Corn a La Plastic - The Mistruth Of Biodegradable PLA

So you think you’re doing your part, purchasing your salad in a clear clamshell made with corn based plastic (PLA or Polylactic Acid).  Proponents of PLA say that they are a good alternative to petroleum based plastics because they (a) biodegrade and thus won’t last forever like normal plastic, and (b) are made from corn which is a renewable resource.


What the masses are not told is that corn based plastic requires an Industrial Composting Facility to heat the bioplastic to a high enough temperature in order for it to break down. Corn-based plastic will take just as long as regular plastic to break down in the landfills (very few things break down in landfills actually....) or on the curb of your sidewalk. Furthermore, since they look just like conventional plastic, they are often times thrown in with other recyclables, thus contaminating the recycling process and reducing its market value.

This recycling contamination issue has actually led to the banning of biodegradable plastic bags by the City of Toronto, which has plans to ban all biodegradable plastics in the future. 

So what should we do in the mean time?  Use a reusable container or bag, reduce wherever possible, and avoid any type of plastic would be my best bet.

Sunscreen Review (Part 2): Putting 4 EWG Recommended Sunscreens To The Test!

Congratulations!  You did your homework, looked at the Environmental Working Group’s 2009 Sunscreen Guide, and found a great list of sunscreens that protect you from the sun’s harmful rays (UVA & UVB), and is non-toxic for your body. (See what you should avoid in our PART 1 discussion).

Now here comes the tricky part.  Out of the long list, which one should you get?  To help you out with your decision, I’ve decided to do my own “review” of 4 recommended sunscreens.

Read more »

My Favorite Stainless Steel Lunch Container

For the eco-minded individual, changing the way you bring your lunch (ie from zip-lock bags to a re-useable container) can make a big impact on the amount of garbage you produce.  With BPA as a major health concern, you probably want to avoid using plastic tupperware.  Glass is a good option, but they tend to be large, heavy, and prone to breaking. 

Last month, I was on a hunt; to find a light, compact, and durable container to replace my glass tupperware for my lunches and snacks on the go.  The solution?  Stainless Steel!

My search brought me to little India, The Big Carrot, and Grassroots in Toronto.  I found some great options on the market, including the Canadian branded Greentainer, as well as other stackable stainless steel containers.  However, the container that caught my (and my girlfriend’s) eye was the Stainless Steel Lunch Box by Zebra Thailand that I found at Grassroots.  The stainless steel container, called the "Camping Pot" on the Zebra Thailand Website, comes with a stainless steel insert that provides 2 levels of food compartments, a lid, and a closing latch that transforms into a pot handle! 

I ended up bringing the Zebra container for a camping trip, and I was the recipient of many envious looks!  The container served as a bowl for my cereal, and kept hot noodles and soup warm for a long time (the “pot” handle allowed me to hold the container without burning my hands, which was a bonus). I also used the insert and lid as plates for my various side dishes.

At a price of $15.99 at Grassroots, this stainless steel container was a great buy, and does exactly what I need it to do.  Definitely no regrets here!