Perhaps you’ve heard of BPA but aren’t aware of its implications, or you’re not familiar with the term. The truth is, this hazardous industrial chemical has been hiding in many of the products we use everyday since its development back in the 1960s…

And the most troubling thing: BPA has been quietly occupying our homes for generations, hiding in the products we never imagined wouldn’t be safe to use. Add to that, the widespread lack of understanding that’s caused many of us not to even realize the substantial risks its exposure has been posing to the health of our families and the planet.

There is some good news, however. With the increased awareness that’s emerging among the general public revealing the dangers of BPA in the products we use, we’re now offered a powerful moment of choice.

Through this education comes the ability for us to make a healthier choice for ourselves, our families, and the environment. 

Plus, it’s actually really easy to make the switch to a BPA free life! 

By choosing instead to use products that don’t contain BPA, (FYI: It’s a piece of cake..!) we’re able to make choices that’ll impact all of our lives for the better.

Here, we’ll get to know what BPA is, why exposure to it is a considerable threat to our health and the earth, and also identify some easy swaps you and your family can try that’ll make you realize just how simple it is to make the switch!

We promise you'll be happy to show it the door...

what is bpa?

BPA is short for “Bisphenol A”. It’s a chemical compound that’s added during the production of certain plastics and resins, and is used as a hardening agent that helps the plastics solidify. It’s widely used particularly in the production of plastic bottles, cups, and tins for canned foods.

For years, plastic manufacturers have been using BPA in hundreds of household and food storage items we use regularly.

the effects of bpa on our health

Studies have shown that BPA is particularly dangerous due to the fact that it doesn’t just stay in the material that the container is made of, but it can actually leach out and seep into the food and drinks we consume. 

Our body then absorbs this powerful endocrine-disrupting chemical, taking it up into our bloodstream where it mimics the hormone estrogen. This throws our endocrine system out of balance and wreaks havoc on many of our body’s functions.

health risks linked to exposure to bpa:

 Ovarian, Breast and Prostate Cancers

Hormonal Disruptions

Reproductive Issues

Neurological Conditions

Brain & Prostate Development in Babies

Increased Blood Pressure

Diabetes

Behavioral Issues in Children

the impact of bpa on the environment

BPA also has an immense environmental impact. With the amount of litter covering our land and seas globally, many plastics are ending up in oceans and water supplies. As the chemical accumulates in the oceans, rivers and streams, it starts to impact wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. 

how bpa decimates delicate ecosystems:

Just as BPA can affect our hormones, their damaging endocrine disruptors also have similar effects on the reproductive systems of aquatic species, reptiles, and birds. 

These effects span several generations of wildlife, dramatically decreasing the fertility of impacted species and placing some in risk of becoming endangered.

IDENTIFYING PLASTICS THAT CONTAIN BPA... AND SOME ideas for easy ALTERNATIVES!

Due to the fact that BPA is so widely used in many household items we’re accustomed to using and relying on day-to-day, it may seem intimidating to find alternatives... 

But the great news is, there are some simple switch-ups you can easily incorporate into your routine that will help you cut off your exposure to toxic BPA.

(Pssst: We think you'll find these swap-outs will be improvements in every sense of the word; especially when it comes to functionality, sustainability and style. Plus, your car won't miss having all those empty bottles rolling around on the floor, we promise...)

try these alternatives:

When you can’t avoid using plastic completely- (which can be a challenge in these modern times) search for plastics that are marked BPA free.

 Never expose plastic food or drink containers you suspect might have BPA in them to heat. Microwaving or using the dishwasher may increase the levels and likelihood that the harmful chemical leaks into your food.

Incorporate alternatives to plastics wherever possible. There’s never been a better excuse to ditch the plastic!

...We’ve made it our mission here at Greens Steel to drastically minimize the need for single-use plastics worldwide, and eliminate the use of BPA in drinkware production... For the health of our family and yours.    

Stainless Steel is the perfect choice for all your drinkware needs! It’s reusable, eco-friendly, and incredibly durable… Not to mention, it’s far superior at keeping your drinks insulated at their ideal temperature. Once you make the switch, we're sure you'll agree there’s no looking back, as flimsy plastic bottles just don’t stand a chance. 

Make the easy switch & ditch BPA for good by grabbing your Greens Steel Beast Tumbler, Greens Steel Water Bottle and Stainless Steel Cups ...Or, check out the entire range of earth- and health-nurturing goodies here.

 Opt for home-cooked meals instead of takeaway to avoid potential BPA-containing plastics that are used to package carryout orders.

Store dinner leftovers & pack your meal prep in glass dishes with BPA-free lids instead of plastic containers.

Steer away from canned foods as much as possible, as the plastic inner liner used in aluminium cans to keep the food contents separated from the metal contains BPA.

THE Bottom line on bpa

While the real impact of exposure to BPA is still being researched in order to fully understand the extent of its long-term effect on our health... Some authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control currently maintain that the levels of BPA in plastics are reasonably safe with limited exposure. 

Opinions on the true impact of this toxic additive do vary by country as well, and there is not a universal opinion on safety of the usage of BPA. Regulatory boards continue to monitor levels of BPA in our household goods, and are conducting further studies on this compound until more historical data becomes available.

that being said...

When we’ve got the safety and health of our loved ones in mind, we refuse to take any chances. 

We’re constantly striving to lessen our exposure to potentially harmful BPA, even if that exposure is considered to be at relatively low levels… And we’re pretty sure you will too. 

Not only will you be doing a favor for yourself, but you’ll also be preserving the environment for future generations by minimizing the use of these plastics and choosing BPA free options for your family.

Fefe | Greens Steel Wellness Contributor

Nevada, USA

Greens Steel is a family company. Its roots are firmly planted in healthy living, ethical business models and a dedication to preserving our earth in its pristine beauty for many generations to come.