The world is full of plastic-in our cupboards, our ocean and our bodies. You know how the world loves to use the microwave, right? (that’s an entirely different post). But did you know that every time you heat those plastics toxins leach out into your food? Those toxins are generally known as xenoestrogens.
Xenoestrogens are substances that mimick estrogens and bind into estrogen receptor sites in your body. This tells your body it has estrogen (when it doesn’t) You can end up with too much estrogen or too little depending on how your body responds. In addition they may temporarily or permanently alter the feedback loops in the brain, pituitary, gonads and thyroidT They are especially disruptive to the endocrine system. These substances are found in plastics, chemicals, pesticides and water systems. You know all the industrial waste that is treated and dumped back into waterways seemingly cleaned? The byproducts end up in your body, in the fish you eat, in the water you drink swim in, bathe. None of us are exempt. You know those plastic bottles some people throw on the side of the road or leave sitting outside in the sun until they are ready to refrigerate them? Well the heat causes those toxins to leach out into the water in the bottle you drink. They leak in to the lake you swim in, that beautiful stream by your home. Those pesticides you use to kill the bugs or the grass, they all disrupt similar pathways. I find it incredibly ironic that those who choose to live in nature and want the peace and quiet are usually also the most uneducated about how those small actions affect the very world they love to live in, not to mention their health.
There is a reason America is the unhealthiest country in the world despite what used to be one of the most advanced healthcare systems. It’s because convenience took over and really altered our awareness of how we function in the world and how it impacts us all. The American dream has created the American nightmare of toxic bodies, toxic minds and a very toxic planet. Now I’m not picking on America-look at the rest of the world. Chemical manufacturing, food additives, agriculture is prevalent all around us. So are the side effects. I’m sure there might be countries who are actually worse but I’ve not visited or lived in them.
I just spent the best part of a year in an RV traveling across the south and western parts of America while writing my book and talking to strangers. Of all those campsites I recall only one with a recycling program. Everyone at campsites drinks out of plastic bottles. The irony wasn’t lost on me that these very people love nature yet they are unaware of the impact of their habits on the environment they love and their body. I was not perfect either, I didn’t have a car so instead of driving my rv around searching for recycling I put glass and plastic in the trash (yes, I am not 100% plastic free or perfect either but I use glass instead for storage/baking etc and I also understand I am a work in progress). Just like in my book-steps equal miles. If we all make and take small steps then we have the ability to make changes that add up collectively to making a big difference! Simply buying bpa free products is a step in the right direction.
There is a reason there is so much cancer. If you are not eating organic then you are ingesting the chemicals your food is sprayed with. Those same chemicals that are known to disrupt how our bodies function (xenoestrogens). So why is everyone shocked when they are sick, have pms, cancer, endometriosis, autism, infertility, erectile dysfunction, auto immune disease, the list goes on and on. None of us are immune. We have all lived in this world. Personally I have to constantly work day in and day out because I was wholly unaware and uneducated about these things too and it took me a long time plus getting sick to understand these things. Now, if I can help others to understand and make changes so that we can all feel better and look better then I’m happy. Personally I’d love to align with Walmart to create a line of food storage that is both good for the humans and the environment! Anyone have connections?
In summary, change the plastics where you can. Buy glass storage containers, bpa free, stainless steel. If you need to use the plastics you already have so you don’t add to the waste, just don’t heat them or put hot food in them. When you need to replace them buy healthier alternatives. Look at all the small ways you can change your day to day life. Buy the organic food, buy what you can not packaged (almost impossible I know. Many of the konjac noodles I buy come in plastic but the konjac orzo I love comes in a box-WIN!) Look around see what you can change. Buy refillable containers and make those containers glass. Buy organic in bulk (if feasible) so you have less packaging. Connect with a neighbor or friend and split the shop. There is an amazing company called Azure Standard that has collection points in various places around the country where you can purchase organic natural and non-GMO groceries! Make an effort to make one positive change daily so that you can make a difference for all of us.