About Bioplastic

I’ve just returned from a trip to Costa Rica. While I was there I had the opportunity to go into a number of grocery stores (blog post coming soon). I saw a lot of typical plastic wraps and bags. But I also saw a number of things that were unwrapped. In one store I even saw produce items bundled together with what looked like banana leaves (similar to this article about Thailand). A number of stores either sold reusable bags or gave out paper bags rather than plastic.

Costa Rica turns out the be a country on the forefront of eco-consciousness. They've pledged to stop using all single-use plastics by 2021. In one restaurant that I went to, I was given a bamboo straw for my drink. I spoke with the manager, and he told me that it was a special bamboo that grows in Costa Rica. The straws are reusable as long as they are sanitized with vinegar and hot water and then dried thoroughly. The restaurant, however, uses them as single-use but encourages patrons to take them (I brought mine home).

Costa Rica has a lot of coastline and many beautiful beaches. Given the economic impact of tourism, it makes sense that they want their beaches, and the ocean, to remain as clean as possible. A ban on single-use plastics would certainly go a long way towards helping that happen.

According to the Ocean Conservancy, “Plastic has been found in more than 60% of all seabirds and in 100% of sea turtles species, that mistake plastic for food. Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean on top of the estimated 150 million metric tons that currently circulate our marine environments.”

I continue to think about this issue and to mindfully research and learn about plastics and how to reduce my usage. Seeing someone else try to avoid plastic can help to point out all the different ways it creeps into our lives. It’s not always easy to go plastic-free. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or defeated (because it’s such a large issue), I think the best thing to do is to take it one step at a time. Reduce or change when and what you can and do better as you are able to.
 

Be mindful, eat well, be well,

Now here's what you really need to know...

Food News You Can Use

As a proposed response to the issue of plastic pollution, you may be seeing "plastic" bags advertised as bioplastic or biodegradable. The challenge is that the majority of these are made from GMO plants such as corn or synthesized bacteria. Even though these bioplastic bags break down, the environmental impact of how they are created is significant. A reusable bag is a better option.

Millions of tons of plastic waste are discarded every year. A significant percentage of it winds up in our waterways and the oceans. Even washing fabrics made from plastic* can contribute plastic microfibers to the environment. In aquatic species, these microplastics studies show potential harm to the liver and the reproductive system. New studies are now showing microplastic contamination in human feces, meaning that these plastics are getting in our systems. A small scale human study has also shown that there may be bigger issues than previously thought when it comes to microplastics and their impact on the gut. Researchers caution that more, larger-scale studies are needed. In the meantime, it seems prudent to reduce exposure to plastic in food, beverages, and our environment as much as possible.

*These fabrics can include rayon, acrylic, polyester, sequale, Greenspun, Repreve, and other PET recycled fibers.

Plastic wrap is a very large part of plastic pollution, and it may seem like it's difficult to do without it. There are, however, a number of eco-friendly options that are equally effective for food preservation without relying on plastic wrap: reusing glass containers, wax paper bags, Bees Wrap - a beeswax coated cloth that is moldable to wrap food or containers, and Silicone food storage bags. Reduce your plastic use by shifting to these options.

I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. If you are looking to decrease plastic, don’t forget to check your chewing gum. This often contains “gum base” which is a code name for polyethylene which is also used to make plastic bags and bottles.

On Mira's Mind...

Where I am, what I’m doing, or what’s on my mind:

• Action: The FDA has just approved soy leghemoglobin. This is a genetically modified ingredient that makes meatless burgers “bleed.” It was released without testing for allergenic status even though he FDA is supposed to do that in a situation like this. Let the FDA know you want safety testing for this product.
• I've had a number of requests for a class or webinar on how to use block scheduling. I’d like to find out how many people are interested so I can plan better for putting something together. Drop me a quick line and let me know if you'd be interested in this.
• As summer winds down, it’s a perfect time to make refrigerator pickles. Here’s a recipe I shared with Wellness Today magazine.
• We've just started the newest book for the book club. It's definitely a must-read for anyone who has ever eaten Doritos! Sign up now and join this healthy readers book club.
• If you're interested in doing more to clean up the ocean consider supporting the Ocean Conservancy. This organization ranks 96.00 out of 100 on Charity Navigator for accountability and transparency.
• Stay connected all year as we learn more about health, wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle.