Tips for handling plastic

Today we use plastics almost everywhere. It would be better for us and the environment to do without them more often.

Plastic has many advantages. It does not break, is light, malleable, durable and inexpensive. No wonder we used it almost everywhere. We pay with the EC card, brush our teeth with a plastic brush – even the cucumber is often in the foil stocking. The catch: plastic is bad for the environment – and our health.

Let’s first turn to a crash course in chemistry: Plastics are produced synthetically. The starting material for the production is mostly petroleum. The additives are particularly harmful, because: To make the plastic elastic, the industry mixes in so-called phthalates (plasticizers). Since softeners do not bind firmly to the plastic, they dissolve again over time and “migrate” directly into the food. Scientists therefore also call them ” artificial hormones” because they can mess up our hormone system. They promote obesity, diabetes and allergies, they are even said to have negative effects on fertility. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the chemicals of greatest concern in the manufacture of plastic. It has been banned in baby plastic bottles since 2011. Environmentalists are calling for a BPA ban in all children’s products and in all food packaging.

In order to protect us as consumers, there are prescribed limit values. Some harmful phthalates are now even banned, especially in contact with fatty foods. Nevertheless, regular investigations by the Federal Environment Agency show that plasticizers were detected in the urine of almost all children and adults tested.

Loose food saves on packaging waste

Many consumers are now aware of the plastic problem. It is certainly no coincidence that shops have now opened in numerous cities that offer food without packaging , for example “unpacked” in Kiel, “cargo” in Hamburg or “naturally unpacked” in Münster. Here customers can fill oatmeal , herbs, noodles or nuts themselves in containers they have brought with them. Spontaneous buyers will find reusable containers on site (other shops at www.nabu.de).

Of course, our modern life usually cannot do completely without plastic. But with our tips for the kitchen, you can easily reduce plastic in many places in your everyday life and sometimes even omit it completely.

It’s time to be more careful with ourselves and our environment : We use a plastic bag for around 25 minutes on average. But it only decomposes after 100 years.

Less plastic – start with our tips

1. Glass instead of plastic

Buy juices, water or milk in glass bottles. You can also find mustard, ketchup or yoghurt in glass jars. A good substitute for sour cream or crème fraîche (always in a plastic cup) is whole milk yoghurt in a glass.

2. Loose fruit

Buy fruit and vegetables unpackaged (ideally regional) at the weekly market or in the supermarket and simply place them loosely on the belt. Always have a fabric bag handy for transporting it home when shopping.

3. Wrapped in paper

Dry foods such as rice pudding, semolina, pasta, oatmeal , rice, starch, sugar and flour are found on supermarket shelves in paper bags or cardboard boxes.

4. Farewell to cling film

Wraps groceries in parchment paper. New alternative: organic cotton fabrics with antibacterial properties

5. Rinse naturally

Use dishwashing brushes, sponges, etc. preferably made of wood and natural fibers.

6. Hidden Plastic

Avoid beverage and food cans or Tetrapaks. They are lined on the inside with a film made of epoxy resin, which consists of the hazardous chemical BPA. Receipts are also covered with a BPA layer. Avoid it if possible or wash your hands thoroughly after shopping.

7. Warm up

Do not heat food in plastic. Ceramic vessels are more suitable.

When plastic cannot be avoided

1. Use correctly

Do not use empty ice packs to store hot dishes. Does not freeze meat in packaging. Reason: Plastic has different thermal stability and is only designed for the respective use. If you continue to use it, it may become brittle. Better: take fresh storage or freezer boxes from brand manufacturers.

2. Ask questions

Some plastic containers are labeled “BPA-free” but may still contain harmful substitutes. Here, the legislator stipulates that every manufacturer must provide information on the ingredients within 45 days upon request. An official form is available from the Federal Environment Agency .

3. Heat free

Do not leave your drinks in plastic bottles in the sun or in a heated car . Chemicals are released from the plastic particularly strongly by heat and UV radiation. Alternative: Use stainless steel bottles for sports, for example. They are lightweight and shatterproof.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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