What’s at the End of Your Fork? What’s in It?

Wooden cutlery

May 25th was International Plastic-Free Day.  

Plastic items are convenient. They can throw their little weight around, shaming the better options of glass and ceramic, which are heavier and brittle. You don't have to be as careful with them—they are durable. This is because they also contain a compound, whose full name is chemically characteristic as too-long-to-pronounce—PFAS. PFAS resist degradation.   

Plastic can break down, though. Microplastics are less than five micrometers in size. This is thousands of times smaller than a grain of rice. And then there are nanoplastics—below one micrometer. Together with the lurking PFAS, they are the troublemakers, responsible for the hefty cost to our health.  

What common household and food items contain micro- and nano-plastics and PFAS and what can you use instead of them?  

1. Plastic items such as water bottles and food containers.   Healthy swap: Glass and ceramic containers   
   

2. Clothes made from synthetic material: Plastic fibers are labeled as Polyester, Elastane (LYCRA®), Nylon, Viscose, Rayon, Fleece, or Spandex. Some brands use recycled polyester (ECONYL®) with other sustainable fibers. But it’s still plastic!   Healthy swap: Cotton (organic preferably), linen, silk, wool
   

3. Plastic cutting boards   Healthy swap: Wooden or silicone cutting boards  
   

4. Nonstick cookware  Healthy swap: Ceramic cookware Be careful of some ceramic cookware, though. They have aluminum and can also release titanium dioxide and nanoparticles of plastic. I have researched and found Xtrema to be extremely safe. Use that link to qualify for a discount as well.   
   

5. Plastic kitchen utensils or cutlery, especially those that have been scratched. And avoid black plastic utensils. They are even more nefarious—they spice up your food with flame retardants!  Healthy swap: Wooden or BPA-free silicone utensils and cutlery
   

6. Food packaging

   Healthy swap: Fresh, whole foods—no processed foods (as much as possible)
   

7. Tea bags: Yes, many tea bags, even paper ones, use plastic.   Healthy swap: Check the labels of the tea you buy and opt for those that specify polylactic acid (PLA) based material.   
   

Harvard Health has reported that researchers have connected microplastics in arteries with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.   

The many chemicals used in the manufacture of plastics are known endocrine disruptors, which means that they wreak havoc on our hormones. This puts our delicate systems out of balance. Off-kilter, we fall; in balance, we stand tall.

Let’s do some serious swapping, round out our choices, and keep our health in check. Spare a minute for prevention and save a lifetime to recover!

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