I was reading an article that Marcelle Pick wrote on the Huffington Post that cautioned readers that many of the plastics we prepare or store our foods in can lead to us consuming the chemicals found in these plastics - which could lead to long-term health problems. Some of these problems include: "fertility issues, cancer, impaired brain function, Type-2 diabetes and obesity."
Fortunately, she gave a list of tips to avoid this:
- Avoid using plastic as much as you possibly can. If you have to use plastic, look for items with recycling #1, #2, and #4 because they don't contain BPA.
- Go back to glass, cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic and wood to cook, serve and store your food. Save old jars and lids to put your leftovers in instead of using Tupperware or other plastic storage containers.
- Use canvas bags for your produce instead of the plastic they offer at the store. Use only glass in the microwave or get rid of your microwave altogether.
- Use wooden and stainless steel utensils while cooking your food and silver or stainless steel for eating it.
- Investigate local farms for fresh "unpackaged" vegetables and naturally raised meat. When my children were at home, we purchased pork and beef in bulk from a local farm and split the cost with other families. We stored it in our freezer and it fed us for the year.
- If you're traveling, bring as much of your own food as you can and find the local grocery store or natural market for other fresh items.
- Use a glass or stainless steel water bottle instead of drinking from plastic.
