450254-757456667.1543852855" target="_blank">cheat sheet</a> for guidance. The last thing you want is your kids playing make-believe with something containing carcinogens or developmental toxicants. Here's how to find less <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">harmful products</a> for them. </p>
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By Monica Amarelo and Samara Geller
No one disputes that bisphenol A, a toxic compound widely used to line food cans and other food packaging, is polluting people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found BPA in the urine of more than 90 percent of Americans sampled. In 2009, tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) were the first to find BPA in the umbilical cords of nine of 10 infants sampled.
<p style="">Because food packaging is the <a target="_self">primary</a> source of exposure, it stands to reason that BPA levels in our bodies are affected by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412015000197" target="_blank">what we eat</a> and how that food is packaged. Although a new British study suggests that lowering your BPA level yourself through diet is not easy, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure. </p><p style="">BPA acts like estrogen in the body. It disrupts hormones, affects brain development and metabolism, and harms the reproductive system. Evidence suggests the developing fetus and young child are most at risk, but adolescents also appear uniquely vulnerable. BPA has also been linked to cancer, heart disease and other serious disorders.</p><p>The new study, by researchers at the University of Exeter and published in the journal <a href="http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/2/e018742" target="_blank">BMJ Open</a>, was the largest real-world study to date of the effect of dietary moderation on BPA in the body. It tracked 94 teenagers who for one week changed their eating habits and behaviors to try to avoid BPA in food packaging. While the researchers found no measurable effect on BPA levels in the overall group, they did see a reduction in BPA levels for the teens who started the trial with the highest levels.</p><p style="">Researchers speculated that the drop in BPA levels would have been more significant in a controlled setting. But the teenagers were going about their normal lives, and they reported it was hard to know what they could eat because BPA is so widely used and packaging containing BPA is so poorly labeled.</p><p>In 2012 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. A year later, the agency prohibited it in infant formula packaging. But, like the British teens, for the rest of us avoiding BPA is still a challenge.</p><p style="">In 2016, EWG <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/bpa_bombshell_industry_database" target="_blank">created a database</a> of about 16,000 processed foods and drinks that might be packaged in materials that contain BPA. In California, products packaged in materials with BPA <a href="https://www.ewg.org/release/bpa-designation-huge-victory-californians" target="_blank">must carry a warning label</a> on the package or store shelves.</p><p style="">As the food industry scrambles to find alternatives to BPA, concern has grown that without appropriate oversight, food companies will substitute similar chemicals or new chemicals that <a href="https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2017/11/federal-study-replacements-hormone-disrupting-bpa-may-be-just-bad" target="_blank">could be just as harmful or even more harmful</a>. A <a href="https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/results/pubs/rr/reports/abstracts/rr04/index.html" target="_blank">National Toxicology Program</a> study of 24 replacement chemicals found that many already in use are structurally and functionally similar to BPA, and, just like BPA, may harm the endocrine system.</p><p style="">Here's what you can do to <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/bpa-canned-food/recommendations" target="_blank">limit or avoid exposure</a> to BPA:</p><p style="">1. Buy fresh, frozen or dried food instead of canned.</p><p style=""><span></span>2. Limit how many packaged foods you eat.</p><p style=""><span></span>3. For those who cannot avoid foods in BPA-lined cans, rinsing the food in water may help lower the level of BPA in the food. Bonus: Rinsing cuts back on other additives too, such as sodium on beans or sweet syrup on fruit.</p><p style="">4. Never heat food in the can. Transfer it to a stainless steel pot or pan for stovetop cooking or microwave in glass—not plastic.</p><p style=""><span></span>5. Search for your family's favorite foods and beverages in EWG's <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/bpa_bombshell_industry_database" target="_blank">BPA product list</a>. If they are packaged in containers made with BPA, look for alternative products in <a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodscores" target="_blank">EWG's Food Scores</a>. Tip: Use the BPA-free filter function when searching.</p>
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By Leah Segedie
It seems like such a simple thing, but the act of signing and handling a receipt can increase the amount of hormone disrupting chemicals bisphenol-A (BPA) or bisphenol-S (BPS) inside your body significantly. And this is problematic if you are trying to lose weight, wanting to have calm and intelligent children one day, suffering from anxiety, depression, inflammation or food sensitivities or wanting to avoid cancers. Bisphenols (BPA & BPS) have the ability to hijack your hormonal systems at very small levels, so what are they doing in thermal receipt paper and how are they getting into our bodies? That answer is complicated but here we go!
<p>About <a href="https://www.mamavation.com/brands/bpa-in-receipts-hormone-disruption-is-more-than-you-bargained-for.html" target="_blank">9 out of 10 retail stores are using thermal receipt paper</a> that is coated with bisphenol powder and it reacts with heat and friction to create the ink you see. This is incredibly problematic because it's in powder form and easily gets on to your hands when you are signing and handling receipts. Then within seconds it can get into your bloodstream. This wouldn't be a big deal if we were talking about something like alcohol, which is inside antibacterial gels because dose equals the poison. But bisphenols have demonstrated through studies that smaller amounts can cause damage to the hormonal system and therefore that rule doesn't work to protect the public. In fact, it's estimated that the amount of bisphenols you are exposed to when handling thermal receipt paper is <a href="https://www.pca.state.mn.us/green-chemistry/bpa-thermal-paper" target="_blank">up to 1000x more potent</a> than the exposure from canned food. For this very reason, the handling of thermal receipt paper is a very relevant public health concern that retailers need to get a handle on to protect their customers and workers. </p>
<p>So what are they doing about it? Well, not much. Why? There isn't enough public pressure yet.</p><p><strong>National Stores Guilty of Contaminating Customers with Bisphenols in Receipts</strong></p>
<p>Earlier this year <a href="https://www.ecocenter.org/sites/default/files/healthy-stuff/Ecology%20Center%20Receipt%20Study%202018%20Results%20Table%20for%20Download.pdf" target="_blank">the Ecology Center took samples of thermal receipt papers at national stores and had them tested in a lab</a>. The results were shocking. It's true that most brands had reformulated to BPA-free thermal receipt paper, but what they used instead is an equally problematic chemical called bisphenol-S (BPS), which is part of the bisphenol family. So instead of solving the problem by using green chemistry the way the consumer wants, they are switching out a similar chemical and hoping no one notices. This type of sly marketing behavior is common. Independent scientists refer to this as a "regrettable substitution" where they use a very similar sister chemical in order to give themselves a marketing benefit, but the same problem remains. If the public was expecting them to use a safer chemical, they will be disappointed because that is not what has happened. Although BPS is a younger chemical with less studies to back it's danger, the studies that have been done on it so far are pointing to it being just as bad or possibly worse than BPA. Therefore, when these brands say they are using "BPA-Free" thermal receipt paper, they are really trying to shut the conversation down by making you think they solved your problem. But they haven't. They didn't solve the problem. They sidestepped you and hoped you wouldn't notice. Sneaky, right? </p>
<p>Here are the results from some of the most popular national brands tested and what was inside their thermal receipt paper in powder form: </p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>7 Eleven: BPA</li><li>Aldi: BPA</li><li>Arby's: BPS</li><li>Baja Fresh: BPS</li><li>Barnes & Noble: BPS</li><li>Bed, Bath & Beyond: BPS</li><li>Ben & Jerry's: BPA</li><li>Best Buy: NO BISPHENOLS</li><li>Burger King: BPS</li><li>Chase Bank: BPS</li><li>Chipotle: BPS</li><li>Chuck E Cheese: BPS</li><li>Claire's: BPS</li><li>Coldstone Creamery: BPA</li><li>Costco: BPS</li><li>CVS: BPS</li><li>Dominos: BPA</li><li>DSW: BPS</li><li>Family Dollar: BPS</li><li>Great Clips: BPS</li><li>Home Depot: BPS</li><li>Home Goods: BPS</li><li>Justice: BPA</li><li>Kroger: BPS</li><li>Little Caesars: BPS</li><li>Lowes: BPS</li><li>McDonald's: BPS</li><li>Meijer: BPS</li><li>Michael's: BPS</li><li>Panda Express: BPS</li><li>Panera Bread: BPS</li><li>Petco: BPS</li><li>Pet Smart: BPS</li><li>PNC Bank: BPS</li><li>Rite Aid: BPS</li><li>Sally Beauty: BPS</li><li>Sears: BPS</li><li>Shell Gas Station: BPS</li><li>Staples: BPS</li><li>Starbucks: BPS</li><li>Subway: BPS</li><li>Target: BPS</li><li>Trader Joes: BPS (Note: Trader Joes is vowing to remove bisphenols by end of 2018)</li><li>Salvation Army: BPS</li><li>Toys R Us: BPS</li><li>Universal Studios: BPS</li><li>US Post Office: BPS</li><li>Vitamin Shoppe: BPS</li><li>Walgreens: BPS</li><li>Walmart: BPS</li><li>Whole Foods Market: BPS</li></ul>
<p><strong>Alternatives to Bisphenol Free Receipt Paper For Retail Stores</strong></p>
<p>There are plenty solutions to retail stores out there. Did you notice that Best Buy and Trader Joes' are the stores offering receipts without bisphenols? Best Buy is using a bisphenol-free receipt paper called Pergafast and Trader Joes' just started rolling out bisphenol-free thermal receipt paper at their stores nationwide. (However, no word on what they are made of yet.) But <a href="https://www.mamavation.com/activism/receipts.html" target="_blank">there ARE alternatives for retail stores to consider</a> in order to protect their customers from bisphenol exposure and here are some of them. </p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>1. No Receipt Option.</strong> Train their staff to ask the customer if they want a receipt before they start the transaction. Best Buy does this. This will cut down on the amount of paper they use which will also save them money.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>2. Provide an Optional Digital Receipt.</strong> Offer to email receipts instead. This would be the best option for someone who has a habit of losing receipts. And there is another added benefit of this adding to their marketing list provided the customer opts in.<strong></strong></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong><span></span></strong><strong>3. Reformulate to the Pergafast 201 Thermal Receipt. </strong>The Pergafast 201 is what they have when you walk into Best Buy! Instead of using a BPA or BPS powder coating, this alternative was released in 2011. The substance doesn't easily get into the skin. In other words, not as powdery.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>4. Reformulate to the Koehler-BLUE 4EST Receipts. </strong>The "blue forest" paper seems very promising and it's even won an award, but it may be having supply issues. This paper uses a physical reaction to make the text appear instead. Heat applied to the paper activates carbon black paper underneath which results in print. Unlike the phenol thermal paper, this receipt paper causes no chemical reaction. This is the first thermal paper to be approved for direct contact with food. I hope their supply issues clear up for them so we can start seeing more of this paper soon. So this is an option, but not ready for large scale distribution yet.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>5. Reformulate to the Appvion-POS Alpha Free Thermal Receipt. </strong>This paper uses a vitamin C coating, which also makes it a subtle shade of yellow. But even though this receipt is slightly yellow, it doesn't affect the visibility of the text. However, there are additional additives inside the paper independent scientists are concerned about. I wouldn't recommend this option due to the additional additives they use in the paper.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>6. Reformulate to the ICONEX 2ST Thermal Receipt</strong>. Not much is known about this brand other than it allows printing on both sides of the page which can cut the need for paper. No information on what it's made of.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>7. Reformulate to the Koehler KT 48PF Thermal Receipt. </strong>Not much is known about this option other than it allows receipts to last up to 50 years. Again, no information on what it's made of.</p><p>After seeing all these options, it's pretty clear that the options I believe are safest and most available would be 1. Not offering a receipt, 2. Offering a digital receipt and 3. Reformualting to the Pergafast thermal receipt paper that Best Buy uses.</p>
<p><strong>What You Can Do to Avoid Bisphenol Contamination When Shopping</strong></p>
<p>Let's hope all these national brands switch to bisphenol-free paper soon, but as we are building awareness and educating consumers who shop at retail stores, there are some steps you can take today to protect your family. </p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>1. </strong>Do you really need a receipt? If not, don't take it. Just say no thank you.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>2.</strong> Build awareness. Ask the cashier AND/OR manager at the store if the thermal receipt paper is covered with BPA or BPS. It's unlikely they will know but ask them anyway. Tell them you are trying to avoid this hormone-disrupting chemical and you would like for them to find out. This brings the issue to the attention of the retail manager and gets them wondering about the health of their workers. The more the cashiers hear this, the more likely they will start wearing gloves to protect themselves.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>3.</strong> Ask the store if they have the ability to email you the receipt instead.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>4.</strong> If there is no digital receipt option available, sign the receipt paper without touching the paper. Not easy, but I've mastered it over the years. Put something weighty on the receipt OR pull your sleeve up and place your arm on it to keep it steady without touching it with your skin. Then scribble your signature on it. Your signature will start to look a bit odd but that's okay. It will still be approved.</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;"><span></span><strong>5.</strong> Wear gloves when paying for things at the register. Place the gloves inside a baggie that doesn't contain anything else to ensure that the bisphenols don't contaminate anything else inside your purse. If you don't carry a purse, then use a baggie and stick them in your pocket.</p>
<p>And if you really need receipts to track things, there are about seven really good apps you can download on your mobile phone to help you take photos of your receipts and track your expenses. <a href="https://www.mamavation.com/brands/bpa-in-receipts-hormone-disruption-is-more-than-you-bargained-for.html" target="_blank">Click here to view that list on Mamavation</a>. </p>
<p><strong>To Take Action Today to Make Us All Safer! </strong></p><p>Mamavation has <a href="https://www.thepetitionsite.com/986/309/464/?z00m=30597663" target="_blank">launched a petition</a> with Care2 with more than 33,000 signatures encouraging Target to offer digital receipts and reformulate to bisphenol-free paper. If you would like all national stores to start offering safer receipt paper, it has to start with leaders in the retail space. We believe that Target is one of those dynamic brands based on the safer chemical policies they are already putting into place. Target is already starting to restrict hormone disrupting chemicals like fire retardants, phthalates, etc. This is an action that fits perfectly in their new direction. We want to show them that their customers DO care about this health issue and want them to lead in this direction.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.thepetitionsite.com/986/309/464/?z00m=30597663" target="_blank">Click here to sign the petition</a> and if you want to be part of the Mamavation movement to solve this problem <a href="https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/407992?v=7" target="_blank">sign up for our newsletter here</a> and we will keep you informed. And for more information about how to avoid chemicals that can disrupt your hormones, pick up a copy of <a href="https://amzn.to/2tZaENc" target="_blank"><em>Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!</em>)</a>.<br></p><p><em>Leah Segedie is the founder of the Mamavation® community, <a href="http://www.shiftconmedia.com/" target="_blank">ShiftCon Social Media Conference</a>, food activist and social media consultant.</em></p>
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Consumer Product Safety Testing Overlooks Cancer Risk From Exposure to Multiple Chemicals
05 June 2018
Health + Wellness
By Olga Naidenko
Mixtures of chemicals commonly found in consumer products are more likely to increase breast cancer risk than the same chemicals individually, according to a new analysis. But safety tests by government regulators don't routinely evaluate the combined effects of multiple chemical exposures.
<p>For a study published in the peer-reviewed journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/advance-article/doi/10.1093/toxsci/kfy126/5017246?guestAccessKey=e15cbba3-a01a-4f6e-b45b-bfc70ca89642" target="_blank"><em>Toxicological Sciences</em></a>, a team from the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute looked at how the combination of three widely used chemicals can cause healthy breast cells to behave more like cancer cells.</p><p>They tested the aggregate effect of BPA, a plastics additive; methyl paraben, a preservative in cosmetics and body care products; and PFOA, a non-stick chemical formerly used to make Teflon. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2018/04/new-research-links-bpa-breast-cancer-lab-animals-fda-downplays-concerns#.Ww7xy1MvxAY" target="_blank">BPA</a>, <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/update-mapping-expanding-pfas-crisis#.Ww7x7VMvxAY" target="_blank">PFOA</a>, and <a href="https://www.ewg.org/sites/humantoxome/chemicals/chemical.php?chemid=90004" target="_blank">methyl paraben</a> are all found in the bodies of Americans, due to their presence in consumer products and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/drinking-water">drinking water</a>.</p><p>In tests for the study, when all three chemicals were present together, they changed breast cell biology in a more profound and consequential way than each chemical individually. The scientists noted that the doses of three chemicals tested were close to the levels found in people, and suggested that in the body, these mixtures could increase breast cancer risk.</p><p>Although everyone is exposed to a mixture of many <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/chemicals">chemicals</a> every day, federal and state health agencies look at safety testing for only one chemical at a time. The effects of individual chemicals in these daily mixtures add up, but at the moment, federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (<a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/epa">EPA</a>) and Food and Drug Administration do not determine the safety of chemicals on the basis of the aggregate effects of chemicals people come in contact with daily.</p><p>"It's been suspected for years that chemicals behave differently in mixtures than they do by themselves," said Dr. William Goodson, a senior author of the study. "The tragedy is that no regulations require that the effects of chemical mixtures be evaluated. With the existing consumer product safety testing, we are sailing blind into a perfect storm of chemicals with almost no knowledge of what to expect."</p><p>Exposure to mixtures of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/toxics">toxic</a> chemicals often starts in the womb, and the developing fetus gets its first dose of chemical exposure before birth. BPA, parabens and PFOA are also found in the placenta and the umbilical cord blood, as demonstrated by <a href="https://www.ewg.org/news/news-releases/2009/12/02/toxic-chemicals-found-minority-cord-blood#.Ww7vR1MvxAY" target="_blank">research from EWG</a> and other research organizations.</p><p>Getting rid of the most toxic chemicals in the marketplace is essential to advance cancer prevention and to <a href="https://www.ewg.org/research/how-toxic-pollutants-can-harm-future-unexposed-generations#.Ww7wIlMvxAZ" target="_blank">protect future generations of children</a>. Regulatory agencies must change their testing policies to reflect the reality that Americans are exposed not to one chemical at a time, but to multiple chemicals at once.</p><p><em>Olga Naidenko, Ph.D. is senior science advisor for children's environmental health at <a href="https://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a>.</em></p>
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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 class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTIzMTk2NX0.cpNuXm6VWfYgoKxcjKgDYwHxdkjsS_WcMbtSaHoeFIQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="1e842" width="200" height="266" data-rm-shortcode-id="2c8031cf4fbd1532fa7d8cf6e1e93e5c" 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">
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODk4NTUyNH0.wrExpI8cplBSY6bUPD8lpeMDvmTaDP36aAmWMrgnVmc/img.png?width=980" id="38463" width="200" height="238" data-rm-shortcode-id="a33c2aca5515df4cb133c74312d55db3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</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">
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcxMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMjYxMzgwM30.Uw9J90lzC80Od0JP_2hZKKjHKVosE1hcaIqoD1QCtG0/img.png?width=980" id="098e1" width="200" height="280" data-rm-shortcode-id="83478897c893e7ac5c0bfb9822674979" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</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">
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODcwNi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MDE1NDI3M30.sxgSJa9j2-KnCIDYBnTahZjycWf9sU39XIlbJrGVk70/img.png?width=980" id="f9a08" width="200" height="292" data-rm-shortcode-id="57c84dcafcab0b281b6ea86cc056ba29" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</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">
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY5Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTM4NTQwN30.ESwqiKAxxmzKdFje2dqH1DCpqXBJFVYAOo1wfb-XiNE/img.png?width=980" id="ad5f7" width="200" height="200" data-rm-shortcode-id="3deaf107e1deaf39dfb5278164df55f4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</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 class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY4My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MDM2NjI1MH0.-yekwroFnLuBQthI4OHB5css09tWuzOKMu0HO2lhhwo/img.png?width=980" id="588bf" width="200" height="200" data-rm-shortcode-id="346b2e139e34d1269c2c21f52694c938" 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 class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xODgyODY3MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MjUyODE1MH0.BAJtuHZYr6QY6XvwNuYl2nARcxRScbQh_EzOk0k5JcA/img.jpg?width=980" id="9578c" width="200" height="313" data-rm-shortcode-id="53cb27d4b91b2f4534e6be6714e64412" 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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