25 Products That Will Help You Eliminate Plastic
Plastic is bad for our health and the environment, but it’s so hard to avoid. Here are some healthy alternatives to plastic and a selection of our favorite products.
Newsflash: plastic is not so fantastic. Not for our health. Not for our children. Not for the fishies in the ocean. Not for the planet. Yet, we continue to consume and dispose of millions of tons of plastic each year.
As parents, we are often faced with an endless amount of plastic choices when it comes to shopping for bottles, dinnerware, high chairs, teethers and pacifiers. This is particularly concerning because babies and kids have extra sensitive skin, respiratory tracks and endocrine systems.
Some sobering statistics about plastic:
- Since the 1950s, humans have produced an estimated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic.
- Nearly 80% of all the plastic we’ve produced has been thrown away, with 9% being recycled and the rest incinerated.
- Americans alone throw away 30 million tons of plastic each year.
- Plastic is made to last forever, yet 33% of it is only used once.
Why plastic is bad for our health?
- Plastics leach harmful toxins such as bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and phthalates. These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors and they disrupt our hormones.
- Particularly harmful to babies, they can cause a range of health problems, including numerous types of cancer, heart disease, birth defects, reproductive disorders, infertility, diabetes and obesity.
- Even plastics labeled “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free” may contain dangerous chemicals.
- Plastic is poisoning our food chain because fish and other animals ingest plastic fragments from the water – which have become even more toxic after attracting other pollutants in the environment – and then we eat them and consume those toxins.
Why plastic is bad for the environment?
- It’s estimated that our oceans now contain 51 trillion microplastic particles (small plastic particles from products such as plastic bags and synthetic clothes), which is 500 times more than the number of stars in our galaxy.
- Experts believe there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050.
- Plastic can kill fish and wildlife when they become entangled in it or swallow it – it can either choke them or poison them with toxins.
- Chemicals from the plastics in our landfills seep into groundwater and poison our lakes and rivers.
What are some healthy alternatives to plastic?
We’re glad you asked!
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel resists corrosion and doesn’t flake. But some types of stainless steel can leach metals, so look for “food grade” stainless steels such as 304, 316, 18/8 and 18/10.
BAMBOO & SOLID WOOD
Sustainable and non-toxic, bamboo is a fabulous option for feeding products. Just make sure that whatever you’re buying is made with a FDA approved food-grade varnish as well. You don’t want a sealant potentially leaching chemicals. When sourced responsibly, solid wood is also a wonderful choice, particularly for toys!
GLASS
While we know it may sounds dangerous, when glass is tempered it’s an incredibly safe alternative to plastic. We like opting for it for food storage containers and baby bottles.
SILICONE
Food and medical grade silicone is one of the most versatile materials on the planet. Great for teethers, bottles, plates, cutlery and more, it’s free of toxic chemicals.
Scroll down to shop our plastic-free options below!
For babies:
Zip Top Baby Snack Container
$29.99
Zip Top Breast Milk Storage Set
$44.99
Heavea Orthodontic Pacifier
$9
Natursutten Glass Baby Bottle – 2 Pack
Ranging from $30 – $34
4 oz / 8 oz
PlanToys Key Rattle
$15
Loulou Lollipop Trinity Teether
$25
Available in more colors
BabyNoise Musical Trio Set
$75
EKOBO Bambino Baby Feeding Set
$22
Available in more colors
ezpz Happy Mat
$25
Available in more colors
ezpz Tiny Spoon – Twin Pack
$15
Available in more colors
Monte Tavo Enviroleather & Maple Wood High Chair
$495
Available in more colors
PlanToys Woodpecker
$120
For your kids:
Wishbone 3-in-1 Bike
$249.99 – $269.99
PlanToys Sand Play Set
$30
Oioiooi Alphabet Play Blocks
$189
EKOBO Bambino Kid Set – Seas
$25
EKOBO Bambino Small Cup – 4 Pack
$20
Available in more colors
Cutelery Plates Set of 2
$32.99
Cutelery Cups Set of 2
$25.99
Cutelery Stainless Steel Silverware Transition Set
$25.99
EKOBO Biodegradable Bamboo Step Stool
$25
Available in more colors
For School or On-The-Go
EKOBO Go Rectangular Bento Lunch Box
$23
Available in more colors
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box
$55.95
Light + Nine Silicone Lunch Tote
$38
Available in more colors
PlanetBox Stainless Steel 18.8 oz Water Bottle
$24.95
Available in more colors
Continue exploring
- Want to check out the rest of our plastic-free options for your kitchen? Visit The Tot Feeding Shop!
- Breastfeeding while teething? Lactation Expert, Rebecca Agi MS, IBCLC, discusses signs of teething, tips for relieving discomfort and ways to avoid those bites!