A Guide to the Plastics in Your Home | Green Enough Book Review

I received the Green Enough book to review. No other compensation was received.

Hi friends! If you have been following my journey on social media for any length of time, you know that I try to lead a healthier lifestyle one day at a time. I don't go overboard (even though I want to!), and I look for causes to support that makes sense. I recently traded up my skincare for organic brands, and I use apps like Think Dirty before I buy any makeup. Now that I'm a parent, I want to make sure that my son has access to better-for-him food options, soaps, and even everyday products like plasticware.

It's not always easy…especially if you are on a budget. But, you have to start somewhere! This book was JUST what I needed RIGHT when I needed it. I wasn't sure what ELSE I could do. I tackled my bathrooms and pantry, but what more could I do to live a better life?

In Green Enough, Mamavation blogger Leah Segedie has a fresh take on how to make smarter choices for your family while detoxing your home, diet, and lifestyle. This book includes kid-approved recipes for readers looking to detoxify their cooking routine, and she goes over ingredients in your favorite brands. You will learn how to make better decisions at the grocery store (no more overwhelm!), and you will discover some new tricks for your home.

I was most interested in this plastics guide since I still don't know what each type of plastic means.
Green Enough: Eat Better, L...Shop on Amazon

Plastics Guide

Here’s a quick-reference rundown on those teeny tiny numbers on plastics.

#1: PET or PETE (polyethylene teraphthalate). Bottled water comes in this plastic, which is designed for single use so it’s not especially strong. As with all plastics, heat is a problem. When you leave a plastic bottle sitting in the sun or your hot car, you’re effectively helping all those chemicals leach into your water. Plus, bacteria can accumulate with repeated refills, so don’t reuse—recycle.
#2: HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Typically opaque with a lower risk of leaching, so many consider it safe. Best to avoid reusing; most curbside recycling programs will pick it up.
#3: V or PVC (vinyl). Used to make detergent bottles and some food wraps. Never cook with or burn this plastic. May contain phthalates, which are linked to numerous health issues, and DEHA, which can be carcinogenic with long-term exposure. Most curbside recycling programs do not accept PVC.
#4: LDPE (low-density polyethylene). It’s found in squeezable bottles, frozen food and bread bags, and some food wraps. Curbside recycling programs typically do not accept it. Considered safer, but concern about endocrine-disrupting chemicals is mounting, particularly when it comes to use with fatty foods like cheese and ham.
#5: Polypropylene. Used to make yogurt containers and bottles for ketchup and syrup, this plastic is becoming more accepted by curbside recycle programs. It’s safe to reuse if it’s in good condition and you avoid exposing it to heat.
#6: Polystyrene. Used to make meat trays and those squeaky egg cartons. It’s bad for the environment because it is notoriously difficult to recycle, and it’s bad for us because it leaches potentially toxic chemicals (especially when heated). Most recycling programs won’t accept it.
#7: Other, Miscellaneous. All of the plastics that don’t fit into the other categories are placed in the 7 category. It ’s a mixed bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA) and plant based alternatives.

You can now order this book today. It's going to be a staple of my bookcase to help me make better choices each day.

Green Enough: Eat Better, L...Shop on Amazon

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