Eryn from Eco Inspired joins the podcast to discuss her company, an organization that provides you with products, tools, and resources to help you live a healthier and lower waste lifestyle. They are located in Bon Air outside of Richmond VA, and have products that have been thoroughly vetted to ensure they are ethically and sustainable made and sourced, good for you and the planet and most importantly, practically applicable to sustainable living.

Eryn tells us a little bit about her story, why she started the store, the most common materials used as alternatives to plastic, and the Beyond Plastics movement.

She has also adovacted for local restaurants to join the #SkiptheStuff campaign.

Every year, billions of unused straws, utensils, napkins, condiment packets, and other items are added to take-out and delivery orders only to be discarded. In the United States, 561 billion disposable food service items are utilized annually, leading to 4.9 million tons of waste. Americans go through over 36 billion utensils and up to 142 billion straws each year. Many restaurants include these items in take-out orders, even if the customer doesn't require them.

WHAT PFAS HAS TO DO WITH THE PLASTICS ISSUE

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", are a class of manmade chemicals that are often used in the plastic molding industry. PFAS are used as a common ingredient in mold release composites and coatings, where they are effective at releasing molded plastic parts from molds. However, PFAS also have properties that make them persistent in the environment.

PFAS are toxic at very low levels and have been linked to a wide range of health risks, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system disorders. They have also been found in human blood and breast milk, drinking water, soil, and food packaging. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that food packaging from around the world contains at least 68 PFAS.

To lower your risk of exposure to both the harms of PFAS and plastics, you can try to:

• Use glass instead of plastic
• Use cast iron or uncoated ceramic instead of nonstick cookware
• Cook at home instead of relying on takeout

Learn more about the products you can order through Eco Inspired by visiting their online shop, or join the voices of the Beyond Plastics movement.