Plastic is everywhere. And chances are pretty good your toy room is chalk-full of the stuff, especially after the holidays.
It’s used in obvious items like tooth brushes and water bottles, but it’s also found in the packaging and production of less-suspected products, like toilet paper and sponges.
Not only is plastic toxic to produce, but many plastics also contain toxic BPAs, which are harmful to you and your kids.
You can take steps to wean your family from its dependence on plastic.
How do you do it?
Here are 4 simple places to remove plastic from your kid’s lives, along with some suggested alternatives.
- The Lunch Room. Get rid of the plastic lunch boxes, plastic baggies, plastic drink straws and plastic water bottles. Plastic just is not necessary for a healthy and convenient DIY lunch. Kids Konserve makes stainless steel, recycled aluminum and cotton waste-free lunch kits. The designs are cute and stylish, there is very little waste, and aside from the BPA-free lids for the stainless steel food containers, there is no plastic! Easy for the parent, cute for the kids and great for the environment!
- In the Kitchen. Take a look inside your refrigerator. Notice what you use to wrap sandwiches. What’s holding your milk or orange juice? Probably plastic, and definitely unnecessary. Plastic may be an easy way for companies to sell their products, but we don’t need plastic toxins or waste in our lives. When possible, buy fresh products, and skip the unneeded packaging. Wrap the sandwiches in recycled aluminum foil, wash it and then reuse it. Buying milk in glass containers or cardboard containers. The less exposure to plastic, the safer you, your children, and the planet. And your kids won’t even notice.
- Toys. Okay, you might be rolling your eyes right now, and I do not blame you. But it is possible. I know you have plastic toys invading your house. I do too! Start buying toys made of FSC certified wood, organic cotton, recycled content and wool. The bells and whistles of plastic toys are nice, but not necessary. The more open-ended the toys are, the more creative and imaginative the play. They may be more expensive, but they are longer-lasting and, who knows, may one day become heirlooms! I didn’t say eliminate, just begin seeking out alternative toys, and less plastic will enter your child’s life.
- Tableware. Plastic kids cups, spoons and serving ware are common in most homes, mine included. Don’t replace the worn out ones with more plastic; choose stainless steel. The Think Baby set from The Soft Landing is a great option. Use glass, and teach your children to hold the cup with two hands and drink at the table. It is possible, as I can personally testify. Een my two year old can manage it! Because melamine is not necessarily a safe alternative and because bamboo has also been debated, my vote is for ceramic plates, when possible.
Avoiding plastic altogether reduces your risk for BPA-exposure. If children are accustomed to reusable water bottles, stainless steel tableware and handmade wooden toys, then they learn to use – and hopefully to choose – these items for themselves in the future.
Green and Clean Mom is a Premier Content Partner of SustainLane. You can read more from her at Green and Clean Mom, where she writes about how going green is sexy, sassy and fun. Sommer is a social networking and marketing consultant and passionate mother and teacher. Find her on twitter as @greenmom.
