Currently, reuse is considered a pillar of sustainability. It may seem like a virtuous act to keep a bottle for refilling or to repurpose a takeout container for the next day’s lunch. But is it truly a safe practice? Science offers a clear answer: the reuse of single-use plastics is discouraged and not healthy.
In recent years, research has highlighted an increasingly severe issue: microplastics and chemicals released from such items contaminate food and beverages, with potentially harmful consequences for our bodies. As stated by Sherri Mason, an expert on pollution and director of the NePTWNE Project at Gannon University in Florida, traces of these components have been found in almost every analyzed food item.
Single-use plastic, designed for short-term use, is not made to last. Every time we reuse it, especially under heat conditions, two phenomena occur: the release of potentially toxic chemicals and the dispersion of microplastics.
According to Mason, there are approximately 16,000 known chemicals in plastic, over 4,200 of which are classified as highly hazardous. Among these are carcinogens such as styrene and flame retardants, often found in black plastics used for sushi trays or kitchen utensils.
Even water bottles, when reused, release hundreds of thousands of micro- and nanoplastic particles, invisible to the naked eye but dangerously present in the liquids we consume.
Heat is the material’s worst enemy. Placing a plastic container in the microwave or pouring hot food into it accelerates the migration of chemicals into the food. Similarly, using a dishwasher with high-temperature cycles can compromise its integrity and increase the release of harmful particles.
Judith Enck, president of the Beyond Plastics project, emphasizes that the risks are not limited to disposable containers. Even sturdier plastics, such as water bottles or baby bottles, can degrade over time and with improper use.
Children and those of reproductive age are among the most vulnerable to contamination. Research highlights a link between microplastics and fertility decline, as well as a disproportionate presence of these particles in young children.
This makes finding safe solutions for food and beverages, especially in household settings, particularly urgent. While replacing all plastics in daily life might seem like an ambitious goal, starting with small steps could represent a significant change.
Megan Liu, a researcher with the Toxic-Free Future group, recommends focusing on everyday items, such as containers and dishes, and opting for safer and more conscious solutions to protect not only our health but also the health of the planet.
