If you’ve streamed one of the latest documentaries on Netflix: The Plastic Detox, you might be feeling shock, concern, and maybe even the urge to start purging your home of suspicious plastic products. You’re not alone. The premiere has pulled back the curtain on the invisible crisis unfolding on our planet, in our homes, and even in our bodies.
At Pura Stainless, these facts have been at the heart of our mission for nearly two decades. Once we knew the risks, we decided our kids deserved better. So, we set out to innovate the first and only 100% plastic-free baby bottles, sippy cups, sports bottles and food storage containers on the global market. And to ensure our products were truly safe, we also became the first and only bottles to be MADE SAFE® certified.
So, whether you have yet to see it, or are still processing the information, here’s our take on the documentary and how we can pave a healthier path forward, together.
Why we all need a plastic detox
The documentary didn't just focus on the plastics in our oceans, it shined a light on the plastic in our bodies. Microplastics are everywhere: in the human brain, the placenta, and even in breastmilk. Plastic sheds and leaches toxic, endocrine disrupting chemicals like bisphenols (aka BPA) and phthalates that are damaging to our health and the planet. And, when heated or abraided, it releases tiny plastic particles and toxins directly into our food, drinks, and even the air we breathe. Research shows that this exposure can wreak havoc on our bodies, especially our endocrine system, the hormone system, of our bodies.
Although BPA and phthalates are banned in children’s products, many of the chemicals used as substitutes have also been shown to cause endocrine disruption. So when a product is advertised as ‘BPA-Free’, it may still be filled with toxins.
Plastics, chemicals, and fertility
For the parents and hopeful parents-to-be, this documentary may be especially emotional to watch. It follows six couples struggling with unexplained infertility. With the help of renowned environmental and reproductive epidemiologist, Dr. Shanna H. Swan, the couples embark on a plastic detox. By taking action to reduce exposure to microplastics and the dangerous chemicals that come with them, they hope to improve their fertility, and ultimately their chance of conception.
The results (spoiler alert!)
By the end of a three month plastic detox, the levels of bisphenols and phthalates improved significantly for most couples. So did the mens’ semen quality, on multiple measures. Three out of six couples were even able to conceive after making these lifestyle changes.
Backed by the support of this early experimentation, Dr. Swan is now applying for a larger study with government funding. While more research is needed, the evidence is clear: we should be deeply concerned about plastics and their role in changing the future of our lives and our planet.
Our take on the film
At Pura Stainless, these concerns have been the driving force of our mission and behind our plastic-free product innovation for nearly two decades. Today, seeing these facts championed on a global platform is truly game-changing. Consumers have a right to know about the risks, and we appreciate how Netflix is making that information accessible.
Today, the conversation around the dangers of plastics is rapidly growing, and with it the awareness of how damaging they can be. We founded Pura based on a simple idea: “Know better, do better.” And this film helps us all get one step closer to doing better for our health, and our planet.
While the experimentation in the film is a step in the right direction, it is not enough to prove that reducing our exposure to microplastics can truly help reverse their negative effects. The truth is, science can not yet fully explain the extent of the threat plastics pose, or how we can truly eliminate it. But at Pura, we know it’s a risk we aren’t willing to take.
How to detox from plastics (the easy way)
As long time supporters of the plastic-free movement, we know that these dangers can feel overwhelming. But the goal of a plastic detox is not perfection, its progress. It doesn't have to be hard to reduce microplastics exposure. All it takes is a few simple swaps to start making lasting lifestyle changes.
Here are a few of The Plastic Detox methods we recommend:
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Ditch plastic bottles and takeout containers: Anything you eat or drink out of should be made of safe materials
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Stop heating plastic: Putting plastics in the microwave, dishwasher, or even in the sun can encourage shedding and the release of toxic chemicals
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Protect the most vulnerable: The youngest are most at risk, so be sure to do everything in your power to reduce their exposure to microplastics, in the womb and out in the world
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Beware ‘greenwashing’ companies: Many so-called sustainable companies are actually exaggerating how environmentally friendly they are. They’ll use labels such as ‘BPA-free’ and yet sell products filled with tiny, plastic parts.
Why Pura?
At Pura Stainless, we believe that making these changes should be simple, and yes, even fun! That’s why we’re spearheading the solution, providing the first and only 100% plastic-free water bottles, baby bottles, and food storage containers on the market. Our products are made of only the most trusted materials: food service-grade stainless steel and medical-grade silicone. No small plastic parts (like other reusables), no hidden toxins, and no compromises.
But we knew just going plastic-free wasn’t enough. In order to ensure families can feel 100% confident about the safety of our products, we set out to become the first bottle to be MADE SAFE certified. After extensive material, manufacturing, and ingredient scrutiny and extensive lab testing on Pura silicone, MADE SAFE concluded that our products are free from thousands of toxic, endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Join the movement
The Plastic Detox isn't just a documentary. It's a call to take charge of our lives, our industries, and our planet, for the better. To take the first step towards a healthier life, start shopping now.
