Plastics: Since you asked...(Part 2)

Hmmm I am still using my 'ziplock' plastic containers for left overs and have some nalgene bottles that I still use, but as I lose them, etc I will start replacing with other (bamboo, etc).  I don't know, what do you think - should I just whole-heartedly convert over?  Also what do you do for leftovers?

Attempting to eliminate plastics from my lifestyle has definitely been a gradual transition.  It's tough to get rid of items that we've become so used to using over the course of our lives (i.e. tupperware, plastic ziplock bags, etc.).  And while there may be some items that you just can't let go of for practical reasons keep in mind that limiting your exposure is way better than doing nothing at all.  

One of the ways I found to get around racing right out and immediately restocking my cabinets with all non-plastic storage items was by lining the containers with waxed paper....(this is a biggie for me at Burning Man).  I also do this with my cheeses.  I wrap them in waxed paper THEN wrap plastic wrap around them to keep a barrier between my food and the plastic.  

If you'd prefer to take further steps to rid your kitchen of plastics then here are a few of the non-leaching storage items that I've transitioned into my home. 

In place of using ziplock sandwich bags I now use these waxed paper sandwich bags with a clip to keep them closed.

For leftover storage I use glass and ceramic containers like these:

Stackable glass containers

Square glass storage set with lids 

Round storage bowls with lids

(Yes, these last two items have plastic lids but as long as your food isn't touching the lids no potential leaching will occur.)

Additionally, some of the food I buy comes in reusable glass containers with screw-on lids.  These come in very handy since they're so compact and they travel well!

And one of the most recent items that I've started using (in the office, on day hikes, etc.) are these sustainable & biodegradable Disposable Bamboo Utensils.  While they do specify that they're good for one-time-use I admittedly give them a quick hand washing in order to prolong their life.

I hope this helps!  Oh, and keep in mind that many of these items can be found at your local Target, Crate & Barrel, Bed, Bath & Beyond and similar kitchen stores.  Although Greenfeet.com is my all-time favorite one-stop-shop for all things green and non-toxic.

Plastics: It's Official: Canada Declares Bisphenol A Toxic

Yay, CANADA!!!

"Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement announced yesterday that Bisphenol A would be listed as a toxic substance and banned the use of polycarbonate plastic baby bottles. His Ministry will also tell baby food manufacturers to get it out of the linings of infant formula cans. The chemical has been blamed for conditions including cancer, declining sperm counts and early puberty in girls.

“We believe that the current safety margin needs to be higher. We have concluded that it is better to be safe than sorry,” Mr. Clement told a news conference yesterday in Ottawa, announcing the decision as “precautionary action.”

Martin Mittelstaedt, who has been reporting on BPA for years and deserves great credit for being an early voice in the wilderness, reports:

“This is the first time in living memory that our federal government has taken such a leadership position in the world on an issue like this,” commented Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence, an advocacy group. “I think oftentimes Canadians want … to know that our country is doing right in the world, and in this particular case today it's actually happening.”

The FDA in the States still says it is safe, based on two studies funded by the American Chemistry Council."