It's PLASTIC FREE JULY 2021!
Plastic Free July is a brilliant annual event which focuses on our plastic consumption. It's a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, so we can have cleaner streets and oceans.
But what about our health?
Can reducing plastic help us to have a healthier future?
Plastics can affect human health. Plastics can harm the health of our babies and children. The reason why I set up Plastic Free Baby was because I was finding it hard to find plastic free, toxin free alternatives to mainstream plastic baby products.
Throughout Plastic Free July I'll be posting "Did you know?" cards via social media, to get us thinking about the ways in which plastic can affect human health, and can affect our fertility, our unborn babies and our children.
It's the less talked about area of plastic consumption, but I believe that it is one of the most important areas which needs to be shouted about!
Here are some tips which I can offer to those hoping to reduce their exposure to plastic, to protect the health of their baby, children and family. These are just things I've picked up along to way as a mum and single parent.
Q - I'm new to plastic reduction. What should I change first for the benefit of the health of my baby?
A - A really good starting point in reducing the toxic reach of plastics, is by reducing plastics that come into contact with your babies food and drink. One of the first things I looked into for my own baby when weaning at 6 months, was a plastic free bowl for food, and a plastic free cup for drinking from. Children are more at risk of toxic chemicals in plastics, such as phthalates because of their developing, smaller body size.
Q - What plastic free baby product alternatives are worth investing in?
A - Babies use their mouths to explore and can be exposed to higher levels of plastic toxins such as BPA and phthalates by sucking on plastic baby products. Of course the teething stage isa key time when babies are shoving things in their mouths, and there are so many plastic teethers on the market. I avoided all of these! I know that the plastic teethers are often in appealing colours and shapes, but a plastic-free alternative is far safer for your baby. Try a natural rubber teether, for instance. These are also 100% biodegradable too, so it's a win for the environment too.
Q - I've heard a lot about hidden plastics in baby products. How can I avoid hidden plastics in things I buy for my baby or child?
A - Microplastics are found in many cosmetics made for babies and children, which is really to be avoided. Plastic-based ingredients are often added to aid absorption into the skin, for instance, which is quite a horrid thought. You can download the "Ban The Microbead" app on your phone, to check that the soaps, creams, balms, shampoos and lotions that you use on your baby are not loaded with toxic microplastics. Choose products with natural ingredients as a good alternative, ideally with plastic-free packaging also.
Wishing you the best of luck for Plastic Free July! Here's to plastic reduction!
From, Laura - Plastic Free Baby founder