After our recent blog which looked at the chemicals that occur in our everyday items, the news has been filled to the brim with articles surrounding single use plastic and other ways we can tackle the myriad of harmful substances that we’re exposed to.

One major supermarket has been criticised recently for selling pre-peeled garlic in plastic pots, whilst on the other hand another chain has introduced plastic free fruit and veg areas. Following on from last week’s blog, the cause for concern doesn’t lie solely in plastic, rather the chemicals contained in certain products or items which are frequently used by us.

Chemical Oestrogens or xenoestrogens are a compound found in the environment which are similar to our hormone, oestrogen. However, they react with our bodies, causing all manner of side effects and disorders.

So, what can you do to avoid these harmful chemicals? Firstly, you need to know where they are! Chemical Oestrogen occurs in so many everyday items it’ll be difficult to avoid but there are alternatives or habits you could adopt to reduce the impact.

From your cleaning kit to your beauty products, these harmful chemicals, such as BPA, parabens and phthalates are present.

The trick is knowing what kind of items these occur in and then opting for a safer, more natural substitute. Luckily there’s plenty of natural and organic options available.

Where does Chemical Oestrogen occur?\

• Cosmetics & Personal Hygiene Products
• Cleaning Products & Detergents
• Plastic Containers & Tinned Products
• Fragrances & Candles

Many makeup products such as lipstick, nail varnish and foundations contain a synthetic substance called Propylene Glycol. The chemical is also commonly used as a food additive primarily in processed foods and whilst declared as safe to use in foods it does still leave room for concern, particularly as it’s found in anti-freeze!

In addition, similar chemicals such as phthalates are used in shampoos, creams and some medications. Ethically produced, chemical free and vegan products are on the rise, who knows, you might find your new favourite lippy here!

Detergents and cleaning products are made with parabens. Whilst they might make your whites whiter and your dishes sparkle, there are certainly some products that are better for the environment than others. There’s quite a following around eco-friendly cleaning products at the minute, particularly those who offer refill stations. Go green and find some new favourites here.

The same chemicals that appear in our everyday household items are linked to a huge range of medical conditions; from asthma to type II diabetes along with being considered damaging to fertility and increasing risk of certain types of cancer.

As with other products, making a switch is even easier. Adopting the habit of using reusable products as part of your daily routine couldn’t be easier and will likely save you some pennies in the process. Opt for a stainless steel drinking bottle instead of buying single use plastic bottles and aim to do the same with lunch boxes, looking for BPA free alternatives. For fragrance and candle alternatives opt for bees wax and essential oils which don’t contain petroleum or phthalates.

Natural alternatives are now widely available for pretty much all of these kinds of products, it might mean testing a few new brands but the benefit to your health as a result will be worth making the change.