Plastic in general has become a normal part of my everyday lives, but did you know that some household plastics are worse than others when it comes to the risks they pose?

While using plastic products is convenient, the truth is that most of them can’t be recycled or reused, and can therefore pose a major threat.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, because the ByPurify team has found a few helpful tips to keep you and your family safe…

Types of Chemicals in Plastics You Should Avoid

There are 2 main types of plastics that families should avoid, namely phthalates and bisphenols.

But first, let’s start with a simple exercise.

Walk around your home and count the things that are made of plastic. 

Think about the less obvious sources: dust collecting on your shelves, soup lids, food wrappers, cosmetics, and even your tap water and beer. 

Point is…

Plastic is everywhere.

There’s significant evidence that exposure to 2 types of chemicals in plastic - phthalates and bisphenols - can affect health, especially if exposure occurs in the womb or during childhood. 

Current government regulations aren’t enough to protect us from these chemicals.

However, simple strategies such as eating whole and small packages of processed foods, using metal or glass cups, and avoiding plastic in the dishwasher or microwave, can reduce your exposure.

10 Worst Single-Use Plastics & Eco-Friendly Alternatives

The 10 worst single-use plastics include straws, coffee cups, and plastic plates. 

Surprisingly, only 12% of plastics are recycled¹.

I use so many single-use products, but I don't recycle them properly, and most of them end up in landfills or litter my gardens, nature, and oceans. 

Here are some of the worst single-use plastics and their substitutes:

Straws

They are lightweight, so once thrown or discarded, plastic straws end up in waterways that enter my oceans. 

They are very dangerous for my marine life. 

There have been places where sea turtles have had plastic straws stuck in their nostrils.

Plastic-free options: Why not try stainless steel, bamboo straws, pasta, or rice straws instead?

Drink Stirrers

Fancy drinks are fun, but most stirrers are plastic and are only used once before they are thrown away. 

They end up in the grass, on my beaches, and in my oceans.

Plastic-free options: Bamboo stirrers or spoons. Vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and celery can also work. 

Helium Balloons

Although balloons are a beautiful decoration for celebrations, they are one of the most dangerous plastic wastes for seabirds. 

Plastic-free options: Choose eco-friendly decoration options such as paper lanterns, recycled garlands, balloons, and flowers. 

Cotton Swabs

Did you know that 1.5 billion swabs are produced every day?² 

Unfortunately, most of these cotton swabs end up in my oceans. 

When the cotton tips dissolve, what's left are small, hard plastic rods that birds, fish, and other marine life readily eat. 

Plastic-free options: Liquid ear cleaners, bamboo swabs, cosmetic cotton pads, or reusable silicone swabs.

Coffee Cups & Lids

I use about 1.8 billion cups and 1.5 billion disposable coffee cups every year, most of which end up in landfills. 

It's important to note that most coffee mugs and to-go lids aren’t recycled. 

Plastic-free options: Reusable cups, porcelain cups, or make your own at home.

Plastic Cutlery

Eating and serving food often comes with more than just food. 

Plastic cutlery and plastic carry bags are often part of the package. 

Plastic-free options: The next time you order takeout, make a special request to take plastic cutlery out and say no to waste. You can also upgrade to reusable bamboo cutlery or travel cutlery that you can take with you wherever you go.

Plastic Cups

Millions of plastic cups are used each year.

Although lightweight and comfortable, polystyrene cups can't be collected by most municipal recycling services and are often disposed of in landfills. 

Plastic-free options: Bring your reusable glass or mason jar if you plan to go to your favorite juice or smoothie shop.

Plastic Containers

The good news is that polystyrene products are on the verge of being phased out. 

But single-use plastic containers are still everywhere, from supermarkets to my local cafes and takeaway restaurants. 

Plastic-free options: The next time you order takeout, choose foods like pizza or Mexican food that don't usually come in plastic bags and avoid pre-packaged foods. 

Plastic Plates

While cheap and handy in a pinch, they usually end up in landfills. 

Plastic-free options: Look at plates made of wood, porcelain, or glass. 

How to Avoid Hazardous Plastics

Avoiding hazardous plastics is a fairly simple process.

While everyday plastics contain many chemicals, some of which have documented negative health effects, there are ways to steer clear of them.

Here's how you can keep your family safe:

Avoid Eating Food Stored In Plastic

Whenever possible, buy and eat food without plastic packaging, including whole foods and non-packaged foods.

Change the Plastic Bags Labeled With Codes 3, 6, & 7

It isn’t always possible to avoid plastic packaging. 

Although you can't avoid it completely, some plastics are worse than others. 

Plastics with a recycling code of 3 are known to contain phthalates, while those with a recycling code of 7 contain bisphenols³. 

Plastics labeled with recycling code 6 contain styrene, a possible carcinogen according to the National Institutes of Health. 

Replace Toys

When looking for new toys for your children, choose things made from non-plastic materials, like wood or silicone. 

This is especially important for babies and toddlers who can put toys in their mouths.

Replace Vinyl Products

Phthalates are commonly found in vinyl products in your home, such as upholstery, flooring, and shower curtains. 

Using these products can release chemicals linked to health problems in adults and children. 

Use an Air Purifier With a HEPA Filter

If you can, buy a vacuum or air purifier with a HEPA filter. 

These can remove small particles of chemicals, while other appliances release chemicals into the air that blows back.

Don’t Heat With Plastic

Stop washing plastic items in the dishwasher or heating them in the microwave, and avoid putting hot food in plastic bags. 

High temperatures increase the chance of chemicals leaching from plastic. 

Changing this small habit will reduce the risk of contaminants ending up in your food and drink.

Remove the Plastic Wrap

Plastic wraps are known to contain phthalates. 

So when it's time to store your leftovers, recycled glass or metal, beeswax wrap, aluminum foil, or parchment paper may be a better choice.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive; it's just to show what’s possible. 

Pick a few that seem doable and will have the most impact. 

No one can do it at once, but we can all make a start!