Stop doing this now: Scientists reveal why it’s a bad idea to reuse plastic bottles and to-go containers
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In an age where environmental consciousness is on the rise, many of us have adopted the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle” to do our part for the planet.
However, recent scientific findings suggest that when it comes to certain items, particularly single-use plastics like water bottles and to-go containers, reuse might not be as benign as we once thought.
Why should we stop doing this? Let’s hear it from the scientists!
The convenience of grabbing a plastic water bottle at the airport or saving that takeout container for tomorrow's lunch is undeniable.
But experts are now warning that the habit of reusing these items could pose significant health risks.
Sherri Mason, a leading plastic pollution researcher and director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University, has highlighted the abundance of plastics in our food chain and the potential dangers associated with chemical exposure from these materials.
According to her, scientists are “now finding it [plastics] in pretty much every kind of food you can look at. There is a real significant potential human health impact that is associated with reusing plastics, whether you’re talking about beverages or food.”
Children and individuals of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
The chemicals that leach from single-use plastics, which are designed for a one-time use and not for durability, can migrate into the food and beverages we consume.
This is exacerbated when these plastics are subjected to heat, such as in a microwave or dishwasher, or even when hot food is placed in them.
A recent study by Megan Liu, science and policy manager at the advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, has shed light on the specific dangers of plastic.
“We really believe that reducing plastics reuse is the best possible approach,” remarked Megan Liu, science and policy manager at the advocacy group Toxic-Free Future.
The issue of microplastics is another area of concern.
These tiny particles, often smaller than a human hair, are shed from single-use plastics into our food and water. Though research hasn’t been done on directly comparing single-use and reusable plastic, scientists say they are more worried about single-use plastic because of the way it is made.
Mason said that she likes to “compare microplastics to our skin, constantly shedding skin cells.” This means that a single-use plastic water bottle sheds micro- and nano-plastics when you refill it with water, and takeout containers do the same with food.
Scientists have reported that plastic water bottles shed hundreds of thousands of plastic particles into the water, smaller than one-seventieth of the width of human hair. Around 16,000 chemicals are found in plastic, and Mason reports that 4,200 of these are highly hazardous.
Known carcinogens–cancer-causing agents–such as styrene have also been found in plastics. Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, emphasizes that this problem isn't limited to single-use items; even sturdier reusable plastics can release harmful particles when heated.
Liu also shed light on the dangers of black plastic. This type of plastic is found in sushi trays, cooking utensils, and other objects that have high levels of flame retardants.
These toxic chemicals have been connected to hormonal imbalance, reproductive complications, and a higher risk of cancer.
The International Bottled Water Association has also weighed in, advising against the reuse of single-use beverage containers due to “potential health risks due to bacteria growth and contamination.”
So, what can we do to protect ourselves while still being environmentally responsible? Here are some actionable tips:
1. Avoid Heating Plastics: Never microwave plastic items or place them in the dishwasher on a hot cycle. Transfer takeout food to nonplastic dishes before reheating.
2. Choose Alternatives: Opt for glass or metal water bottles and storage containers. When it comes to cooking utensils, switch to materials like stainless steel or silicone.
3. Maintain a Clean Home: Regular dusting, mopping, and vacuuming can reduce the buildup of harmful chemicals in your environment. Keeping your home well-ventilated is also beneficial.
Have you made changes to reduce your use of plastics? Do you have tips for others looking to do the same? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below!
However, recent scientific findings suggest that when it comes to certain items, particularly single-use plastics like water bottles and to-go containers, reuse might not be as benign as we once thought.
Why should we stop doing this? Let’s hear it from the scientists!
The convenience of grabbing a plastic water bottle at the airport or saving that takeout container for tomorrow's lunch is undeniable.
But experts are now warning that the habit of reusing these items could pose significant health risks.
Sherri Mason, a leading plastic pollution researcher and director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University, has highlighted the abundance of plastics in our food chain and the potential dangers associated with chemical exposure from these materials.
Reheating plastic, especially single-use plastic, can increase the release of chemicals into food and beverages. Image source: Pexels / Stas Knop.
According to her, scientists are “now finding it [plastics] in pretty much every kind of food you can look at. There is a real significant potential human health impact that is associated with reusing plastics, whether you’re talking about beverages or food.”
Children and individuals of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
The chemicals that leach from single-use plastics, which are designed for a one-time use and not for durability, can migrate into the food and beverages we consume.
This is exacerbated when these plastics are subjected to heat, such as in a microwave or dishwasher, or even when hot food is placed in them.
A recent study by Megan Liu, science and policy manager at the advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, has shed light on the specific dangers of plastic.
“We really believe that reducing plastics reuse is the best possible approach,” remarked Megan Liu, science and policy manager at the advocacy group Toxic-Free Future.
The issue of microplastics is another area of concern.
These tiny particles, often smaller than a human hair, are shed from single-use plastics into our food and water. Though research hasn’t been done on directly comparing single-use and reusable plastic, scientists say they are more worried about single-use plastic because of the way it is made.
Mason said that she likes to “compare microplastics to our skin, constantly shedding skin cells.” This means that a single-use plastic water bottle sheds micro- and nano-plastics when you refill it with water, and takeout containers do the same with food.
Scientists have reported that plastic water bottles shed hundreds of thousands of plastic particles into the water, smaller than one-seventieth of the width of human hair. Around 16,000 chemicals are found in plastic, and Mason reports that 4,200 of these are highly hazardous.
Known carcinogens–cancer-causing agents–such as styrene have also been found in plastics. Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, emphasizes that this problem isn't limited to single-use items; even sturdier reusable plastics can release harmful particles when heated.
Liu also shed light on the dangers of black plastic. This type of plastic is found in sushi trays, cooking utensils, and other objects that have high levels of flame retardants.
These toxic chemicals have been connected to hormonal imbalance, reproductive complications, and a higher risk of cancer.
The International Bottled Water Association has also weighed in, advising against the reuse of single-use beverage containers due to “potential health risks due to bacteria growth and contamination.”
So, what can we do to protect ourselves while still being environmentally responsible? Here are some actionable tips:
1. Avoid Heating Plastics: Never microwave plastic items or place them in the dishwasher on a hot cycle. Transfer takeout food to nonplastic dishes before reheating.
2. Choose Alternatives: Opt for glass or metal water bottles and storage containers. When it comes to cooking utensils, switch to materials like stainless steel or silicone.
3. Maintain a Clean Home: Regular dusting, mopping, and vacuuming can reduce the buildup of harmful chemicals in your environment. Keeping your home well-ventilated is also beneficial.
Have you made changes to reduce your use of plastics? Do you have tips for others looking to do the same? Share your stories and suggestions in the comments below!
