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

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.

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? It’s daunting and frustrating.

What sparked this clean out? An article. The ones I like the least. The ones that make me feel like I’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 couldn’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 doesn’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 that’s not me.

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