Bisphenol A (BPA) and the Food Chain

As you may have heard Bisphenol-A, a carcinogen that bioaccumulates in the body, has been in the diet for several years. For years, the FDA has known about this chemical that leaches from plastics into food sources.

It wasn't until the masses became aware of the problem (through the media, of course) that labeling changed to include BPA-free notices. Please note: the FDA is the authority that monitors labeling and since they still do not recognize BPA as a threat - there is no regulation on this label. What does this mean for the consumer?...you really need to do your homework to make sure that items containing the label BPA-free are truly BPA-free. This means calling the company to double check, knowing what plastics contain BPA, and actively avoiding the substance.

The recent marketing craze to label items BPA-free has me wondering...where do we draw the line as consumers? How much of a toxic substance should be allowed in the food chain before regulations are made? When is the EPA on our side again? Only when the public is aware and is demanding changes!

What am I doing about it? I am making efforts to eliminate all plastics in the kitchen. This is a very difficult endeavor. You might say "but BPA is only in certain plastics, why get rid of all plastics?" Here's my answer: plastic is a highly reactive substance. It melts with low temperatures, acidic foods start to dissolve it, and if you put a strong smelling substance (i.e. coffee) in them - you can't get rid of the smell. This indicates that not only is your food incorporating into the plastic, but the plastic is being incorporated into your food.

We, a technological and impatient society, need to learn an important lesson here. Let's test things that go into and around our food before incorporating them at a massive scale into everyones' daily life! Can't we just test these things for 4-5 years? - and I know the answer to this is NO. We cannot, because to do so would take a huge R&D budget and government regulations that hinder capitalism. Because of this, we really need to take it upon ourselves to make wise decisions even if that means a small inconvenience of carrying a different kind of container in our lunch bags.

Are Real Christmas Trees Sustainable?

There are benefits and disadvantages to both real and artificial Christmas trees. The question is which is more sustainable. A few things to consider when making this decision: 1) How far did the tree have to travel to get to you? 2) How much energy went into making/growing the tree? 3) How long will the tree last?

Support Your Local Economy
Consider this, when you buy a real tree - where did it come from? It likely came from a local Christmas tree farm (something to ask the sales person), or you may be going to the farm to pick one out and so you will know exactly where it came from. There are a few benefits to getting a locally grown tree. When you buy local goods you are adding to your local economy by investing in it. You see the returns in sales tax and the income from from the farmer will enter the spending cycle which further boosts the economy.

Carbon Footprint
A tree farm will use machinery to prepare the soil, plant the tree, dig it up, and wrap it in netting. All these things use fuel and add to the atmospheric CO2, although the O2 that is produced by the trees during their short lifespan offsets this environmental cost somewhat.

The Ten Year Promise
A study by the American Christmas Tree Association suggests that artificial trees have a smaller carbon footprint than getting a real tree each year...so what's the catch?...you must keep the artificial tree for ten years! So if you already have an artificial tree a good option might be to just use that tree as long as it lasts. If you are going to buy an artificial tree this year make sure it's a good one, because it's going to need to last a long, long time.

PVC's and Lead
If you have children or pets you should be concerned about the health implications of having artificial substances in the house. The Children's Health Environmental Coalition has a warning about the potential carcinogenic implications associated with artificial trees. Be aware of this and contact the company before purchase to determine what the tree is made of.

There is an article on TreeHugger about "How To: Pick a Green Christmas Tree" that gives ideas on what to look for when shopping and what to do with the tree when you are done for the season. Check out the Ohio Christmas Tree Association to find a farm in Ohio.

A Homemade Christmas

With the economy in disarray and Christmas looking skimpier than last year there is the temptation to feel overwhelmed and depressed. It is important to make realistic expectations for the holidays, for others and for ourselves. The gifts may not be as lavish, the tree might be smaller this year and the food might be simpler. In the midst of an economic restructuring in our country, don't be hard on yourself if some family traditions need to be eliminated because they are just too expensive. Remember, what really matters most is that we are kind to others and help our neighbors.

In spite of all the disparities, there have been many motivated individuals who are ready to make the best of this holiday season by making gifts. Homemade gifts are really the best kind. This is a great year to bring back the traditions that have been lost to time. By making ornaments, stringing popcorn, knitting scarfs, and jarring up homemade goodies - you can really show you care in an environmentally sound way.

Welcome

Welcome to Wholesome Ohio! This blog is intended to provide information on healthy lifestyles, environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and sustainable living in Ohio. Please feel free to share.