The Hidden Costs of Plastic: How to Protect Your Health and the Planet

In light of Earth Day April 22nd, I thought it made sense to dive into plastic. You have undoubtedly seen the heartbreaking images of sea life tangled up, ingesting, or being killed because of the plastic pollution in our oceans. This might be enough for you to ditch single-use water bottles and opt for refillable only, but if you're like me, you probably still have many plastic containers in your everyday routine.

It turns out, sea creatures aren't the only ones harmed by plastic, there are many environmental, and health, concerns you may not be aware of that could nudge you further towards plastic alternatives. So, in honor of Earth Day, everyday – and as part of the Free Living Co mission to help make humans healthier through cleaner products – here is the "scoop" on plastic.

How Plastic is Made, Really.

Plastic is derived from 99% fossil fuels, essentially making it a blend of oil and thousands of chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens and other health violators. Not only does the exposure to these chemicals cause a human health hazard, but the production contributes in a significant way to our climate crisis.

There are 400 million tons of plastics created each year. The plastic and petrochemical industry's projection is that volume will triple, or quadruple, by 2050.

Are You Eating Plastic? Unfortunately, Yes.

Plastic does not benignly degrade, rather, it converts to micro and nano plastics which are tiny plastic particles, smaller than a pencil eraser; some invisible to the human eye. They are harmful to the earth, to our bodies, and are sadly found in both, abundantly. Researchers have even found microplastics in the human heart and unborn fetuses.

The average human consumes a credit card worth (5g of plastic) per week. This creates significant concerns such as cancer, heart problems, obesity, diabetes, impacts on eyes, skin, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems, and even birth defects.

Can't We just "Throw it Away"?

Only about 5% of plastic placed in your recycling bin gets recycled. Six times that amount is burned in incinerators. Two-thirds of all plastics ever produced remain in our environment in some form or fashion.

At Free Living Co we have an entire section of our store dedicated to less plastic, or plastic-free items. Not only can you change out Tupperware for food storage that is more durable and attractive, but you can also transition disposable items to alternative materials like cardboard and aluminum, which are compostable or refillable.

Wishing you a wonderful Earth Day filled with powder, sunny skies, fresh air, and abundant wildlife sightings.

Live free,

Dana

Frequently Asked Questions

How does plastic harm human health?

Plastic products contain thousands of chemicals — many of them known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors — that leach into food, water, and skin. Microplastics and additives like BPA and phthalates are linked to hormonal disruption, cancer, and developmental issues.

Is all plastic equally harmful?

No — plastics labeled #3, #6, and #7 are generally considered higher risk. Single-use plastics and plastics used to store hot foods or beverages pose the greatest health concern.

How is plastic made and why is that a problem?

Plastic is derived 99% from fossil fuels, making it a blend of oil and thousands of compounds, many of which are carcinogenic. Its production contributes significantly to climate change, and projections suggest the industry could triple or quadruple production volume by 2050.

What are the easiest plastic swaps to make at home?

Replace plastic water bottles and food storage containers with glass or stainless steel, use beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap, choose package-free products when possible, and carry reusable bags.

What happens to plastic after it is thrown away?

Only about 9% of plastic is actually recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, oceans, or is incinerated. Plastics break down into microplastics that accumulate in the food chain — including in human bodies.