E83. Ditch Plastic Straws: Hidden Health Risks & the Best Nontoxic Alternatives

Practical Nontoxic Living™ with Sophia Ruan Gushée

Plastic straws may seem harmless, but some can leach toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your drinks—potentially disrupting hormones, reproductive health outcomes including fertility, and overall health and development.

In this episode of Practical Nontoxic Living, we uncover the hidden dangers of plastic straws, explore their environmental impact, and reveal the safest nontoxic alternatives, including glass, stainless steel, silicone, and plant-based options.

In the United States, it's estimated that we use up to 500 million plastic straws daily, contributing to about 4.8 billion straws being dumped into our oceans. Learn how to make simple swaps for a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle.

🎧 Tune in now to detox your daily routine—protecting your brain, body, and our ecosystems!

RELATED BLOG ARTICLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Plastic Straws Are Toxic: Best Nontoxic Alternatives for Your Health

RUAN LIVING

• Ruan Living Newsletter—REGISTER!
• A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide To Reducing Our Toxic Exposures
• 40-Day Home Detox
• The Ultimate Home Detox & Other Ruan Living Offerings
• About Sophia Ruan Gushee

Select Sources

• Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood, 2022.
• Effects of pH and Temperature on the Leaching of Di(2- Ethylhexyl) Phthalate and Di-n-butyl Phthalate from Microplastics in Simulated Marine Environment, 2022
• Single-Use Plastic Straws: Environmental Impact and Alternatives, 2019
• The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, 2023.
• What Foods Should Not Be Stored in Plastic Containers?, 2024