Jonnie's Herbs with Honesty

Hello Wildflowers, (Luke 12:27)

In my last post, we discussed the dangers of PET plastic and how it affects your life; now, let’s talk about where it hides and what to replace it with.

1. Replace polyester with organic cotton clothes. Synthetic materials such as rayon, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, spandex(Lycra), elastine, modal, viscose, and acrylic, which are common ones to look out for, are made mainly from plastic; however, some are “plant-based.” Plant-based materials like rayon and modal use such toxic chemicals and processes that it becomes dangerous to your health. Instead, search for organic cotton, linen, wool, silk, and cashmere. Look for OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or similar certifications.
   
2. Replace plastic shower liners with linen curtains. Plastic shower liners are made from PEVA, PVC, or similar materials. Liners and synthetic curtains release microplastics, phylates, and other chemicals, especially when consistently heated and steamed. Instead, opt for a natural linen or cotton curtain with OEKO-TEX or GOTS certifications.
   
3. Switch from disposable diapers to cloth. Disposable diapers are often made from polyethylene, polyester, and polyurethane. These materials alone are dangerous, not even taking into account the mysterious chemicals in Huggies, Luvs, Pampers, and more that they refused to disclose to researchers investigating levels of heavy metals and PFAS. The amount of toxins found in disposable diapers and the health repercussions of those shocks me every time. Organic cotton cloth diapers and wool covers are a great alternative to disposable. I am still searching for a safe disposable diaper and coming up empty.
   
4. Replace plastic dishes with glass, ceramic, stone, metal, or wood. This one should speak for itself… Eating off of plastic causes you to ingest thousands of microplastics, phylates, hormone disrupters, and more chemicals that are free to wreak havoc on your body. Instead, look for glass, ceramic, or stone. For kids, opt for metal or wood.
   
5. Switch from plastic water bottles to stainless or glass. Same with plastic drinking bottles. Switch to reusable stainless or glass bottles that you can refill sans toxic chemicals.
   
6. Replace plastic toys with wooden or metal ones. Babies chew on whatever they have in their hands, and chewing on silicone and plastics can cause them to ingest dangerous impurities we never agreed to. Instead, reach for wooden and stainless steel when picking toys for the kiddos.
   
7. Switch from a plastic highchair to a wooden one. THE HIGHCHAIR. Your baby eats and plays in this thing sometimes for hours, and they are sitting in, chewing on, and eating off of plastic. Opt for a convertible wooden highchair that can double as a barstool once they get older.
   
8. Toss nonstick pans and use cast iron, ceramic, or stainless. Nonstick pans are coated with Teflon or similar materials, so when you cook on them, you are coating your food in plastic and PFAS “forever chemicals.” Grab cast iron (my personal favorite), ceramic, or stainless steel.
   
9. Change plastic wrap to beeswax. Instead of plastic wrap, get a beeswax wrap made with organic cotton to keep food fresh. Not only does this positively affect your health, but beeswax wraps are reusable, so this cuts down waste and consumer costs.
   
10. Replace plastic Tupperware with glass and metal. Storing and heating your food in plastic contaiminates your food and turns your penne noodles into plastic straws. Instead, go with glass and metal storage containers.

These are just a few examples of simple swaps to greatly reduce microplastic exposure and give your body time to flush out plastics and chemicals. Be on the lookout for synthetic materials and pay attention to what you are ingesting. Stay safe and God bless!