The Green Movement is gaining momentum and that is worth celebrating but before we rush headlong into trendy, eco-sensitive products, we need to ask ourselves if these products are safe for humans.

For decades scientists and ecologists have warned us about using plastic because post-consumer plastic takes up considerable space in our landfills and takes too long to degrade (if it is biodegradable at all).

To answer this growing ecological threat, plastic recycling technology is growing more consumer-friendly and more affordable but do recycled plastic products pose a risk for human health?

EcologyCenter.org lists the adverse health effects of plastic. People are now warning us to never heat up food cooked in plastics because the heat allows the chemicals in plastic to transfer to our food. The little plastic microwavable trays may be convenient to use but in the long run they can contribute to serious health problems and disease. Plastic toxicity can disrupt our body's hormone balance which can lead to "cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression, and developmental problems in children."*

Using post-consumer plastic products in our home or even wearing clothing made out of recycled plastic bottles increase your exposure to the toxic chemicals found in plastics. Outdoor adventure companies are known for the earth-friendly, eco-conscious philosophy so maybe that is why they introduced the plastic fiber line of clothingmade out of recycled plastic bottlesbut before you buy clothes made out of recycled plastic, I strongly encourage you to research plastic's effect on our health.

Looking for more?
Chart - Lists specific chemicals in plastic and their known ill-effects on the human body.

Safe Green Living - Earth-friendly, family safe

* http://www.ecologycenter.org/factsheets/plastichealtheffects.html March 25, 2008