Is your life too plastic?

There are many interesting side events before the main negotiations begin here at the Rio+20 sustainability conference. Yesterday there was a talk regarding the effects of plastics on both our environment and our health, especially womens health. Plastics make up a trillion dollar industry and are incorporated into many aspects of our day to day life without a lot of thought on their impact.

I have been a campaigner against the use of plastic bags for a long time now. I am so pleased recyclable shopping bags have become fashionable by the likes of Anya Hindmarch who’s recyclable tote bag was a sell out. Having studied marine biology I am acutely aware of the impact plastic bags have on marine life. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jelly fish and then the bag stays in their stomach and can prevent the digestion of food starving the turtle.

When I began my nutrition studies I then learnt about the impacts chemicals in plastics can have on our hormones, especially female hormones. Some of the chemicals mimic oestrogen and can be major factor in horomal imbalances in many women. Reducing the use of plastics in your life is recommended for everyone. One example are plastic water bottles. Chemicals from the plastics can leech into the water, especially when left in the sun even for a small amount if time. I always recommend keeping water in a glass bottle. This is just one example, avoiding plastic wrap and packaging is also recommended.

One of the delegates at the conference made me aware of a great campaign to educate people about all the dangers of plastic bags called Bag it! You can find out more here.

Lets help spread the message and work towards protecting our environment and female health.

If there is a particular topic about nutrition you would like to see on the wesource blog email wesourcer, Belinda Mann at: belinda.mann@gmail.com or post a comment below. You can also follow her on twitter @msbelindamann and visit her new website at http://belindamann-nutrition.com