New year, new resolutions! There are endless ways you can detox your home from chemicals and other contaminants, but most people don’t consider the power of replacing plastic with other sustainable materials. Going plastic free is easier than you think, and making these simple swaps can drastically decrease your chemical exposure. Not to mention it’s better for the earth, and cuts down on waste. When you go plastic free, not only are you decreasing the amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills and oceans, but you are utilizing safer materials such as stainless steel or glass that harbor less chemicals. 

Harmful chemicals exist within all types of plastic, however, softer, more pliable plastics do more harm than good. They have an increased amount of phthalates. According to The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Phthalates are a family of man-made chemical compounds developed in the last century to be used in the manufacturing of plastics, solvents, and personal care products. They are colorless, odorless, oily liquids that do not evaporate easily and do not chemically bind to the material they are added to.” Phthalate exposure is linked to health problems such as type II diabetes, obesity, allergies, and even asthma. Furthermore, the University of Vermont found that phthalates are linked to an increased rate of specific childhood cancers. Phthalates come from many different sources, including building materials or even home decor. But plastic water bottles are a major source, and these are often found inside your home or gym bag.

Research has brought awareness to the potential health impacts of consuming water from plastic bottles. Scientists are concerned about the chemicals that can leach into the liquid with unknown impacts on human health. A study was conducted by Orb Media along with scientists from the State University of New York in Fredonia. When water from 259 bottles were put under a microscope, a whopping 93 percent of these fluids contained plastic particles, or microplastics. The plastic water bottles utilized in the study were purchased from 19 different locations within nine separate countries. Bottled water brands like Nestle Pure Life, San Pellegrino, Aquafina, Evian and even Dasani were used. 

If these reasons aren’t enough to go plastic free, then we don’t know what is! 

Plastic threatens your health in more ways than one. Making safe swaps or cutting down on the amount of plastic waste you use within your home, can significantly impact your life. Truly Free Home helps decrease the amount of plastic waste that is being dumped into our landfills and oceans. Our reusable, refillable bottles are just what your household needs! 

So how can we decrease, or even eliminate plastic within our homes? Read below for a list of 5 easy ways you can start, today! 

1. Swap personal care products for zero waste bars
2. Swap your plastic water bottle for glass or stainless steel 
3. Store your food in glass or stainless steel storage containers 
4. Use Truly Free Home products and keep the original bottles
5. Swap plastic snack bags for alternatives

Personal Care Products

Tossing your personal care products that come in plastic bottles means you will no longer be contributing to the piles of plastic found in landfills. Switching out your shampoo and conditioner bottles with zero waste bars is easier than you think! Many brands now offer shampoo and conditioner bars, and even lotion bars. Traveling can be challenging with bulky plastic bottles and utilizing bars can save space in your suitcase or carry on. Because these products are not bottled up, they are often made with cleaner ingredients and are free of preservatives. 

Water Bottles

As stated above, plastic water bottles can leach microplastics and harmful chemicals into your drinking water. Utilizing bottles made from glass or stainless steel are an easy swap! Glass water bottles can be purchased with silicone covers in order to eliminate cracking or shattering when dropped. Bottles made from these materials also hold their temperature better. Many stainless steel water bottles are insulated, or double walled. 

Food Storage 

Storing food in plastic tupperware can be just as harmful as drinking liquids from plastic bottles. Recent research found that microplastics released from food containers can induce inflammation and affect the routine functioning of macrophages. These types of cells surround and kill microorganisms, remove dead cells, and stimulate the action of other immune system cells. Research has concluded that the “ingestion and accumulation of microplastics is a serious threat to the health and survival of humans and other organisms given the increasing use of daily-use plastic products.” Instead of utilizing plastic storage containers, borosilicate glass or stainless steel will not leach BPA or other harmful chemicals when exposed to temperature fluctuations. Utilizing these materials are better for your overall health, and won’t contribute to the accumulation of plastic pollution.

Truly Free Home Products

Truly Free Home products are not only free of harsh chemicals, but they come in reusable bottles. When your product is empty, instead of purchasing another bottle, keep it and utilize the refill packets to your advantage. We carry a product for every part of your home. Our aloe hand soap, laundry detergent, space refresher, etc. are some of the products we offer, that all come in reusable bottles. We even offer reusable cleaning cloths, a cleaning caddy to organize all your supplies, and eco sponges made from natural materials for scrubbing sinks, dishes, and everything in between. 

Snack Bags 

Plastic snack bags are useful and can be found anywhere. They are lightweight and seal perfectly, making them easy to throw into diaper bags or purses for travel. But plastic bags have a major downside. They contain BPA or other hormone disrupting chemicals, which can leach into food. BPA is known to be a hormone disruptor. It is known to reprogram cells, or alter routine gene functions. According to the National Toxicology Program, BPA can have an effect on the brain and behavior. That being said, utilizing eco-friendly swaps is a no brainer! There are multiple options aside from plastic bags. There are bags that are made of paper and can be disposed of. There are also bags that can be reused, and are often made of breathable fabrics like cotton or other natural materials. Other brands have snack bag options made of silicone. There are even larger, freezer safe bags for meal prep! The options are endless and won’t contribute to plastic pollution. 

There are many ways to cut down on plastic pollution. Utilizing environmentally friendly options in your home not only exposes your family to less chemicals each day, but it significantly decreases waste and dumping of single-use plastic. At Truly Free Home, we pride ourselves in being a company that supports low waste consumerism and tailor our products to fit your every need. Visit our website today and start making plastic free safe swaps for your family!