Childhood illnesses are on the rise, and one can only wonder if they are at all preventable. While some illnesses are not, others like the side effects of exposure to toxic chemicals found in plastic can be prevented. In 2009, the Environmental Working Group found that an average of 287 toxic chemicals were found in the umbilical cord blood of American infants. Some of the toxins found were BPA, mercury, fire retardants, and even pesticides!
Unfortunately, when a child is exposed to these chemicals in utero, it lengthens the period of exposure and makes them more susceptible to certain types of cancer later in life. And let’s not forget all of the side effects like diabetes, obesity, asthma, erectile dysfunction, depression, and reproductive disorders in women. Now is the time to break free from our addiction to plastic. Are you addicted to plastic?
The Truth About “Convenience”
As mothers and fathers, we simply want to provide the best for our children, but how can we always be on top of it? Life moves faster than we want and we seem to run out of time when it comes to picky toddlers who don’t seem to like what we make for dinner. We hit the grocery store to find convenient meals for toddlers that are sold in convenient plastic tubs that are the perfect amount of food.
Yes, the easy meals we all know that our children seem to love so much—finger-friendly and sometimes fun shaped. After a long day, we pull out the meal for our toddler, we realize we must microwave it and it sounds so easy—your head tells you this is perfect, but deep down you know it isn’t. The sad truth is, not only are you destroying and denaturing the nutritional value of the meal by microwaving it, but also you are promoting the leaching of toxins right from the plastic and into your child’s body. Can we really remove plastic from our lives? There goes everything that is convenient to us hard-working parents…
Last time, we discussed what the dangers of BPA were and how to avoid them. As we learned, tossing most plastic items in your kitchen is a good start. Also, becoming your very own chef is another great way to limit the exposure of BPA to children that is leached from canned soups and foods. So, what else is there? Buying BPA-free items isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Did you know that there are more hidden dangers in your kitchen than just BPA?
Unavoidable Plastics
The point is, plastics are everywhere—and we cannot run from them! You will find them in food containers, toys, baby formula, kitchen utensils, etc. However, we can sleep a little better at night knowing that some plastics are safer than others. But, the real question is, do you know which plastics are safe and which plastics are bad? While the easiest way to avoid hazardous plastic is to look on the bottom for a Code 7, you should also avoid Code 3 and Code 6 numbered items. Either way, let’s take a closer look at the types of plastics that are common in our every day lives and alternative options for children to eat off of that are safer.
Know your plastics:
- Code 1: Pete aka Nylon
- Examples: bottles of water, peanut butter containers, soda, and cooking oil containers
- Research has suggested that this plastic is safe for one-time use. In other words, do not refill your water bottle that has a number 1 on the bottom. Also, it is in best practice to avoid any hot water bottles.
- Typically this plastic is recycled into tote bags, furniture, carpet, and polar fleece.
- Code 2: HDPE or High-density polyethylene
- Examples: milk jugs, juice bottles, shampoo, motor oil, detergent and even toys
Limit the refill containers with products made with Code 2 on the bottom. - This type of plastic is recycled into pens, recycling containers, picnic tables, benches, fencing, and detergent bottles.
- Examples: milk jugs, juice bottles, shampoo, motor oil, detergent and even toys
- Code 3: PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride
- Examples: Bibs, mattress covers, food containers, and detergent containers
- For starters, PVC is not easy to recycle and very few plants are able to recycle it. Next, PVC contains phthalates to help soften the plastic, which is a hormone disrupting chemical like BPA. DEHA is also found in PVC plastics, and is linked to loss of bone mass and even liver problems.
- PVC is recycled into paneling, flooring, speed bumps, and decks.
- Code 4: LDPE or Low-Density Polyethylene
- Examples: grocery store bags, plastic wrap, and garbage bags
- LDPE is actually one of the safer plastics, but you need to recycle it. Most grocery stores have drop off areas for plastic grocery bags. Opt for a fun canvas bag with your initials or a design—safer for the environment and fun for everyone!
- This plastic is typically recycled into compost bins, paneling, trashcan liners, and floor tiles.
- Code 5: PP or Polypropylene
- Examples: Ice cream and yogurt containers, drinking straws, syrup bottles, diapers, and salad bar containers
- PP is also another safer plastic, but please recycle.
- Typically recycled into brooms, auto battery cases, pallets, signal lights, and ice scrapers.
- Code 6: PS or Polystyrene
- Examples: Styrofoam coffee cups, meat trays, opaque plastic silverware
- PS should be avoided! It is known to leach styrene, which is a neurotoxin that has several health effects. This is one of the more difficult types of plastic to recycle.
- Recycled into egg cartons, vents, foam packing, and insulation.
- Code 7: Other
- Examples: sunglasses, iPod cases, nylon, water bottles, and bullet-proof materials
- Code 7 is a mixture of different plastics like Polycarbonate, Bioplastic, and even Acrylic. Polycarbonates are plastics made from BPA, which we learned is a very dangerous synthetic hormone. Bioplastics are typically made from corn, potatoes, rice, and/or tapioca. These plastics are a promise for our future in reducing waste; however, they must be thrown in regular garbage bins and not the recycle bins.
- Currently recycled into plastic lumber and custom-made products.
Overview
Avoid
3, 6, 7
Safer
2, 4, 5
* While Code 1 is considered to be safe, it is best to avoid this plastic.
No matter which plastic you encounter on a daily basis, it is best to be sure you are not:
- Heating them in a microwave
- Leaving them in hot cars
- Giving plastics to children in the form of toys, spoons, plates, bottles, etc.
- Refilling water bottles
And always find out if the plastics are recyclable—Mother Nature will surely appreciate your help in protecting her children and her environment.
Keep the Research in Mind
So, now that we understand the hidden dangers of plastics in our kitchens and homes, we can turn our focus to the other materials besides durable and hard plastic that children can eat off of…
What to consume food off of instead of plastic:
- Wood plates, bowls, cups, utensils
- Pros: Safe, BPA-free, cannot break—toddler approved
- Cons: Washed by hand, non-microwavable
- Glass plates, bowls, and cups
- Pros: BPA-free, shock-resistant tempered glass, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe
- Cons: unsafe for children—not toddler and highchair approved, some glasses are unsafe to microwave
- Ceramic plates, bowls, cups
- Pros: BPA-free, recycled, durable, dishwasher safe, microwave safe
- Cons: Can be broken—not toddler approved
- Stainless steel plates, bowls, and cups
- Pros: Easy to clean, BPA-free, safe for children to use—toddler approved, durable, dishwasher safe
- Cons: Cannot be microwaved
- Where to get products that are stainless steel?
- Kangovou is currently sold online and around the world. Check out our retailers here!
- Common questions regarding stainless steel:
- Can I wash it in the dishwasher?
- Absolutely! Our products are dishwasher safe, but we do suggest you use the top shelf when washing them.
- Can I clean them by hand?
- Sure! All of our products are easy to clean with dish soap and water. No dishwasher needed, well, unless we are referring to the old-fashioned dishwasher aka mankind.
- Is it microwavable?
- NO! You are unable to microwave any of the Kangovou products or stainless steel in general. Sorry.
- Can it be stored in the refrigerator?
- Absolutely! All of our bowls come with a lid to use for such circumstances.
- Can I wash it in the dishwasher?
***Still have more questions about steel? Check out our FAQ page for more common questions regarding Kangovou’s stainless steel products.
A Final Takeaway
In the end, the main goal is to provide the safest and best option for your family. If you cannot actually decide which type of bowls and cups are best for your family, then opt for a few of each of the materials we have listed above. Whether it is trial-and-error or the quickest thing to ease your busy lifestyle, we promise you truly can live BPA-free in the kitchen. Our children deserve nothing but the best and you are doing a wonderful job trying to provide the best. Keep up the good work mothers and fathers—we love you!
Interested in learning more about BPA and easy meals for your family? Then head to our blog and catch up on your summer reading. We hope you and your family can continue to grow and learn with Kangovou!
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