Why I’m Replacing all of the Plastic in our Cupboards

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As I open the cupboards, I feel like each plastic item is staring me down.

I close the cupboard doors, but I know it’s all still there. Finally, I decide to remove all of the plastic sippy cups, bowls, plates, and utensils from our kitchen. It all goes in a box and I send them to the garage. I ransack my other cupboards and pull out as many bamboo and stainless steel items as I can find. I tell my husband my plan to replace some of what I have gotten rid of with non-plastic alternatives; thank goodness he always seems on board with any effort I make toward a healthier lifestyle for our family.

Why I'm Replacing all of the Plastic in our Cupboards | Denver Metro Moms Blog
Thermos brand Stainless Steel cup found on Amazon.com. Bamboo bowl from Pampered Chef.

I was feeling good about my decision until I opened the refrigerator door. There it was, food sitting in plastic.

Condiments, in plastic. So much of it. What am I supposed to do? Do I find a store that sells everything in glass? Should I be replacing the containers when I get home from the store? Itโ€™s daunting and frustrating.

What sparked this clean out? An article. The ones I like the least. The ones that make me feel like Iโ€™m not being the best parent I could be. In my journey as a mom, I have converted to buying organic as often as possible, washing little hands religiously (with chemical free soap), deep cleaning and sanitizing at a borderline over the top level, and doing everything I can to keep my girls healthy and safe.

Why?

Because my mother-in-law, their grandma, passed away from breast cancer just two months before our oldest was born. Unfortunately this terrible disease is one that genetics can often play a part in, and while I can’t control their genetics, I can control what chemicals go into their bodies. So when I read that there were still traces of BPA, a chemical believed to cause breast cancer, and other toxins still in some plastics, I couldnโ€™t shake it. I physically cannot stomach the idea of my girls having to go through even an ounce of pain, let alone a fight with cancer.

It all had to go for the health of my girls.

Beyond a doubt, I wish I could be the mom who sends a letter to the FDA and makes real change happen for all of our children. Who doesnโ€™t stop until there are only healthy and properly packaged items replacing the junk in our stores, but I have to give myself the grace to know that thatโ€™s not me.

But I am trying and I will continue to do what I think is best for my family, every day.

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