• “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the house of the wise.” – Proverbs 21:20

Making Healthy Choices- Living Chemical Free

Lets be honest… living totally chemical free in this present day and age is next to impossible! That being said there are simple steps that we can take to greatly reduce our exposure to them and at the top of my list is getting rid of plastics.

You see many of the everyday common plastics that we are using contain a potentially dangerous chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA). So you probably find yourself wondering “What in the world IS BPA and why is it so dangerous?” It’s a controversial plastic additive widely used in plastic packaging and the lining of drinks cans. It’s been shown to be a hormone disruptor and many have concerns about its potentially adverse human health effects caused by exposure to this synthetic estrogen. It has been linked to numerous issues, such as reproductive, immunity, neurological problems, and metabolic disease, along with others like cardiovascular disease, childhood asthma, and type-2 diabetes. It leaches into food and drinks, and is especially harmful when warmed or heated which means that the risk increases with heating or reheating baby bottles, plastic storage containers and more. And, sorry to burst your bubble but BPA-free isn’t any better, in fact some think its ever worse. Think of how many times you’ve reheated food in BPA-free plastic containers in the microwave, or baby bottles with disposable liners in hot water. Makes me shudder!

Knowing how the endocrine system works is critical to understanding not only what it is that makes BPA so dangerous but also how far reaching its effects are. Hormones are sent into the bloodstream after being produced by endocrine tissues (thyroid, ovaries and testes). Once in the bloodstream they act like messengers binding to hormone receptors throughout the body. Once plugged into these receptor sites, the hormones begin activating responses throughout the body controlling functions like reproduction, growth and energy levels. Each of us gets plenty of natural hormones but since BPA is very similar in shape to the hormone estrogen, it easily binds with hormone receptors, overloading receptor sites and altering cell function throughout the body. According to Frederick vom Saal, a University of Missouri biologist who studies endocrine disruptors “BPA is acting on receptors that are already above thresholds because everyone has estrogen in their body.”

In recent years (2007) there was a well publicized movement to remove BPA from drinking containers and from baby and children’s products. Many manufacturers voluntarily removed it from water bottles and plastic food containers. Definitely a step in the right direction however recent evidence has emerged that the new “BPA-free” plastics being tauted as safe may in fact actually be just as harmful, if not more so. BPA, and other similar chemicals can and do wreak havoc on endocrine systems even in infinitesimal amounts says vom Saal. To learn more on this important subject just GOOGLE it. (my kids are always telling me to do this). I’m betting that you’ll be shocked by what you learn.

So… what’s a person to do?

Personally getting rid of plastic storage containers has been at the top of my list for awhile but purchasing glass storage containers can be pricey and I haven’t found any that I thought would actually fit my storage needs. Then like a light bulb the thought of using canning jars and other larger jars I have collected, instead of plastics, hit me. So I removed all my plastic storage containers, and went to the basement to gather up a supply of glass jars and lids to use instead.

Once I got started I actually realized that using glass jars has a couple of additional benefits over plastic… I find it much easier to actually SEE what’s in them and it takes up less space. A win-win situation all around. Below are some before and after pics.

canning and misc jar collection HeavenScentOils4U.com

canning and misc jar collection
HeavenScentOils4U.com

plastic storage containers HeavenScentOils4U.com

plastic storage containers
HeavenScentOils4U.com


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leftover roast chicken in plastic HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover roast chicken in plastic
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stir fry and rice HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stir fry and rice
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stir fry in plastic HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stir fry in plastic
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stir fry in jar HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stir fry in jar
HeavenScentOils4U.com


 
 

Leftover rice HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover rice in plastic
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover rice in jar HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover rice in jar
HeavenScentOils4U.com


 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Leftover mashed potatoes HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover mashed potatoes
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Mashed potatoes in jar HeavenScentOils4U.com

Mashed potatoes in jar
HeavenScentOils4U.com

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Leftover stew in plastic HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stew in plastic
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftover stew in glass

Leftover stew in glass

Leftovers side by side in plastic and glass HeavenScentOils4U.com

Ditch the plastic & the chemicals. Use glass instead. #MakingHealthyChoices

Plastic pitcher HeavenScentOils4U.com

Plastic and glass pitchers
HeavenScentOils4U.com


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As you can see getting rid of all that CHEMICAL laden, HORMONE DISRUPTING plastic is a lot cheaper than you might think. Purchasing a box or two of different size canning jars and lids is very inexpensive. And don’t forget to check out your local thrift store, Goodwill or Salvation Army store for glass storage containers. And as you can see, it takes up less space and is actually easier to SEE what’s in your fridge.

Begin with baby steps and throw some of the toxic chemicals in your home to the curb by tossing out all your plastic containers. Then start switching out other toxic products in your home beginning with your cleaning products, or personal care products from our THIEVES product line. Thieves is one of our most popular products and we have an entire product line centered around this POWERFUL blend of essential oils. Using pure, unadulterated essential oils is one of THE best things you can do for your health and helps you kick chemicals to the curb.

So… if you’ve been inspired to chuck all those plastic storage containers and take another step closer to health and wellness please come back here and report to us how you did it, and how it’s working for you. I believe that like me you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results, beyond all the health benefits of doing so. With the New Year just days away it makes it the perfect time to make this one of your New Years resolutions and commit to doing this.

Leftovers in glass HeavenScentOils4U.com

Leftovers in glass ~ Safe & chemical-free / NO BPA’s / No hormone disruptors!
HeavenScentOils4U.com

Sources
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/bpa-free-plastics-may-not-be-safe.html
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/bpa-free-plastic-safe
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/study-shows-dangers-of-bpa-chemical-used-in-plastic-packaging-8633551.html
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/03/tritan-certichem-eastman-bpa-free-plastic-safe

——♦—♦—♦—♦—♦—♦——

NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS? Discover the Young Living difference here!

Are you new to essential oils?
Would you like to learn more about them?
Come discover what essential oils are and what it is that separates Young Living from ALL the rest!

Then come and learn a little bit more ABOUT ME and my love for essential oils and living a healthy lifestyle, and finding safe, natural solutions! I’d love to help you get started experiencing them for yourself and provide training and education all along the way!!! I’m confident once you do, you find yourself wishing you’d started using them long ago.

Bookmark the permalink.

6 Responses to Making Healthy Choices- Living Chemical Free

  1. Pingback: Making Healthy Choices… Educational Series - HeavenScentOils4U

  2. Pingback: Making Healthy Choices- Living Chemical Free | relmaster

  3. Tracee says:

    Thus is an awesome Post!!! And such an easier way! I had just begun to switch everything over this week as I had purchased some new pyrex off Amazon on sale! Thanks for reminding me to use canning jars!!!

  4. Awesome post, sis! I have recently been purchasing glass containers w/lids to store leftovers in & gotten rid of using some plastic. Don’t use my microwave at all anymore—–husband thinks I am crazy, but I find ways to heat up things either on stovetop, electric skillet or oven. I actually made homemade applesauce and homemade cranberry sauce @ Thanksgiving and stored both in quart canning jars—-and like you said–much easier to see contents!!! Great post and beginning to the New Year—-getting creative in ridding kitchen of plastic!!!!

    • Like you I don’t like using the microwave either and usually find using my steamer works better than the microwave, leaving food moist and steaming hot. I find that it’s almost as fast too providing that I only put enough water in to bring to a boil quickly and long enough to thoroughly steam… usually about an inch or less of water.

  • WARNING- References to the use of essential oils refers SOLELY to Young Living Essential Oils. Before taking oils internally always verify if it's safe for internal use. Never attempt to use other oils in the same way as it may be dangerous or toxic! Because of Young Living's entire SEED-to-SEAL process they are the ONLY ones that I would ever consider ingesting!
     
    These two websites may be able to help you locate a Functional Medicine/Integrative practitioner near you: www.acam.org and www.functionalmedicine.org.
     
    Links are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement of the content of the link.
     

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

    HeavenScentOils4U FACEBOOK page Facebook
    Young Living's FACEBOOK page Facebook

     

    *********************

  • NOTICE & DISCLAIMERS

    NOTICE & DISCLAIMER

    All information and content expressed here are my personal opinions and experiences, or those of others. They are meant for educational purposes and are not those of Young Living Essential Oils or any company or corporation.

    The material on this Website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the State of California and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    You should consult your physician before: beginning any program, exercise, body awareness techniques, or meditation; changing your diet; taking any nutritional or herbal supplement; or using any information provided by here.

    While we endeavor to provide accurate and current information on this Website, there may be information on this Website that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies, or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times, and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information on this Website or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order).

    This Website may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve the right to modify the contents of this Website at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our Website. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our Website.

    FURTHERMORE...

    It is your responsibility to address your health needs with your physician and seek professional help when you need it. You should always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions about any medical condition. We strongly advise that you seek professional advice as appropriate before making any health decision. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

    Since I'm not a licensed physician, I can't diagnose or prescribe for you; the decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader and any application of the information provided constitutes the explicit waiver of any liability on my part. I practice and teach "self-responsibility" and as such I encourage you to educate yourself so you can make your own informed decisions and apply your own better judgment when professional help is needed. Do not apply any information provided here if you are not willing to assume the risks. If you do use the information provided here without the approval of a health professional, you are prescribing for yourself, which is your constitutional right, but I assume no responsibility. No express or implied guarantee is given regarding the effects of using any of the information or products described herein.

    This information has been designed to help educate the reader in regard to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the publisher and its authors are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. The publisher and its authors shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information.

    Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods, supplements, products or activities have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. By using this site you agree to these terms.