Plastic is one of the greatest threats to your fertility
Plastic is one of the biggest threats to our fertility. Plastic has been linked to estrogen dominance, cancer, metabolic disorders, infertility, and birth defects. BPA, the compound plastic is made of, negatively affects egg quality and interferes with hormones in the reproductive system. High levels of BPA can also increase the risk of miscarriage. BPA is one of the many endocrine disruptors that are important to look out for when you are trying to conceive.
Not-so-fun plastic facts:
Plastic was created in 1907 and became widely used in the 1960s
Plastic can take up to 500 years to break down
The average person consumes anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 particles of microplastic a year & inhales an estimated 74,000 microplastic particles
Microplastics have been found in utero
Microplastics can be found in many food sources such as honey, salt, tea, & fish
Measurable levels of BPA have been found in over 95% of the US population
“BPA-free” plastic products may contain chemically similar BPF or BPS
Plastic is an overwhelming part of our day to day lives. It can be found in everything from food containers, tooth brushes, receipts, clothes, and children’s toys. While plastic may not be 100% avoidable, you can limit your exposure to it and significantly reduce the amount of chemical compounds in your body. Opting for a plastic-free lifestyle benefits the planet as well!
Plastic in the kitchen
Eliminating sources of plastic in the kitchen is one of the first steps you should take when switching to a plastic-free home. When your food or water comes in contact with plastic, the chemicals can leach into your food and then into your body. When it is heated, in the case of plastic meal prep containers or coffee mugs, the toxins in plastic leach even moreso. Heating food in the microwave in plastic containers is not recommended for this reason. Plastic is also in the lining of many canned foods. One of the most important to avoid is tomatoes because their acidity can leach the toxins even more. One of the biggest sources of BPA in food comes from takeout. Just eating at home will limit your BPA exposure significantly.
Removing plastic in your kitchen is easy with all the eco-friendly products on the market. Opt for glass meal prep containers, stainless steel water bottles, and glass coffee mugs. You can also switch out plastic tea kettles, colanders, cups, bowls, and utensils for stainless steel or glass. You can reduce your plastic use even further by using reusable grocery bags and mesh produce bags. There are even a ton of great new products like beeswax wrap and paper sandwich bags!
Plastic in the bathroom
Phthalates, while not exactly plastic, are a group of chemicals used to soften plastics and PVC. It can be found in many things including nail polish, vinyl, and cleaning products. It is also an endocrine disruptor that impairs egg quality and fertility. In fact, in laboratory testing, rats given phthalate chemicals stopped ovulating. It’s been linked to reduced sperm quality, increased risk of endometriosis, and miscarriage.
Some products in the bathroom that expose you to high levels of phthalates include hairspray, nail polish, perfume, and air fresheners. They can also be found in most fragranced products. To limit your exposure you can opt for fragrance free products and remove products with high levels of phthalates while trying to conceive. You can also choose toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and toothbrushes that are plastic free. My toothbrush is made of bamboo, I don’t miss my plastic one at all!
Plastic in clothes
Plastic has been rising significantly in our clothes since the 1960s. Up to 60% of our clothes are made of plastic. This includes clothes made of rayon, nylon, acrylic, and polyester. The rise of synthetic fibers has led to microplastics entering our oceans when we wash our clothes and entering our bodies when we wear them.
A simple way to reduce plastic in our clothes is by buying natural materials such as cotton, linen, hemp, and silk. Opting for fragrance-free detergents also lowers your phthalate exposure.
Plastic in utero
In 2018 scientists found the first evidence of microplastics in a human placenta. It is now becoming apparent that even before being born babies are being exposed to the negative effects of plastic. Lowering your use of plastic items when trying to conceive will serve you and your future children.
