It probably won’t surprise you to hear that I think a lot about what we eat. I also spend a lot of time thinking about what our food touches such as how it’s packaged, stored, and used in our daily lives.
Reflecting on Earth Day: Plastics in Food
You may notice how intertwined plastic is with the food and drinks we consume. Outside of my work with Little Red Wagon Granola, I collaborate with other scientists and engineers to develop plastic-free food packaging. While we’re not quite there yet when it comes to finding a plastic-free solution that works for our granola pouches, there are simple, impactful swaps we can all make today.
One of the biggest opportunities for reducing plastics in food, is to minimize or avoid plastic contact with hot foods and beverages. Thankfully there are plenty of options to avoid plastic cooking utensils. Depending on what you’re whipping up, silicone, wood, and stainless steel can all be great swaps.
It’s also important to be mindful of how we reheat our food. Even if a container label states “microwave-safe,” the laws of diffusion still apply. Heating food in plastic can increase the amount of microplastics that end up in your meal. Ceramic or glass containers are safer choices. Switching to a stainless steel or ceramic travel mug is a game-changer for anyone who grabs coffee or tea on the go to avoid plastic-lined paper cups and lids.
Thinking about how plastics in food show up in our lives can feel overwhelming, but small steps truly add up. Packing your lunch in glass containers, keeping a reusable water bottle in your car, or simply choosing products that align with your values. Mountains are climbed one step at a time. Thanks for being part of the journey with us at Little Red Wagon Granola.
With gratitude,
Ven McMahan, PhD