Goal For The Green

Editor’s Note:  I am bringing this post forward to my front page, because of its relevance and importance.  It is my hope and desire that you will make recycling, and your own personal waste management, a top priority.

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It is the third R in the term reduce, reuse, and recycle. It is the re-making of old materials into useful new products.  The goal of recycling is to reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials and energy usage, which then reduces green house gas emissions. By  recycling, we also lower the  amount of raw waste that would otherwise end up in our landfills. Recycling is the key component in waste management as we know it today.

The convenience of recycling at your curb-side now serves half of the U.S. population.  The top five most recycled items are paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and steel/tin cans.

In 2007, my area implemented the use of single stream recycling.  The company provides 65 to 94 gallon carts in which all materials are commingled.  This means that households no longer have to separate their materials into recycling bins.  Evidence has already proven that this method has increased the quantity of household recyclables.

My area also has a recycle depot.  I have not had garbage service for years, because of an altercation with the company.  I set up my own system in my garage.  It consists of two 32 gallon trash cans, one for plastic and one for trash,and 4 blue recylce bins for newspaper, magazines/junk mail, glass, and cans. We also have an area to break down and stack cardboard. When my children were still home we went to the dump every other Saturday.  Now, my husband goes once every 4-6 weeks, with one 32 gallon bag.  They know him at the dump, and the most they ever charge him is $3.00.  Many times they let him go for free because they know he is a disabled vet.  The average rate for disposal in my area is about $35 a month.  That’s a pretty good savings for not very much work.

Written in association with waste management experts

Yes, there are safe and sensible ways to keep your food fresh, while minimizing your exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastic.

Here are some tips and pointers to help you make the safest choices for your food storage. You may already have some safer options such as corning ware, pyrex, and stainless steel canisters tucked away in your cupboards. Start searching , go to yard sales, and get on with making those changes.

Plastic contains chemical additives known to leach out when exposed to heat. Leaching may increase the risk of birth defects, developmental delays, certain hormonal disfunctions, and even breast and prostate cancers. Several university studies have indicated that leaching occurs when ANY type of plastic containers are used to heat food in the microwave. Another place leaching happens is in the dishwasher.

Rule of thumb is NEVER use ANY plastic, plastic wrap, tupperware, or styrofoam in the microwave. It is also best to wash plastic containers by hand in warm soapy water. This reduces the possibility of chemical leaching. Don’t ever use harsh cleansers or abrasive sponges on plastic. It can cause scratches in the plastic, which then causes chemical migration (leaching) from the plastic. If you have scratches or gouges in your plastic containers – ditch them IMMEDIATELY!

So, in your microwave only use microwave safe glass or ceramic cookware. Don’t use any plastic or plastic wrap. Cover food with paper or paper towel when microwaving.  Don’t use recycled paper towels because they could contain metallic flecks from ground up staples and ink that can be combustable.

In your fridge, use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or PVC-free plastic wrap. Don’t use any type of plastic container that can leave a residue.  Scouring destroys the integrity of plastic.  Don’t ever store or cover hot food with or in any type of plastic. Always let it cool for at least twenty minutes before storing in your fridge.

For packing lunches choose foil, waxed, or butcher paper for wrapping sandwiches. If you like to use bags, use the ones made from number 4 plastic. For water, glass or stainless steel is best, or pitchers made from number 2 or 5 plastic.  Don’t use pitchers from number 7 (polycarbonate) plastic. For freezing, use foil, freezer paper, or number 4 plastic freezer bags.  Don’t use any glass or plastic containers that are not labeled Freezer Safe. The extreme cold can cause them to crack.  As mentioned before, allow food to cool before storing in the fridge or freezer.  For your pantry storage, glass, stainless steel and aluminum canisters are best or number 5 plastic.  Don’t store food in any plastic containers marked with 3(polyvinyl chloride) 6 PS (polystyrene) or 7 PC (polycarbonate).

Most plastics currently on the market are made from crude oil. There are also biodegradable, recyclable and compostable plastics made from starches such as rice, soy, and corn. These bio-based plastics comprise only 3% of the $280 billion plastic market. Concern has been expressed about the use of fertilizers and pesticides used in the growth of these grains, and then turning them into plastics.  Any bio-based products are better for your health, and are more of an earth and eco-friendly option, than any petroleum based products or counterparts.

It might be easier said than done. It’s everywhere and in almost every area of our everyday life. From baby bottles, trash-can liners, milk jugs, baggies, toys, toothbrushes and vinyl shower curtains. Almost everything that enters our home is packaged, wrapped or coated with some type of plastic.

As plastic weakens, ages or becomes exposed to heat, it can release harmful toxins such as BHA (bisphenol-a and phthalates). These harmful chemicals enter our bodies by way of the food we eat, water we drink, dust particles in the air we breathe and even by way of skin absorbtion.

Animal studies, especially during pregnancy have associated BPA to illnesses such as cancer and reproductive problems. Studies in humans show weakened sperm quality in males, and early puberty in girls. BPA is a known carcinogen and has been found to disrupt the endocrine system, as well as, disrupt hormone balance. 92% of children over the age of six, test positive for BPA in their system.

What you can do right now is avoid toys with #3 vinyl or #7 polycarbonate. Never heat anything in take-out food containers in the microwave. Only use glass or microwave safe containers covered with wax paper, or paper towel. Avoid #3-PVC, #6 Polystyrene and #7 polycarbonate. If you must use plastic, look for #’s 1,2,4 and 5.

I have converted most of my plastic containers to glass. It is easy to go from cooking, to storing, to freezing and re-heating with glass. Stainless steel and thermos are also good choices to use. It’s not an easy process going from plastic to glass, but well worth you health!

Here is a chart for download and printing to make your shopping safer and easier. Just keep it with you and you’ll always make an informed choice.

Written in association with plastic disposal experts

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