Latest studies show chemicals used to replace “BPA” are worse for our health than BPA. My friends over at Mommy Business alerted me to this news in a recent blog post and I had to share with you. While thankful for the critical information, I’m grumbling over what happens next – finding a suitable replacement for the dinosaur camelbak that Evren snuggles with just about every night.
Back in 2007, when studies showed BPA mimicked estrogen in our bodies, I purged the plastic from our lives.That was pre-child days – so MUCH easier to use only glass though I still got flak from my family! Endocrine disruptors like BPA in our “food safe” plastic containers, found on receipts and more were being linked to lower fertility and increased cancer risk – two conditions I wanted to avoid as hopes of babies were in the horizon. Fast forward to a few years ago when plastic manufacturers finally caved and committed to BPA-free, I started getting lax too. At first, it was just three stackable recycled BPA-free storage containers. Then, Evren started eating solid food and it was all over. The BPA-free plates cups and utensils snuck their way back into our cabinets AGAIN. Sound familiar?
Apparently, the plastic purge needs to happen once and for all because the latest studies have scientists screaming loud and clear “There’s NO safe alternatives to BPA.” The latest animal studies showed exposure to common BPA substitutions like bisphenol-S (BPS) or bisphenol-F (BPF) causing hyperactivity in animals. The worst part is researchers found low doses of exposure to be more harmful than larger ones. And, according to another recent article “In laboratory tests, 95% of hundreds of ordinary plastic products put through “real world” conditions, such as through a dishwasher or a microwave, tested positive for leaching estrogenic chemicals.” I don’t know about your family, but I use plastic so I can put it in the dishwasher. Of course, plastic manufacturers are pushing back saying the studies aren’t rigorous enough. Well… I think the founder of CertiChem (an endocrine disruptor testing lab), George Bittner said it best “If you went into a space with a radiation detection device and found radiation, would you stop to take additional time to find out where the radiation was coming from? It wouldn’t matter—you’d just want to get out.” That’s all folks, we’re getting out of plastics! Here’s my plan:
- Search Target for more snapware since they go sale often (these are glass pyrex with snapable lids)
- Stock up on stainless lunch containers (pricey, but definitely worth it).
- Take the plunge and purchase a Life Factory 9oz glass bottle for Evren (it costs an arm and leg, but we need a camelbak replacement pronto)
- Add more cute wooden bowls – though I hate that they can’t go in the dishwasher, they’re a safe alternative that Evren likes using
Thanks to Melissa at Mommy Business for the push! Read more tips for getting rid of plastic and which items to substitute for your plastic favs from Melissa over at Mommy Business.
Glad to hear you’ll be making the switch away from the plastic water bottle. For bedtime, try the lightweight stainless steel Thermos Funtainers- finding a fun design or character might help Evren with the switch.
Keep me posted if you find any great sales on the Pyrex Snapware! 😉
Thanks for offering actual alternatives! I’ve seen lots of posts like this recently without ideas for how to replace our plastics. I’m scared about the medela pumping bottles we’ve been using too 🙁 we registered for those exact c&b bowls and I never use them… Awesome idea!
Great post, Danielle. I’d heard rumblings about this, and have been needing to hear more information to push me back into the “NO PLASTICS IN THE KITCHEN” zone. I’d gotten lax about it, too. We love, love the Pura Kiki bottles! They are an investment, but “grow” with the baby/toddler with nipples (vented to reduce colic/gas), sippy cup, and (new) straw accessories to go with the bottle. They also recently came out with an insulated version of the bottle. A great way to feed the little once sans plastic. The smaller bottles are also great for using as a snacks (fruit, cereal, carrot sticks, etc.).
Thank you for the tip Sadie! I’m buying a few kika bottles this week.
Just starting purging too. I bought a stainless steel tiffin and snack containers on amazon. This is what I use to pack his lunch for daycare. I think because of the price we keep track of these and they are noticeably different than the other kids containers at daycare. It is the drink cup that are challenging. I’ve broken a life factory bottle before and don’t think it is a good idea for a toddler who likes to through things. I will be going stainless steel. Any recommendations for a stainless steel container with a straw?? Thanks for the other recommendations above!