Celebrating Plastic Free July 2024
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Time to Read: 7 min
Plastic is everywhere these days. And as a pediatrician and mom, I'm increasingly concerned about the impact all that plastic is having on our kids' health and the world around them.
That's why I get excited about Plastic-Free July. This global movement encourages people to ditch single-use plastics for the entire month. It's about making small changes that add up to a big difference in our planet's health.
This is a chance to hit the reset button, ditch the disposables, and explore a more sustainable way of living with our little ones. This July, let's trade plastic for fun and embark on an eco-adventure together – our health, our wallets, and our beautiful planet will thank us for it.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
The Microplastic Mystery: Unveiling the Importance of Plastic-Free July
Remember those childhood afternoons spent building sandcastles at the beach? Fast-forward to today, and those once-pristine shores are dotted with plastic bits and pieces.
But the problem goes deeper than just a cluttered coastline. Scientists have discovered a hidden culprit: microplastics – tiny plastic fragments smaller than a sesame seed! These minuscule invaders are showing up everywhere, from the deepest ocean trenches to the air we breathe.
The latest research is even more concerning. Studies suggest these microplastics might be making their way into our food and water, raising significant questions about potential health risks, especially for our developing children.
Taking part in Plastic-Free July can have a significant impact. This movement isn't just about keeping plastic out of landfills or cluttering up our oceans. It's about making small changes at home that can have a big impact on our health and the environment.
Supercharge Your Health, Planet, and Knowledge with Plastic-Free July
Embracing Plastic-Free July goes far beyond simply reducing household waste. It unlocks a treasure trove of benefits for families, fostering a healthier lifestyle, a deeper connection with the environment, and valuable educational opportunities.
Mealtime Essentials
A Focus on Health
Studies have suggested a potential link between reduced plastic use and decreased exposure to harmful chemicals sometimes found in plastic products. By minimizing plastic use at home, we can create a healthier environment for our children to thrive in.
Environmental Impact
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems and wildlife around the globe. By making small changes, such as opting for reusable containers and shopping bags, families can contribute to a positive ripple effect, minimizing their environmental footprint and protecting our planet for future generations.
Educational Opportunities
Plastic-Free July offers a perfect platform to introduce children to the concepts of sustainability and responsible consumption. Families can explore the science behind plastic pollution together, brainstorm solutions for reducing waste, and discover the joy of living a more mindful lifestyle.
Let's embark on a Plastic-Free July journey that empowers families to make positive choices for their health, their environment, and their future. The next section will be packed with actionable tips and tricks to make this Plastic-Free July a breeze for you and your family.
Fun & Easy Swaps for a Plastic-Free July Adventure
Plastic-Free July might sound daunting at first, but hear me out. This can be a chance for you and your family to have a month filled with fun activities, all while reducing your plastic footprint and protecting our planet. Pretty cool, right?
The key is to focus on small, achievable swaps. Think of it like a summer scavenger hunt, where you're on the lookout for ways to ditch disposables and embrace reusables. Here are a few easy-to-do ways to make your July plastic-free.
Meal Prep Mission
Swap out boring plastic baggies for cool reusable containers. Let your kids personalize them with stickers or drawings – suddenly, healthy snacks become a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered at lunchtime.
Grocery Store Scavenger Hunt
Forget the flimsy plastic produce bags. Hit up the grocery store armed with our very own reusable tote bags. You can also turn it into a scavenger hunt with your kids – who can find the most colorful peppers or the biggest head of broccoli? It's a fun way to get kids involved and excited about fresh, healthy food.
Hydration Headquarters
Ditch the disposable water bottles and let your children choose a stainless steel or glass reusable water bottle. These days, the options are endless – so staying hydrated can become something of a fashion statement.
Picnic Power Play
Ditch the disposable plates and cutlery at your next family picnic! Instead, pack a basket with reusable plates, cups, and silverware made from durable materials like bamboo or stainless steel.
Remember, the key to Plastic-Free July is making it fun and engaging for the whole family. Involve your kids in the process, let them choose reusable options they love, and celebrate their discoveries along the way.
High Fives for Taking on a Plastic-Free July
Remember, plastic-free July isn’t about achieving perfection – it's about taking small steps together, making a positive impact, and discovering the joy of living a more sustainable life.
Plastic-Free July might be just one month, but the impact can ripple far beyond those 31 days. You're inspiring your children to become responsible stewards of the planet, fostering a love for nature, and showing them the power they have to make a difference.
So, this July, let's ditch the plastic, embrace the adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Together, we can make Plastic-Free July a success, one tiny earth protector at a time.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
