Sugar Editorial Picks
Nov 17, 2009 -
While there have been previous studies, linking bisphenol A (BPA), found in hard plastics, to health problems, including precancerous tumors, prostate cancer, and brain damage, a new study, conducted in China, substantiates its claims with results in humans. In one of the first studies of its kind to be conducted on humans, researchers are finding that much of what they've previously seen in animal studies holds true — men exposed to significant amounts of BPA are at greater risk of sexual health problems.
The study compared the levels of sexual dysfunction in two groups of male factory workers — one group, which was exposed to high levels of BPA, while the other was not.
- 0 Comments
Jun 25, 2008 -
The US Conference of Mayors, meeting in Miami, banned bottled water this week. The cities will no longer use municipal funds to purchase water bottles.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who proposed the resolution along with 17 other big-city mayors, said: "Cities are sending the wrong message about the quality of public water when we spend taxpayer dollars on water in disposable containers from a private corporation."
- 22 Comments
May 30, 2008 -
You may have noticed some numbers surrounded by chasing-arrow symbols on consumer packaging like water bottles, plastic bags, bottle caps, toys, etc. If you have, good! That's step one.
- 17 Comments
May 01, 2008 -
The recent news about the possible health risks of using polycarbonate bottles (like ones made by Nalgene) has made me a little uneasy. Now I'm wondering about about the relationship between microwaves and plastic, like the reusable food containers I heat up almost daily.
Are the high temperatures leaching chemicals into my food?
- 12 Comments
Apr 17, 2008 -
The future may no longer be in plastics.
Another study linked the chemical bisphenol A, used to make hard, shatter proof plastics, to precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty. The study was performed on rats that were fed or injected with small amounts of the chemical, and although the results are preliminary the group of scientists involved in the study said that possible effects on humans "cannot be dismissed."
- 46 Comments
Mar 04, 2008 -
Have you ever been at the store poised to buy a slew of bottles for babe when you suddenly wonder, "Are these Bisphenol A free?" While you can ask the clerk for information, you may not have faith in their response.
If that's the case, just pull out your cell phone and text "zrecs" and the company name to 69866.
- 1 Comment
Jan 02, 2008 -
I went to one of the big name toy stores last week and noticed the shelves were close to empty. Clearly, plastic toys weren't banned from too many of Santa's wish lists. But, I am curious to know if wooden, cloth, vinyl, or other fabricated playthings were more prominent in your babe's loot bag than usual.
- 3 Comments
Sep 13, 2007 -
There are plenty of reasons to avoid using so much plastic, both environmental and health wise. For instance, marine researchers have shown that plastic debris outweighs zooplankton in remote parts of the Pacific. Health wise, phthalates, a chemical added to normally rigid PVC to make soft products, are potential hormone disruptors and may increase infertility in men.
- 7 Comments
Aug 03, 2007 -
How do you feel about bisphenol A (BPA)? While you might not know what this chemical compound is, chances are high that it is in your home and even in you. I hate to sound so alarmist but a recent report on BPA alarmed me.
- 5 Comments
May 15, 2007 -
You all know I am all about hydration. I even made a cool little water calculator so you can compute how much water you should be drinking! Now, if you drink a lot of bottled water, I am urging your to take a minute and weigh your convenience against the environmental impact of all that plastic.
- 32 Comments