Even though I have been thinking about suspicious chemicals in plastic for a couple of years now, I have never systematically purged my home of all these hormone mimickers (see my October 24th and October 30th posts about the effects of phthalates and bisphenol A on our children’s health). Recently, to make certain I have taken sufficient precautionary measures by chucking or recycling all the bad plastic, I devised what I believe to be a pretty reasonable strategy — until I am certain that we are rid of suspicious plastics, I will double-check whether or not I have done away with one category of household item made of questionable plastic every month. By steadily working my way through my crazy, shack-like home, I hope to rid my house of all the phthalate and bisphenol A-containing plastics without losing my mind.

Here are two effective purges I have made since starting research on my book:

THE PLASTIC SHOWER CURTAIN

Most plastic shower curtains contain phthalates, a family of hormone-mimicking chemicals that make plastic soft. When products made with these chemicals are heated up, phthalates are released. They then enter our bodies when we breathe them in. Months ago I bought a cotton shower curtain (www.satara-inc.com). This web company also has a hemp shower curtain and a phthalate-free liner. I was concerned that the heavy fabric wouldn’t keep water in the tub but so far I haven’t had a problem. Another option, although I haven’t personally tried their shower curtain, is www.greenmarket.com. You may also want to try a nylon or PEVA curtain. Both are available at Target and Ikea.

PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES & SIPPY CUPS

To avoid bisphenol A, early in the summer I bought stainless steel water bottles for each member of my family, as well as a stainless steel sippy cup for my youngest, Super George. Later, my sister-in-law, Jen traded me a Sigg bottle for a Gap v-neck tee shirt. The Sigg bottle, which is made of aluminum, holds just the right amount of water for a long bike ride and has a blue and green graphic on the front (www.mysigg.com). However, after trying Sigg, I quickly realized that I favor the stainless steel option. My swim coach, Peggy, loves her Klean Kanteen, and sure enough they are not only a great shape but they have recently introduced a stainless steel sippy cup (www.kleankanteen.com). Although I haven’t tried it, Kristin, a good friend and an exceedingly thoughtful mom with two small children, recommends a bisphenol A-free, plastic sippy cup from Born Free (www.greenfeet.com). She also likes Foogo stainless steel sippy cups (www.thermos.com).

Stay tuned for November’s purge and replacement—food containers and food wrap.