Plastic is durable, easy to use, flexible and cheap. Those are the short term benefits of plastic that we often look at. However, if you see the big picture, plastic is more expensive than any other kind of material used for making utensils in this world. An average plastic plate takes hundreds of years to decompose – and that’s very bad for the environment.
It is estimated that more than 17 million barrels of crude oil is used annually to produce reusable plastic bottles, plastic cups and plates. This process is energy intensive and depletes earth’s non-renewable resources.
But plastic dishes aren’t harmful for the environment only. They can leave a very bad impact on our health as well. Most plates and dishes made from plastic contain a chemical known as BPA. According to studies conducted in recent times, BPA has been linked to increased cases of cancer, brain tumor and other fatal ailments. And don’t be fooled by BPA free plastic either. At the end of the day, plastic is made from chemicals, and these chemicals can seep into our food when they react with the hot ingredients. And any kind of chemical does leave a negative impact on our body.
Now, compare this with stainless steel dishes. Steel has a far more earth friendly life cycle than plastic. The safety aspect and the reusability aspect give a further edge to stainless steel dishes.
But ultimately, the decision rests on you - what would you prefer to use when serving your child’s food - plastic plates and glasses which are cheap but laden with harmful chemicals or the healthier stainless steel which is slightly expensive but healthier and cost-effective in the long run?
For further information, please visit: http://www.livestrong.com/article/158907-dangers-of-plastic-bottles-and-utensils/
