When I cook, I almost always make too much, and end up with a boatload of leftovers for the next few days. Not a bad problem to have, right? Just slip a little plastic wrap over your container, throw it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re hungry. But what if that plastic wrap was made out of toxic chemicals that could affect your health? Most of them are.
Modern day plastic wrap is made up of several harmful factors, some of them even linked to breast cancer, heart defects, and reproductive issues. Here’s what is hiding in your kitchen cling wrap:
- BPAs (Bisphenol A): a chemical compound strongly linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and early sexual development issues in women. BPAs are also shown to mimic estrogen in women, causing severe hormonal issues.
- LDPE (low-density polyethylene): a chemical compound that is found to contain DEHA (diathylhexyl adipate) which is a known endocrine disrupter linked to breast cancer in women and low sperm count in men.
- PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride): a chemical compound that has phased out of western plastic wrap ingredients, but still prevalent in wraps coming from China. This compound contains extremely toxic additives such as phthalates, lead, and cadmium.
- DIDP (Di-isononyl phthalate): a chemical compound used in lieu of PVDC, but still riddled with phthalates causing high blood pressure in children ages 6-19.
The danger of coming into contact with these chemicals mainly stems from the reheating portion of your leftover lifecycle. The FDA strongly advises against leaving cling wrap on your food when you pop it in the microwave, as these chemicals can be transferred to your food and into your body. Exposure to phthalates and toxic chemicals is increased 55x with heat.
So what to do?
Swap out your plastic wrap with reusable, USDA organic Etee wraps! These wraps are made with GOTS certified organic cotton coated with USDA organic beeswax, clove & cinnamon essential oil, jojoba oil, coniferous tree resin, and non-GMO soy wax. They work the same as plastic wrap, and cling to your containers. Simply warm in your hands to activate, and they will seal to your container or food. They clean easy (soap + cool water), and last up to 4-6 months.
Leave a comment