Can you go Plastic-Free in July and reduce your exposure to hormone disruptors?
As environmental awareness grows, the month of July has become synonymous with the global movement “Plastic Free July.” This initiative encourages individuals and communities to reduce their reliance on plastic, not only to combat pollution but also to address the lesser-known but significant health risks associated with plastic usage. Among these risks, hormone disruption is a pressing concern that warrants our attention.
Plastics contain chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These substances are known as endocrine disruptors because they can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. Hormones are crucial for regulating numerous bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. When endocrine disruptors mimic or block these hormones, they can lead to a myriad of health issues ranging from reproductive disorders to developmental problems in children, and even cancers.
Women going through hormonal shifts such as through puberty and menopause may be at a greater risk of the hormone disrupting effects, and their symptoms around these times may be exacerbated.
BPA, commonly found in plastic containers, bottles, and food packaging, is particularly notorious for its ability to leach into food and beverages, especially when heated. Studies have shown that even low levels of BPA exposure can have significant effects on health, disrupting normal hormonal balance and leading to problems such as infertility and metabolic disorders.
Going plastic-free in July offers a proactive way to mitigate these risks. By consciously reducing the use of plastic products, individuals can decrease their exposure to harmful endocrine disruptors.
Simple steps include switching to glass or stainless steel containers for food storage, using reusable shopping bags, and reducing plastic-wrapped produce. Avoid drinking liquids from plastic bottles that have been warmed in the car or sunny window sill, and don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Additionally, opting for natural personal care products and choosing wooden or metal toys over plastic ones can further minimize contact with harmful chemicals.
The benefits of going plastic-free extend beyond individual health. Reduced plastic consumption leads to less environmental pollution, which in turn contributes to healthier ecosystems. Marine life, in particular, suffers from plastic pollution, with many species ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. By cutting down on plastic use, we contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Embracing Plastic Free July is a powerful step towards safeguarding our health and the environment. By reducing plastic use, we not only diminish our exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals but also play a part in mitigating the broader environmental impact of plastic pollution. This July, let’s take a stand for our health and our planet by committing to a plastic-free lifestyle. You might just find that you can implement some of the changes long term!
Emma Wightman
www.the-sop.com