Mini-Guide Series #07: Plastics. What’s the Hype?

Eliminating plastic is not only for the environment, but also for your body.

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Many places and countries have started reducing plastic use. That’s excellent for the environment. It also matters for our health. This post explores why, and what we can realistically do in daily life.

Types of Plastics

Let’s start with types of plastics. They are classified with numbers, called Resin Identification Codes;

1. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
   Clear and lightweight.
   Commonly used for water bottles, soda bottles, and some food packaging.

2. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
   Opaque and durable.
   Found in milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and detergent containers.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
   Rigid or flexible.
   Used in pipes, credit cards, flooring, and wire insulation.
   Often associated with additives such as phthalates and heavy metals.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
   Flexible.
   Used for plastic bags, wraps, and squeeze bottles.

5. PP (Polypropylene)
   More heat-resistant than most plastics.
   Used for yogurt containers, take-out containers, and straws.

6. PS (Polystyrene)
   Rigid or foam (Styrofoam).
   Used for take-out containers, coffee cups, and packaging.

7. Other (Mixed Plastics)
   Includes polycarbonate and others.
   Often used in water jugs and various hard plastics.

Also Black Plastics
Often made from recycled electronic waste.
Can contain higher levels of flame retardants and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.

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What's in the plastics?

Plastics are useful. That’s why they are everywhere.
The problem is, it has a mix of harmful chemicals.

Some commonly discussed ones include:

• Bisphenols (BPA, BPS)
  Linked to hormone disruption and metabolic changes

• Phthalates
  Associated with reproductive health concerns

• Flame retardants (BFRs)
  Can affect thyroid function and nervous system development

• PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
  Used for water- and grease-resistance
  Persistent in both the body and environment

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury)
  Sometimes used in pigments or stabilizers

Under certain conditions, they can move into what we eat and drink!

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Environmental Impact

Plastics are difficult to break down.
Over time, they fragment into smaller pieces (microplastics) which are now found in water, soil, air, and food.

We’ve all seen images of oceans filled with plastic waste, and animals ingesting or becoming entangled in it.
This is not separate from us. It comes back into the same systems we rely on.

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Plastics and the Body

Plastics, especially when heated or in contact with oily foods, can release small amounts of chemicals listed above, similar to what we discussed with non-stick cookware [/blog/mini-guide-ditching-non-stick-pans].

We are talking about plastics that are not only for foods, but also for ones used for many other things from body care products, storage, and literally everywhere.

This means they constantly accumulate in our body through:

• ingestion (food and drink)

• absorption (skin contact)

• Inhalation (breathing)

These exposures have been studied in relation to:

• hormone disruption (thyroid)

• reproductive health concerns

• certain cancers

• developmental concerns in children

• immune system effects

We will touch more on endocrine disruptors in a later post.

Plastics are not something the body recognizes as nourishment (surprised?!), they do not serve a constructive role in any part of our health. In both biomedical and TCM language, they fall into the category of unnecessary burden on the body, toxins. It is best avoided.

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Keen to learn more?

If you’re curious to see how this plays out in real life, this documentary looks at long-term chemical exposure in a community in Sarnia:

Canada's Toxic Chemical Valley

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Healthier Alternatives

It’s almost impossible to eliminate plastics completely. But reducing exposure is possible, and strongly encouraged.

It's because the effects of plastics on our body is almost too powerful, trying to restore health that is under the influences of those plastic toxins are a real uphill battles. We must focus on reducing the exposure in order for the treatment and self-care to work well.

Plastics in our day-to-day can be found in the areas of;

• grocery packaging

• food storage containers

• water bottles

• spices and condiment jars

• oil bottles

• supplement bottles

• blender jars and kitchen appliances

• body care product containers etc..

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Replacement options for Plastics

• Glass
  Versatile for storage
  Does not absorb odour or oil
  Can handle heat well (if tempered) for baking and roasting
  There are many food containers in various sizes, and water bottles.

• Silicone
  Flexible and more heat-tolerant than plastic
  great for carrying snacks

• Stainless steel
  Durable and stable for food and drink
  Excellent for lunch box
  can be used for baking and roasting

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A bit uncomfortable?

That’s understandable.

But ignoring doesn’t make it disappear.

By knowing, we can make empowered choices for better health.