Hormone-Friendly Sustainability: 7 Ways to Avoid Endocrine Disruptors and Protect your Health
Ever wonder how much plastic is really out there in the world? Global production of plastics grew from 50 million tons in the mid-1970s to nearly 300 million tons today. In addition to the countless impacts this has on our environment, more than 10,000 chemicals are used to create plastics, and over 1,000 are considered to be hormone-disrupting.
More recently, researchers have discovered microplastics in multiple places within the human body, including in maternal and fetal placental tissues, human breast milk, blood, and lungs. By being aware of toxic chemicals in plastics and other common products that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, you can make active choices to reduce your overall toxic load and support your long-term health.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with your body’s natural hormone production, metabolism, and elimination.
Once EDCs are inside the body, they can mimic, block, alter, and disrupt the hormonal balance. Some common examples that you may have heard of before including bisphenol A (BPA), certain pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Research indicates these chemicals are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects including reproductive disorders, hormonal cancers, and metabolic disorders. We’re still not entirely sure what the full risks of these chemicals are, but this is one of those times we feel it’s best to play it safe and limit our exposures as best as possible. There are a few easy steps you can take towards living a more eco-friendly lifestyle and limiting your exposure to hormone disruptors…
We previously shared the exciting ways spring and summer farmers’ markets can help you cut down on food waste and boost your nutrient intake. So today, we're sharing sustainable strategies that promote a hormone-friendly lifestyle and preserve environmental health.
7 ways to live more sustainably and protect your hormonal health
It's essential to establish small, sustainable habits for our overall health and wellbeing — and we’re having fun with it! Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the long run, so utilize these ideas to live a life that helps you feel your best.
Create a mini-herb garden on your windowsill
Using more homegrown foods like herbs and spices completely eliminates the cost and global emissions it takes to get them into your hands rather than store-bought. Studies have shown that interacting with indoor plants can lower your physiological and psychological stress levels so your mini-herb garden can actually double as a form of self-care.
Some highly nutrient-dense herbs that grow great on your windowsill garden are sage, rosemary, and oregano. Plant them in small pots with well-draining potting soil, place them near a sunny window, and keep them watered regularly. Let them dry in between waterings to avoid overwatering. When you have freshly cut herbs to add to your dishes, you’ll find you feel more inspired to create healthy meals at home - plus they’re more nutritious and environmentally friendly than eating out!
Grab a reusable water bottle to carry on the go!
Staying hydrated is so important for your body to maintain optimal overall functioning, and even more so in perimenopause when hormone fluctuations can lead to increased water loss. Your sensitivity to thirst decreases with age, so aim to grab that glass or stainless steel reusable water bottle and fill it up before you leave the house to stay hydrated all day long.
Transfer your takeout food to a glass storage container immediately, then portion out a serving. To reduce your exposure to toxins you may easily encounter on a daily basis, try to avoid leaving hot food in plastic containers, drinking from styrofoam cups, and using cooking utensils that are plastic or have plastic handles — all of these release toxic fumes when overheated. Glass does not release toxins even when overheated — glass for the win!
Ditch toxic household products and cosmetics for safer, natural alternatives
Traditional household cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, chemicals added to plastics that have been used since the 1930s, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can vaporize into the air, such as formaldehyde or benzene. These can disrupt your hormonal balance but also spread into the environment around you. Using cleaning products with toxic chemicals can further pollute waterways, the air, and the soil where food is grown. You can help stop the endless cycle of pollution and reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals by using environmentally-friendly cleaning products and cosmetics.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism looked at years of data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation and found that women who are exposed to high levels of phthalates have a 63% increased risk of developing diabetes over time.
Try switching out a few products for other natural brands to see what you like. Natural products can be a safer option for the environment and your health, and you might even find that little peace of mind can go a long way for your stress and anxiety levels. Check ingredient labels for eco-friendly, cruelty-free certifications but most importantly choose products that make you feel happy to use them.
Choose a hormone-friendly laundry detergent
When was the last time you switched up your laundry detergent? In addition to all the eco-friendly benefits of a safer clothing cleanser, natural detergents can be especially helpful for women experiencing skin changes or sensitivities as hormones fluctuate and the seasons change.
Collagen levels drop 30% within the first 5 years of menopause, then about another 2% every year following this for the next 20 years or so. This strong skin-supporting protein contributes to increased skin sensitivities and changes that are common during perimenopause, but collagen supplements may help to reduce symptoms.
Find out more about how to choose the right collagen supplement!
Who knew reusable paper towels could be so impactful?
Paper towels are designed to be single-use disposables, and therefore so many of them have long been discarded after their initial use. We may not realize the impact our frequent paper towel usage has on environmental health, but there are still trees lost, poorer air quality, and overall environmental consequences. All of which can further impact our delicate hormonal balance.
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency claims that paper and cardboard waste including paper towels, make up the largest percentage of waste materials in the U.S. Reusable paper towels are just as convenient as disposable ones with the right mindset. Keep them within reach of the skin or where you usually keep paper towels with a small bucket or resting place for dirty ones. You’ll be saving money, and trees to support cleaner air!
Try out reusable menstrual products as you experience period changes
Single-use period pads contain up to 90% plastic and tampons (excluding any applicators) contain up to 6%, but they also contain potentially harmful ingredients such as fragrance, rayon, bleach, and dioxin (titanium dioxide). Here are some reusable, plastic-free alternatives to try that will offer peace of mind and boost your sustainable habits:
Menstrual cups: Also known as Mooncups, this is a small silicone cup that’s inserted into your vagina to collect, rather than absorb, the blood. They can typically be worn for up to 8 hours and collect around 3 times the amount of blood as a regular tampon, so it might be helpful for anyone experiencing a heavier-than-normal flow. We love these from Saalt – they come in different sizes and colors too.
Period underwear: “Period pants” no longer mean throwing on your oldest and most comfy underwear. You can now get pants with a sanitary pad built in — these are perfect to wear on their own or are afraid of leaking. We love these from Yoyi Fashion.
Reusable sanitary pads: Another option is reusable, washable sanitary pads, which reduce the amount of plastic waste we throw away every month. They work in the exact same way as single-use pads, you just rinse, wash and reuse instead. We like this starter pack from Wegreeco!
Spring clean your closet for donations and make room for seasonal purchases!
Fast fashion may be quick, but it’s definitely not known for its environmentally friendly benefits. A Bloomberg report estimates around 2,150 pieces of clothing are being thrown away every. single. second. It’s incredibly disappointing, considering it also accounts for a 10% increase in all carbon emissions produced by humans. Not only that, but it's also one of the biggest users of the world's precious water supply. And to top it off, it's even polluting our oceans with pesky microplastics from polyester materials.
Look up your nearest women’s shelter, donation center, blood drive, or second-hand store to find whos accepting donations. Out with the old, in with the new! There are so many ethical and sustainable clothing brands out there now, Boden, Made Trade, and Quince are just to name a few. Resale clothing is also affordable and often looks brand new — it’s time for some eco-friendly fashion choices…
Surprise bonus hack! Store frozen fruits and veggies in freezer-safe bags or storage containers for immediate hot flash relief.
On average, up to 40% of the US food supply is wasted on average, so taking part to limit this as much as possible will add up one bit at a time. If you like buying in bulk or know you know won’t be able to finish all produce before it goes bad, toss it in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for later. Not only does it help eliminate food waste, but it makes for an easy way to make on-the-go smoothies in the morning! It’s estimated only 1 in 3 Americans are getting enough fruits and vegetables every day, but frozen produce is easy and quick to use in a pinch! Munch on frozen fruit whole or put it into a blender to make a smoothie or smoothie bowl — a perfect cooling hack for immediate hot flash relief this spring and summer!
These are better choices for the environment and will actually save money in the long run, plus, your hormones will absolutely thank you for it later.
It's essential to establish sustainable habits for your overall health and wellbeing in the long term. By starting small and being consistent, incorporating daily movement, prioritizing sleep, focusing on eating fresh, whole foods, and practicing self-care, you can support our hormonal health and decrease symptoms of hormone fluctuations. Remember, small changes can make big differences in the long run!
What small sustainable habits do you practice? Any tips you want to share? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on Instagram @mbody.offical so we can let other women know!
