Life Without Plastic: The Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Plastic to Keep Your Family and the Planet Healthy

by Jay Sinha, Chantal Plamondon

After the birth of their son, Jay Sinha and Chantal Plamondon set out on a journey to eliminate plastic baby bottles as the Canadian government moved to ban BPA. When they found it was difficult to procure glass baby bottles, Jay and Chantal made it their mission to not only find glass and metal replacements for plastic, but to make those products accessible to the public as well.

Printed on FSC-certified paper and with BPA-free ink, Life Without Plastic strives to create more awareness about BPA-based products, polystyrene and other single-use plastics, and provides readers with ideas for safe, reusable and affordable alternatives. While plastic has its uses in technology, the medical and industrial sectors and some products around the home, single-use plastics may release chemicals when they come in contact with food and water. These disposable plastics are commonly used to package food and drinks as well as personal care and cleaning products. Jay and Chantal show readers how to analyze their personal plastic use, find alternatives and create easy replacements in this step-by-step guide. Get your family healthier, spread consciousness and radiate positive plastic-free energy by taking action to help the environment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Environment, Sustainability, Science, Health, Nature, Education

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Andrea Belfiori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro da leggere e conservare. Molto tecnico ma scoprire l’origine delle plastiche e il loro utilizzo è stato interessante e inquietante allo stesso tempo.

Inutile dire che dovrebbero leggerlo tutti. Lascio giusto un paio di dati per rendere la gravità del problema della plastica: a questi ritmi, entro il 2050 la plastica sarà presente nel 99% degli uccelli marini; le sostanze contenute nelle plastiche alterano il nostro sistema endocrino e riproduttivo, e alcune sono cancerogene.

Insieme possiamo fare la differenza. Ne va della nostra salute e del futuro del pianeta.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got some good inspiration from this book regarding reducing my plastic use. I must admit this book can be quite intense for beginners. Some additional information and especially scientific back up for some of the claims would be useful. I feel like there is a lot of fear mongering regarding the effect of plastic on health in this book. Of course there are problems, but the environmental argument alone is compelling enough to convince people. So if you include health as a reason for people to avoid plastic, back it up. This book has a good message, but could be improved.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have thought anyone picking up a book titled "Life Without Plastic" was already on the same track as the authors, but they felt the need to scare people into submission. They described the environmental horrors created by plastic trash, that most plastic isn't recycled (even the plastic you put in the recycling bin), and the health dangers of plastic. While it was nice to have this information in one spot, to be honest, much of their argument seemed based not on science but on creating guilt and fear. Silicone acts like a plastic, so it MAY turn out to be dangerous, so let's avoid it! It's hard enough to avoid the stuff we know is bad, so why put additional burdens on people? Incidentally, the authors own a store selling alternatives to plastic.

Much of the book was about how to avoid plastics (make your own shampoo, toothpaste etc., with some recipes), buy glass, metal, etc., containers to put food in, and such. Most of this information is freely available on the internet, and I've already read it before. She did provide a list of stores that sell these types of products, though, which may prove useful once I save up enough money to buy replacements. So it's nice to have the information in one spot, but it wasn't as helpful as I'd hoped.

I received this book as a free review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this was written for a popular audience (who cannot be persuaded to read journal articles for some reason) but I wish the scientific rigor had been a bit more present when dealing with the potential health problems with plastic. As far as an environmental overview goes and in providing a critique of our throw away culture this book is pretty spot on.

The list of plastic avoidance tips is long and comprehensive varying from easily implemented to being annoying to wait staff, and if you you don't decided to completely eliminate plastic, will at least give you an appreciation for how much of your life is surround by the stuff.

TLDR: Don't microwave food in plastic containers or use them in the dishwasher and avoid storing oily or acid food in plastics. Plastics degraded quickest when exposed to sunlight, or in the presence of heat, oils or acid. Buy less things, focus on high-quality products, usually these don't involve plastic.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reminder of how toxic and damaging to the planet plastic is. I like the numerous alternatives to plastic use that are suggested throughout the book - very helpful! I also like the honesty about how difficult (or even impossible) it is to live a life completely without plastic, so we do the best we can with the resources we have available to us. Every little bit helps.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just so you know, this is a scary book! Who knew plastic had taken over so much of our lives. There is a Doctor Who episode that spotlighted the plastic in our air. *spoilers* (And if you didn't say that in your head with the voice of River Song you may not be a true Doctor Who fan. hahah !) All of her companions are investigating various components of a plague. (EEK!) Apparently a pathogen was brought to earth by an alien crew. The pathogen feeds on plastic. The birds are the first to show symptoms because they have plastic they ingest. But people are soon on the endangered species list. Not only is it in the food we eat, but it is in the air we breathe. How terrifying is that! I had to google it because it just seemed too sci fi to be real, but it is. Once again Science used Science Fiction to send a message.
That is why books like this are so important. We, as a people have to find alternatives to the way we have been living. If this pandemic hasn't taught us that, what will? Imagine the last event you attended and the myriad of plastic bottles and cups littering the ground. This book tries to teach people how to think before purchasing. Think of the plastic containers our food comes in. The toys our children play with. For a product that hasn't even been in existence for that long it has inundated our lives to a horrifying extent. It was invented in 1907 and became widely used in 1960. This means that the toys you played with as a child are still out there. Maybe floating in an ocean.
This book just wants us to open our eyes and pay attention to what we use. Find an alternative to plastic water bottles, coffee cup lids, etc.

[Batya Bauman]

This is must reading for everyone interested in maintaining life on the planet. Plastic has taken over every part of our lives and it is indisposable. We must use more earth-friendly alternatives to plastic which is polluting our lands and oceans and killing wildlife in both places. This is a comprehensive "how-to" book.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspiring and “practical” approach to plastic waste and the impact it has on our lives.

I have been slowly working away to reduce my overall impact and plastic was one of the things on the “to-do” list. This book has shared with me the severe consequences plastic has had on our world and our health. In order for us to change this, we need to act. And what better way than doing it one step at a time (as presented in this book).

Highly recommend this book to anyone even slightly interested in reducing their impact and saving our beautiful planet - one plastic straw at a time if we have to!

[Zoe Lenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everybody should read this book.
It's just pure facts and you will be shocked, challenged and determined once you finish reading it.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s crazy how much we are trained to accept plastic everyday! I’m starting to feel a difference in how I feel just by using less and enjoying more of the natural and reusable things in the world

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book, probably a couple of years ago now, when I was browsing a local non-profit book store. It sat on my shelf for a long time before I found the concentration to sit down & read it (thanks quarantine). When I picked this book up I was already aware of the plastic pollution our world has. I had come across Lauren Singer (& the zero waste movement) awhile back on social media & found that there was, even more, I could do for Mother Earth.

I've been a vegetarian since February of 2015, which was a decision I made on a whim. I just remember thinking one day that I didn't want to eat meat anymore & I went cold turkey. lol, get it? Of course, since I live at home, it had some ripple effects but I buy my own food now. (I hope to one day become vegan & I'm almost there, I just haven't made that last step yet.) Also for the last 2 years, I've bought most of my clothing secondhand (except for some things). But like I said earlier, Life Without Plastic gave me even more than that.

I jokingly told my family that Life Without Plastic was like my holy grail. I want to live the most eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle that helps nature not hurts it. I'd already begun that journey five years ago, & I've steadily made more progress each year. This book opened my eyes to things I hadn't even thought about. Like who knew that most of the items used to build your house, from your floor to your refrigerator, were made up of plastic or something similarily toxic? (Okay, maybe you knew, but I was shocked.) I already knew plastics were bad but I didn't really know why or how they were. So this book gave the information & facts on everything I could know. I can't even tell you how many things I wanted to highlight or write simply because it was interesting or it was something I had never heard of (but I didn't for the sake of the next owner of the book).

Life Without Plastic continuously gives you information & facts (backed up with a lot of sources) throughout the entire book. It breaks down everything about plastic from the different kinds there are to the hormone-disrupting chemicals, plasticizers, types of bisphenol, etc in them. It gives you a step by step plan to analyze your own home & see just how much plastic you really have in your life. And then it goes on to show you how to make simple, small changes (a reusable water bottle or straw) to much bigger changes (what kind of energy your house runs on). It even gives you the resources at the end to make those changes with companies listed that strive to sell items plastic-free. It also gives you other books, documentaries, & people that can increase our knowledge of a happy, plastic-free lifestyle.

This is going to become one of those books that I constantly pick up; something that I'm going to keep close to me for a long time because it'll help me live the life I want to live. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could but my opinion is bias.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where this really shines is in the reference pages that help point the reader in the exact direction to go on their quest for plastic free.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many interesting ideas, and one of the unforseen perks of buying less plastics is more money in your pocket.

[Robin Greenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

For seven years I've been on a journey to live close to zero waste and to reduce the amount of plastic in my life, especially single use, disposable plastic. It is a challenge to keep up these practices indefinitely, especially in a society so immersed in plastic and the throw-away lifestyle. Over the last few years plastic has managed to sneak back into my life in ways that I had already rid myself of it.
This book, Life Without Plastic, has re-invigorated my desire to live a life without plastic. Plus, it has given me a deeper understanding of exactly what plastic is, the many types of plastic, the human harm it can cause and the impact it has on our world. After finishing just the first chapter I was already going through all of my stuff and sifting out the plastic that had creeped back into my life and wasn't serving me well!
The book is written in a manner that can be read by someone fully immersed in the plastic life that wants to make their first change, or by someone like myself who is well on their way to a life without plastic, or anywhere in between. It is non-preaching, non-judgmental, meets us all where we are, and guides us into a happier, healthier and more sustainable life without plastic.

[Leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not believe this book is meant to be read cover-to-cover. I had to, for work. The information is science-based, but frequently framed by narrative. For instance, repeatedly mentioning how Jay likes his espresso or whatever it was in a section about how to use less plastic as a coffee drinker. I think the book suffers as a result, but this is just a matter of opinion. Maybe this makes the book more palatable to people overwhelmed by science. I just think that the crunchiness could have been turned down a smidge. It reeks of braggadocio.

To be clear, this book directly caused me to change my habits and spread information to others in my life, who then changed their own habits. And that's really the most important thing here.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plastic is ubiquitous & authors indicate that we're stuck with a certain amount (i.e. phones, computers) but what we can swap out then we should try. Things like not using straws is easy for me as I don't like to use them anyway. Very daunting on a limited budget to switch to pricier non-plastic items like bamboo kitchenware.
Tons of suggestions & resources though the chapter on the chemistry and downsides of plastic was thoroughly heavy slogging.
I'd recommend it as a resource but I wouldn't try to switch everything over all at once, do what you can as your budget allows. Some of the housecleaning techniques like using baking soda & vinegar aren't terribly expensive & easy to do.
There's a saying out there that even small changes can help and be a beginning.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was better than I expected. I love their online store but feel I’ve already read so much about the harms of plastics. I’m glad I read this though and I learned some new things. Even better, I’m motivated to remove even more plastic from my life. I’m looking at you shower curtain. I also liked the parts at the end that introduced people that are making changes. Reading about the kids was inspiring. I recommend this book. We just need to done with plastic already and this book can get you started.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m unsure how to rate this book... I was hoping for more hands on ideas and how to’s, but 3/4 of the book is devoted to the history of plastics, the various plastic grades/types and their toxicity levels. Good information (provided with citations), but not useful for for someone like me who has already made the decision to limit my plastic use.

Another critique is on the book layout. The sans serif typeface is small and difficult to read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very in depth and thorough (to the point of being dry and a little dense to get through). The authors are up front about their stance - that while some of the risks of using plastic haven't been extensively researched yet, they choose to err on the side of caution. What research has been done is all cited throughout the book, and I look forward to being able to look through some of those studies to help verify what these authors assert here.
There is no doubt that plastic waste is a huge issue - you can see it with your own eyes, unaided. Microplastics too are becoming an extreme environmental hazard, and its clear that scientific community and governments are recognizing this as more bans are put in place. The authors help you understand that in order to prevent these hazards, the answer is to reduce plastic use entirely. Recycling is a myth - it doesn't work at all like most people believe, and can't solve the crisis we have on our hands, let alone the problems that will grow as we continue to consume in ever greater amounts.
Aside from the environmental impact, the authors also enlighten you on the way plastic affects the human body. Most people know that BPA has been banned, but plastics are full of other chemical components that we don't think about, chemicals that can leach out and affect our health just as much as BPA.

The bottom-line: we must use less plastic, as much for our own health as for the environment. The authors provide ideas and resources that help you to assess the plastic situation in your own home, and alternatives to start replacing your standard plastic items. Very helpful read.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book, inspired by a newspaper story by A.J. Jacobs of trying to live one day without plastic. The premise of the authors is that plastic is bad for us, both environmentally (it doesn't break down) and physically (release of various toxins as it degrades, so avoid certain types of plastics at all costs, especially if in direct contact with things that will go into the body). My premise was "how can I reduce the amount of plastic I use and consume?" As the authors note, reducing our plastic consumption (and replacing plastic products with something else) is better than reusing or recycling it. This provides much food for thought, and discussion.

Eliminating single-use plastic is an important goal in our household. Discarding all plastic doesn't seem like a solution --it will become trash -- but using things up, and repairing things, and making thoughtful purchases seems achievable. Or, my lifestyle would likely dismay the authors, but it's part of the journey to being more friendly to the environment, and ourselves.

[Michal Zemaník · Rating 4 out of 5]

"V úvode 3. kapitoly sme spomenuli, že mozgy nás všetkých sú "plastické". Vďaka vrodenej neuroplastickosti sa ľudský mozog dokáže zmeniť. Chceme vás požiadať o jednoduchú vec: Prosíme, využite plastickosť svojho vlastného mozgu na vytvorenie niektorých nových životných návykov, pri ktorých spotrebujete menej plastov. Dokonca aj zmena jediného návyku - ako napríklad odmietnutie používania plastových slamiek - je úplne úžasná a prejaví sa poklesom dopytu po ďalších plastoch.
[...]
Ďakujeme vám za prechod na obehový, bezplastový spůsob života, ktorý náš svet tak veľmi potrebuje. Spoločne dokážeme zastaviť tok tohto skazonosného plastového, tichého prameňa, odbremeniť našu drahú matku Zem a obnoviť zdravú rovnováhu.

Do toho!"

(Str. 174)

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of great suggestions here, but I knocked off two stars for a couple reasons. First: trying to avoid every "potential carcinogen" (a frequently used phrase) out there is going to be as futile as boycotting every company that donates to causes you don't agree with. Second: some of these suggestions simply aren't plausible for anyone but the rich and/or childless (or single-child adults) with plenty of disposable income and time. Their alternative suggestion for crib mattresses cost upwards of $300. And I nearly laughed out loud at some of the choices offered to replace dog poop baggies.

I did like learning about what exactly is recyclable and how the process works. And I will definitely be banning colored toothpastes from our house. Yuck.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hits you with A LOT of information. The layout also leaves something to be desired - the print is small and there isn't a lot of white space so when you open it up it feels overwhelming. The first third (?) is about the different kinds of plastics, their health threats, and how/if they can be recycled. It made me a bit paranoid but I'm trying to take it with a grain of salt considering the authors called Chantal's breast milk 'nectar.' I was really reading more for the later part of the book where they discuss alternatives to plastic -- and I really like the resource guide at the very back.

[Carleigh Rittenhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pretty good introduction to the idea of a plastic-free lifestyle. They were a bit repetitive with their explanations, but overall an interesting read. It described the detrimental effects of plastics to our bodies and the environment, and had great tips for eliminating plastics in your personal lifestyle. There was also a nice resource section in the back to help you find high-quality, plastic-free products. I borrowed this book from the library, but don’t know that I would necessarily purchase it myself - a lot of the info is available for free online!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The tiny font made this book highly un-user friendly and it just went down hill from there. It was a big discredit when it referenced "purely speculational anecdotes" in conjunction with legit science/traditional understanding. It didn't have very many tips to get better beyond referencing assorted websites to help confront the absolute deluge of depressing information it contained. Most who would pick the book up know the situation is bad (maybe not the degree of severity) but won't find much help in its pages.

[Nikola Hranikova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kniha neni spatna, ale v dnesni dobe mi to prijde trochu sci-fi. Samozrejme vyvarovat se plastum v kontaktu s jidlem jde a take to podporuji. Stejne tak nakupovat bez obalu potraviny a drogerii. Avsak vyhnout se plastum uplne stejne nejde, coz tvrdi i autori. Rozhodne jsem za to, aby se lide zamysleli nad tim, jak nakladaji s odpady a kolik jich produkuji, ovsem takovehle radikalni zbaveni se vseho plastoveho mi neprijde ekologicke. Nejsem tedy vubec proti teto knize a urcite ji doporucuji jako zdroj informaci, ale podle meho je potreba to brat s rezervou.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! First, the authors do a wonderful job of explaining the environmental issues with plastic and the potential health concerns. Second, they walk through the house room by room and identify common sources of plastic and sustainable replacements. Third, they share encouraging stories of people who have made a difference in their communities by discouraging the use of plastic, particularly single-use plastic.
The appendix is loaded with suggestions for plastic-free shopping and further resources.

[Megh Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth book about the plastics in our everyday lives - pretty scary really. My big take away is that we are a mostly healthy family - we recycle, compost, drink a lot of filtered water out of stainless steel water bottles, use dishwashing detergent sheets, use natural cleaning ingredients, wear used clothing and give our clothing away, cook and bake most of our food at home, reuse shopping bags, and try to avoid plastic packaging when possible. It is impossible in this day and age to go completely plastic free but we are doing a great job and will continue to work hard at it!

[Ana Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very dinsly info packed little book conaidering its a little under 200 pages. There is a lot of food for thought here, and if you were already thinking about rudusing your plastic consumption this book will leave you desperatly seeking imidiate alteratives, stat! There are a wonderful selection of helpful resources at the end and its not simple self promotion for the authors online store either.

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but dense in parts and also repetitive sometimes. If you're looking for a more user-friendly approach to giving up on plastic, I recommend Beth Terry's book Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too. That said, if you want a ton of very specific details about types of plastic, etc, this book would be a good one for you.