We are surrounded by it. Just think for a moment about the plastic shopping bag epidemic. In the beginning plastic manufacturing was considered to be a revolution. The answer to everything from packaging to lower priced merchandise. Though a convenient substance, researchers have raised concern about the potential health safety risks, not to mention the impact plastic has on our environment.

With traces of chemicals used in plastic production evident in our bodies, possible health concerns have been raised, although the correlation has yet to be determined.
"Ultimately, governments have a responsibility to regulate things that impact people's health," says Brian McCarry, department head of chemistry at McMaster University and an expert on environmental contaminants. The European Union is by far ahead in this capacity; they are more prepared to step in and use precautionary principles."


Regulations on the use of plastic is unregulated internationally. Along with the plastic in our lives, we are inviting in toxic metals, such as lead, which is used for color, stabilization and as a flame-retardant. How do we know which plastics are safe? Once again, as with so many other consumer items, labeling is not required to reveal toxic compounds.
Organizations including the U.S.-based National Toxicology Program, the Environmental Protection Agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health agree that vinyl is one of only 52 chemicals/compounds designated as a confirmed human carcinogen.
PCV or vinyl is found in an array of consumer products ranging from cleaning products, oils, solvents, personal care products, building materials and children's toys. Here is an interesting Time Article speaking about the history of plastic. Avoiding all plastic is not always practical or possible, so choose things which are made from #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE) #4 (LDPE) or #5 )PP). CBC News reports how to recognize these products. In short, look for the 'recycle' symbol.

Many toys are available in materials such as organic cotton and sustainable wood. Recycling plastic is complex and expensive, truly the most practical recyclable materials are paper, glass, metal cans. The choices you make today can create a long term impact. Truly Purchase recycled paper products whenever possible. Here are some suggestions for choices which can make a difference:

• Less packaging, including cloth shopping bags.


• Refillable containers which are reusable such as glass.


• Refill your own containers when shopping


• Never use plastic in the microwave, as chemicals are leached from the plastic into the food.


• Use butcher wrap, cellulose bags, waxed paper for wrapping foods.


• Pick manufacturers who opt for no-PCV based plastic.

"Manufacturers all over the world use chemicals that soften, stabilize and create malleable plastic products. These chemicals contain phthalates and other dioxins that are known endocrine disruptors," Kathleen Cooper, senior researcher at the Toronto-based Environmental Law Association said. "People need to get upset about this. It has to be consumers voting with their wallets; consumers expressing concern," Cooper said.
As a consumer, get involved by demanding action from Government agencies. Contact the manufacturer, whenever possible, to register a complaint. Just around the corner we stand to see a wave of business strategies, which will involve bowing to the demands of the consumers.