Alberta Co-op Grocery

Plastics

Posted April 23rd, 2010

Part I

by Kenny Symonds, Working Owner

Invented in 1855, plastics have since become increasingly integrated in our society but not without many ill effects.  It is well known that some plastics leach endocrine disruptors and this is due to the millions of additives intended to bind, strengthen and soften them.  Four out of the six most common types of plastics have been tested and proven to contain dangerous and harmful chemicals.  It certainly does not mean that the other plastics aren’t harmful to the environment and us.  I believe it is important that we look at the long-term health and socioeconomic effects and realize that they outweigh the conveniences we are used to.

Plastics with the #1 are PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate). PETE contains DEHP (Di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate), which has been shown to have an adverse effect on the development and health of testicles.  Used for soda, water & juice bottles, detergents, and peanut butter containers.

Plastics with the #3 are PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) PVC contains carcinogens and chemicals that damage the liver and central nervous system.  PVC can be found in plastic wrap, cooking oil bottles and in children’s toys.

Plastics with the #6 are PS (Polystyrene).  PS leaches chemicals that are toxic to red blood cells, the liver, kidneys, stomach, brain, and the central nervous system.  PS is used to make styrofoam, egg cartons, disposable dishware, disposable cutlery, and take out containers among many other items.

Plastics with the #7 are labeled as ‘Other’ and are most commonly Polycarbonate.  Polycarbonate can leach Bisphenol A, a chemical that mimics the hormone estrogen.  Bisphenol A is a carcinogen that can disrupt ovarian function and cause genetic damage.  It is all too common to find polycarbonates in baby bottles, metal food can linings, clear plastic cups, sport drink bottles, contact lenses, syringes and even dental products.

Tags: environment, plastic, pollution, sustainablity, toxins, waste
Posted in General Information

Harmful Plastics

Posted April 23rd, 2010

Part II

by Kenny Symonds, Working Owner

Plastic will never decompose, it breaks down into smaller and smaller fragments and the only process that will make it go away is incineration.  But when plastic is incinerated it releases chemicals into the atmosphere including dioxins, which are the most harmful of toxins.

So our top solution is none other than the landfill.  Plastics are currently responsible for more that 10% of the worlds landfilled garbage.  When our garbage is taken to the landfill, these chemicals still exude and poison the earth itself and eventually collect in the underground water systems. Interestingly enough, plastics are not biodegradable and their “bio-based” alternatives haven’t been proven to be either.

As for our oceans, they are housing incredible amounts of plastic garbage ranging in size, shape and form.  There are tires floating alongside toothbrushes, diapers, water bottles, cigarette butts, and the list goes on. Streams, rivers and drains are carrying all of these plastic items into our most precious resource and as a result contaminate it with the poisonous chemicals that are found in them.  These bottle caps and plastic fragments are now floating in the ocean and appear much like the food sources that our marine life eats.  When a bird, fish or turtle eats these fragments not only does it clog their stomachs it is also poisoning them with chemicals that are leaching out.  To date, more than 180 animals have been documented to have ingested plastics.  If it isn’t bad enough that animals are dying from consuming these poisons themselves, take into account the food chain. One animal eats the plastic and absorbs the toxins and then another animal eats another and absorbs the toxins from the first and the chain continues.  How long until those toxins reach us through our shrimp or fish is unknown.  At this time, little research has been done to show if our food is already carrying these toxins.

Plastics are littering our planet in every possible place and way and there is only one solution, to stop using and producing it as much as possible.

Tags: environment, plastic, sustainablity, toxins, waste
Posted in General Information