Latest news with #TraceyWoodruff
NBC News
17-07-2025
- Health
- NBC News
The best plastic-free food storage containers for meal prep and more
I used plastic food containers for most of my life — they're affordable and accessible at most of the grocery stores I frequent. But, in recent years I've learned more about the potential dangers plastic food containers and microplastics pose to my health and the environment. Leaching, which is the process of microplastic getting into food, is one of many reasons I recently turned to non-plastic food containers and cooking utensils. Harmful chemicals from some plastic food storage containers, like bisphenol A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates, can get into our food, especially when heated, according to Tracey Woodruff, an associate professor of reproductive sciences at the University of California San Francisco. 'There are a lot of different chemicals that are used in the making of plastic or that are in plastic-related materials and these chemicals can leach from the plastic into people's food,' says Woodruff. These chemicals can lead to an increased risk of infertility, reproductive health, cardiovascular disease and more, according to Woodruff. Additionally, researchers have found microplastics in several parts of the human body, including blood and the brain, according to Woodruff. With this in mind, I spoke with experts about how to find a good plastic alternative and what you should look for. How I picked the best plastic-free food container The main factor in deciding the best alternatives to plastic food containers is finding a material that doesn't leach and is safe to put in the microwave and dishwasher. Here's everything our experts recommend I keep in mind when making this list: Alternative materials: The best and most common non-toxic alternative to traditional plastic is glass, according to Woodruff. Unlike plastic, glass food containers aren't susceptible to leaching microplastics, making them safer to heat up, eat out of and prepare food in. Most of the food containers on this list are made of borosilicate glass, which is highly resistant to heat, thermal shock and cracking (though not shatterproof). Additionally, I also curated options that have ceramic coatings, which makes them stain resistant and nonstick, as well as containers made from stainless steel. While every container on this list is made from either glass or stainless steel, some of the included lids are made of BPA-free plastic and/or come with a silicone lining to prevent leaking, so some of the sets aren't entirely plastic free. BPA and PFAS free: BPA and PFAS (sometimes called 'forever chemicals') are molecular chemical additives found in microplastics that some manufacturers use to give plastic durability, heat, oil and stain resistance, according to Paul Anastas, a professor of chemistry and director of the Center for Green Chemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment. As I mentioned above, chemicals found in microplastics are linked to an increased risk of adverse reproductive health issues in both men and women, lung and colon cancer, metabolic abnormalities, birth defects and more, according to Woodruff. With this in mind, I only included plastic food container alternatives that explicitly mention being BPA and PFAS free and/or 100% plastic free. Use case: In making this list, I tried to find non-plastic food container options that you can use for a variety of purposes, including microwaving, baking, freezing and putting in the dishwasher. While not every option on this list is compatible for all four methods, most of them are dishwasher safe and microwave safe. I noted which purposes each one is best suited for. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best alternatives to plastic food containers All of the products below are either direct recommendations from NBC Select editors and/or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon. 100% plastic-free food containers All of the food containers below are entirely plastic free, including the lids. I tested and reviewed Anyday's microwavable cookware bowls, which are available in multiple sizes and are similar to this set of frosted borosilicate glass containers designed specifically for food storage, instead of cooking (though they're also oven- and microwave-safe, too.) You'll get two 2-cup rounded dishes and two 2.5-cup square dishes. The dishes, including the lids, are entirely plastic free, according to the brand, and you can also microwave and bake with the lids, which have vents on top that act as a handle. This set from Urban Green has a 4.1-star average rating from 2,031 reviews on Amazon and comes with five containers: a 0.5-cup, 1.5-cup, 2.6-cup, 3.8-cup and 6.25-cup. They're entirely plastic free, according to the brand — the containers are made of heat-safe borosilicate glass and the lids are bamboo. They're safe to use in the microwave and oven (without the lids) and they're dishwasher and freezer safe, too, according to the brand. These wraps are made of beeswax, organic cotton, plant oil and tree resin, according to the brand, making them entirely plastic and silicone free. These wraps have a 4.5-star average rating from 10,862 reviews on Amazon and they work in the same way you'd use plastic wrap or aluminum foil, except they're reusable. The set includes a small, medium and large wrap, which are best for using with solid foods, like sandwiches, loaves of bread and produce. You can also use the wrap as a lid for a bowl with salad. That said, the wraps aren't suitable for heating and you can only wash them with cold water, according to the brand. Mostly plastic-free food containers All of the food containers below are plastic free, however some of the lids or accessories have BPA-free plastic. This popular set from Caraway comes recommended by NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who loves how well they seal. 'I've used these containers for over a year almost every day,' she says. 'They're super sturdy and don't stain, even when I use them to store pasta with red sauce or curry made with turmeric.' It's made of glass and coated in ceramic, similar to the brand's cookware. The 9-piece set, includes one large 10-cup square container, ideal for prepping multiple servings of food, two medium, rectangle 6.6-cup containers for individual meals, two small 4.4-cup containers for salads or sides, two small rectangular inserts with a 9-ounce capacity for snacks and two small square inserts with a 4-ounce capacity, compatible for dips and dressings. The set also comes with storage racks you attach to the inside of your cabinet and straps that hold the lid and container together. NBC Select editor Mili Godio got this set of glass food containers as a wedding gift and says she can't 'ever go back' to her usual plastic Tupperware. 'They're super durable and stack really nicely on top of each other,' she says. The set comes with 10 containers of different sizes, so there's one to fit practically anything you need. The lids seal well and protect from spills, too, according to Godio. This set of glass food containers comes recommended by NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinwotiz, who likes the many shapes and sizes included in the set and that the lids seal securely. Plus, the containers themselves are durable and can handle high heat and travel without cracking. 'I don't worry about throwing them in my backpack, in the sink with other pots and dishes, or in the oven and microwave,' says Rabinowitz. The set includes one large 6.3-cup container, two 3.5-cup containers and one 1.6-cup container in both round and square shapes. I've had this glass set for about two months and I love everything about them. While the lids have plastic on them that isn't oven safe, the containers themselves are extremely durable — I've baked multiple foods in them (rice, poultry and pasta) all at once in the oven around 400 degrees and they don't have a single crack. Plus, I baked them with the silicone cover on the bottom (to protect them from damage) and it didn't melt at all. The lids snap closed and don't spill, especially when I've used them for foods with sauce. I've also put both the container and lid in the dishwasher and they've fared well and don't have any damage, even when I use hot water. Since the lids have plastic, I make sure not to microwave or bake with them on. These food containers are made of stainless steel and have food-grade silicone lids. The set has a 4.7-star average rating from 39 reviews at Klean Kanteen and includes a 1.25-cup, 2.8-cup and 6.8-cup container. The smaller containers fit on the inside of the largest container, so you can keep food separated, similar to a bento box, or simply use the largest one as is. Unlike many stainless steel food containers, this set is microwave- and oven-safe since its texture prevents sparking or arcing, according to Klean Kanteen. Aside from the removable divider, the containers are entirely plastic free, according to the brand. This small insulated container is ideal for warm foods since its stainless steel body helps maintain heat. With that said, it isn't microwave safe. It has a 4.2-star average rating from 2,334 reviews on Amazon and its lid has a top handle, which twists to lock and prevent spills. While it's best for warm food, you can still use it to store things like salad and vegetables. How to shop for plastic food container alternatives Many plastic food container sets have chemical additives (many of which companies aren't required to disclose) with adverse health effects. This includes BPA, phthalates and PFAS — and those are only the handful of ones researchers know about, according to Woodruff. The easiest way to avoid leaching consequences is to simply avoid plastic food containers altogether. Here's how to find the best plastic-free container: Choose a material Glass is arguably the best material to look for as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic food containers, according to experts. To a lesser extent, stainless steel containers can also be a reliable option. Glass allows for versatility since it's usually oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and isn't susceptible to leaching like plastic. Stainless steel doesn't always have these features, though it isn't susceptible to breaking or cracking and it often allows food to stay warm for longer. Also, many glass food storage containers have plastic lids, even if they're free of BPA, PFAS and other chemicals. Use case If you plan on only using storage containers to prepare food — whether it be on the stove or in the oven — and then transfer food to them, then they don't need to be oven- or microwave-safe. If you don't want to have to dirty more dishes or transfer the food to a plate for reheating, then you should make sure that whatever you buy is microwave or oven safe. If you're someone who likes to meal prep and then freeze food, be sure to purchase something that's freezer compatible. Recycle In addition to buying new containers, Woodruff also recommends reusing store-bought glass containers, like those for condiments or sauces, to store food (not necessarily heat it), similar to how you would a mason jar. Doing this can help you save money and it reduces your single-use plastic consumption. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I frequently write about home and kitchen topics. I also have a decade of experience writing about food. I spoke with two experts in chemistry and reproductive sciences for this story and included NBC Select-staff favorites for plastic-free food storage options.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Expert mom shares 4 tips to protect against emerging threat to children's health: 'There is certainly enough evidence to take action'
An under-discussed but extremely dangerous problem of modern life is the scourge of microplastics. The word itself is self-explanatory in describing what microplastics are, but what makes them insidious is just how "micro" they are. Formally defined as being less than 5 millimeters long, microplastics are invisible to the naked eye, which enables them to appear in everything from clothing to food to coral reefs. Scientists have declared them a "global emergency" because of their potential to negatively impact human health, and many still seem at a loss for how to combat an invisible enemy. Tracey Woodruff, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, is not one of those scientists. She studies how microplastics impact fertility and child development, and as a world leader on the topic, she is well-suited to describe how to protect against them, as she did in an interview with Business Insider. Woodruff identifies four areas in which she has effectively reduced her children's exposure to microplastics: Cooking, cleaning, clothing, and heating. With cooking, she describes mostly eating food prepared in the home, often made with fruits and vegetables. "We know that … microplastics can come from packaging that leaches into food," she says. "So it's really important to eat food that's not fast food or packaged food." Another way to protect against microplastics is to stay on top of cleaning. Woodruff says that she dusts once a week and vacuums bimonthly. Her family also takes their shoes off before entering the house, because they can pick up microplastics and potentially track them inside. A major concern with microplastics is how prevalent they are in clothing. Woodruff's solution? Buy natural, and buy old. Organic materials like cotton and linen are far less likely to contain plastics than their artificial counterparts, and older shirts not made via current manufacturing processes are also less likely to contain them. How much effort are you willing to make to reduce the amount of plastic and toxins in your home? I'll do whatever it takes Only if it's an easy swap Only if it's cheaper Not interested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Heating plastic in the microwave and washing plastic containers in the dishwasher is also rather precarious. "We also don't use dishwashing pods, because those are packaged in plastic," Woodruff stated to Business Insider. "It's basically the same thing as the microwave. Heat causes degradation of the plastic material, and it's super hot in your dishwasher." Overall, Woodruff seems cautiously optimistic about being able to combat the more dangerous effects of microplastics. She acknowledges how damaging they can be, but reminds us that there is still plenty of time to change our ways. "There is certainly enough evidence to take action to prevent future harms." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I study microplastics and toxic chemicals. That's why my family doesn't wear shoes in the house.
A microplastics and toxic chemicals expert says her family doesn't wear shoes at home. Microplastics from car tires and garbage, as well as street runoff, can be tracked indoors on shoes. The researcher thinks her kids' Japanese heritage helped them adopt the habit. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tracey Woodruff, the director of the Program on Reproductive Health & the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco. She studies how microplastics and toxic chemicals impact fertility and child development. The below has been edited for length and clarity. I did not grow up removing shoes when entering the house. My husband and I started getting into the habit when we had kids, and I got more immersed in my research and how to lower exposures to toxic chemicals. One of the things that can help reduce exposure to microplastics and other toxic chemicals is taking your shoes off before coming into the house to avoid tracking things in from outside. One contributor to microplastic pollution is car tires, so that's going to be outside, and you can track them around on your feet. Degrading plastic from garbage and vehicle runoff can also get on your shoes. Microplastics are in the air, they're in food, and they're in water. You can breathe them, eat them, and chemicals on them can also absorb into your skin. I co-authored a systematic review of studies on microplastics last year. We found they may increase the risk of reproductive health effects, particularly for effects on sperm, as well as chronic inflammation and the potential to increase the risk of lung and colon cancer. Then there are the chemicals used in plastic — like phthalates, which can disrupt testosterone levels and affect fetal development. I would say leaving shoes at the door gradually happened over time. It wasn't too hard. It just became a habit. We have a closet, a bench, and a cabinet for shoes. One of my sons is very diligent about taking off his shoes when he goes in the house now. He lived in Japan for a couple months. He's got his house slippers. My other kids also take their shoes off when they come in the house. It's a part of their cultural heritage. My husband's parents came from Japan, and they took their shoes off when they were in the house. We took the kids to Japan to visit relatives when they were small and almost everyone does it there. They identify with their Japanese heritage. My daughter does it too in her townhouse with her roommates. They have one of those giant shelves with shoes on it. At my home we have dogs, which I admit is a complicating factor because they're tracking stuff in all the time. I don't have a good solution to that at this point in time. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
I study microplastics and toxic chemicals. That's why my family doesn't wear shoes in the house.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tracey Woodruff, the director of the Program on Reproductive Health & the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco. She studies how microplastics and toxic chemicals impact fertility and child development. The below has been edited for length and clarity. I did not grow up removing shoes when entering the house. My husband and I started getting into the habit when we had kids, and I got more immersed in my research and how to lower exposures to toxic chemicals. One of the things that can help reduce exposure to microplastics and other toxic chemicals is taking your shoes off before coming into the house to avoid tracking things in from outside. What's on your shoes One contributor to microplastic pollution is car tires, so that's going to be outside, and you can track them around on your feet. Degrading plastic from garbage and vehicle runoff can also get on your shoes. Microplastics are in the air, they're in food, and they're in water. You can breathe them, eat them, and chemicals on them can also absorb into your skin. I co-authored a systematic review of studies on microplastics last year. We found they may increase the risk of reproductive health effects, particularly for effects on sperm, as well as chronic inflammation and the potential to increase the risk of lung and colon cancer. Then there are the chemicals used in plastic — like phthalates, which can disrupt testosterone levels and affect fetal development. It just became a habit I would say leaving shoes at the door gradually happened over time. It wasn't too hard. It just became a habit. We have a closet, a bench, and a cabinet for shoes. One of my sons is very diligent about taking off his shoes when he goes in the house now. He lived in Japan for a couple months. He's got his house slippers. My other kids also take their shoes off when they come in the house. It's a part of their cultural heritage. My husband's parents came from Japan, and they took their shoes off when they were in the house. We took the kids to Japan to visit relatives when they were small and almost everyone does it there. They identify with their Japanese heritage. My daughter does it too in her townhouse with her roommates. They have one of those giant shelves with shoes on it. At my home we have dogs, which I admit is a complicating factor because they're tracking stuff in all the time. I don't have a good solution to that at this point in time.
NZ Herald
30-04-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Phthalate chemicals in plastic linked to 350,000 deaths from heart disease
Phthalates are a set of chemicals that are added to plastic to make it more stretchy, soft or flexible. In lotions, shampoos and perfumes, phthalates can be used to retain scents. But the chemicals – which are so common that some researchers call them ' everywhere chemicals ' – have attracted widespread concern from scientists. In epidemiological studies, phthalates have been linked to male fertility problems, heart disease, obesity and ADHD. The United States allows nine kinds of phthalates to be used in food packaging. They are an example of what scientists call 'endocrine-disrupting chemicals,' which can tweak and change the hormones in the body, causing multiple health problems. 'We already know that phthalates are toxic chemicals,' said Tracey Woodruff, a professor of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive health at the University of California at San Francisco, who was not involved in the study. In recent years, she pointed out, scientists and environmental organisations have pushed lawmakers to get phthalates out of food packaging and other plastics. 'This just shows why that's a good idea,' Woodruff added. Kevin Ott, the executive director of the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, which represents the makers of polyvinyl chloride, said in an email that many studies on the health risks of phthalates do not meet the highest standards of evidence. The Food and Drug Administration confirmed as recently as 2018 that phthalates are not clearly linked with any health effects, Ott added. The new study drew on surveys from around the globe that evaluated exposure to DEHP, one particular type of phthalate, through urine samples. Researchers then matched exposure to the chemical to increased risk of cardiovascular death. They found that phthalates contributed to 13% of all deaths from heart disease in people between ages 55 and 64 globally. In the United States, it was around 10%. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide: In 2021, an estimated 20 million people died because of heart disease. Trasande says that while 13% may seem like a high number, phthalate exposure may overlap with and exacerbate other risks. Phthalates are believed to create excess inflammation in the body, and they are linked with other conditions that increase heart disease mortality, such as obesity and high blood pressure. Some of the increased risk of heart disease from obesity, for example, could be from phthalates. The chemicals are also found more commonly in highly processed foods, another risk factor for death from heart disease. Scientists estimate that air pollution, which also can contain tiny plastic particles, is linked to 20% of all cardiovascular deaths globally. Recent research – albeit with a small sample size – has also found that the presence of microplastics or nanoplastics in the carotid artery increases the risk of heart attack, stroke or death. Researchers are trying to understand the extent to which those tiny plastics can carry chemicals like phthalates with them. But people with more phthalates in their bodies are probably more exposed to plastics, and therefore to microplastics and nanoplastics as well, Trasande said. 'It could be the chemicals that are being delivered, or it could be the micro and nanoplastics,' said Trasande. 'And that's really where the field needs to go scientifically.' Other research looking at deaths from phthalates has come to similar results. One study published late last year found that phthalates were responsible for about 164,000 deaths worldwide in 2015, most because of heart disease and high blood pressure. That study examined just 40 countries, while the new study looked at around 190. While animal studies have also found connections between phthalates and heart disease, some researchers say more human studies would help solidify the link. 'It would be important to have someone do a systematic review on phthalates and cardiovascular events,' said Woodruff. 'But it's just a new area.' For now, scientists continue to push for more monitoring of the chemicals in plastic. In most countries, companies are not required to reveal chemical additives to plastics, which include things like phthalates, BPA and flame retardants. Many of those plastics end up in low-income countries with mountains of plastic waste for recycling or disposal. 'They are the receivers of all the plastic garbage,' Woodruff said. 'And the phthalates are going to be there, too.'
