In my anti-plastic green drive, we've thrown out a lot, recycled some, and the kitchen actually looks brand new (okay, I exaggerate). So here's what we've accomplished so far.
1. NO PLASTIC KETTLE: Replaced plastic kettle with stainless steel one (carefully inspected). If heat causes plastic to leech, then what about plastic kettles that are reheated to boiling point every day?
2. NO PLASTIC DRINKING BOTTLES: Stopped drinking from all #1 PET bottles. Also ensures we don't get lazy since pending the arrival of the Klean Kanteens, we have to go to the tap with a glass. Ordered Klean Kanteens in various sizes for the whole family - stainless steel drinking bottles with a clean record. Note: some brandless metal bottles could have lead so research before you buy. For now, using Jack's old Medela breast milk bottle which is #5 PP, the safest known plastic (as safe as plastic can be) - still pour out water after day is over. Water after 2 days inside tastes funny.
3. NO PLASTIC COOKWARE: Teflon and non-stick is plastic. So have removed all plastic utensils and non-stick pans from kitchen. Bought a Lodge cast iron pan (it's beautiful - I oil it lovingly after I wash and dry it every day - husband is jealous) and 3 stainless steel pots, as well as some stainless steel ladles.
4. GENERAL FOOD STORAGE: Bought different sized "Made in Italy" glass bottles to store food (snacks, dried fruit, bread, etc) - looks pretty too. Cheapest at Tangs, similar priced at Giant and Isetan. Now have row of rice cakes, bread, dried fruit, and nuts lined up on table looking like a candy store. Very appetizing. Got to liberate the pasta next.
5. FOOD IN FRIDGE: Use glass plates in fridge for produce instead of laying them on plastic fridge bottom.
6.NO CLING WRAP: I refuse to buy any food wrapped in cling wrap, even from the organic section. It may have #3 PVC (the most toxic industrial chemical around) or the more slightly harmless #2 HDPE which is not known to leech anything. Who knows? The only exception is fish sometimes but I am going to start buying from the market and dumping the fish in stainless steel containers from Ikea (which I need to go buy soon). Those are useful since I can keep and freeze the fish in them. $15 a piece but they last a lifetime. Eagerly awaiting my organic cotton produce bags. For now I just chuck them in my cotton bag together.
7. NO CANNED FOOD: Stopped stocking canned food except maybe Eden Organics. Buy only bottled food.
8. GRILLING FOOD: Stopped grilling stuff on non-stick pan that comes with grill. Anything non-stick = toxic.
9. LAUNDRY: Buy green laundry wash from organic shop. Costs double but I now use half the amount. We don't really need that much. Clothes smell nicer.
10. NATURAL PILLOWS: Bought new Snowdown natural latex pillow without flame retardant (flame retardant pillows contain formaldehyde) from Robinsons (OP $89 - on sale $55 yay!).
11. BRING OWN BAG: Use own bags when shopping. Today using just one cloth bag, I saved probably 4-5 plastic bags (or more considering I refused any plastic for 5 buns - the cashier was perplexed. I told her I did not want any plastics touching my food).
12. SKIN CARE: Bought organic skincare without sodium laurel sulfate and fragrance. Calvin Klein's Eternity was found to be "toxic to the respiratory tract and nervous system". No wonder this guy I know who used it was rather loopy.
We can't eliminate all industrial chemicals from our lives but we can sure minimise their exposure to us, especially us with young children.
Next steps:
1. Experimenting with baking soda and vinegar as detergent for laundry and dishes.
2. Buying natural soap. Yes, even Dove smells funny.
3. Eliminating all products with fragrance from our home. I haven't used perfume in years. It gives me a headache. That should have been a sign.
Technorati: going organic, organic living, going green, plastic-free life, replacing plastic in your life, stainless steel bottles, plastic bottles, Klean Kanteen, Teflon, plastic kettle, glass bottles, alternatives to plastic
