bamboo cups to oilcloths
6 green alternatives that can be sustainable but unhealthy
© HalynaRom / Adobe Stock
Whether bamboo mugs or oilcloths: not everything that is sustainable is good for us all round. But there are alternatives.
One thinks that “from leaf to root” processing, i.e. the stump-and-stalk processing of vegetables, plant-based milk for children or oilcloth for school lunches are the new non plus ultra, because a greener life ultimately protects the climate, the Conserves resources, saves packaging waste… But the reality is more complex: Consumer protection associations, for example, take a critical view of some of the sustainable materials, methods of preparation or food. The reason: You are not particularly healthy. What it is about in detail and what could be done differently: an overview.
beeswax towels
Colorfully printed fabric towels that are coated with beeswax beat aluminum and cling film by far when it comes to plastic consumption. However: carcinogenic aromatic amines can migrate from the printing ink into the food, the wax can be contaminated with mineral oil or pesticides. “Consumers can usually not see from the manufacturer’s information whether such risks exist,” says Constanze Rubach from the Lower Saxony consumer center. In addition, cleaning with cold water and detergent is ineffective against pathogenic germs such as fungal spores or salmonella.
Our tip: Dishwasher-safe silicone hoods, lunch boxes or other reusable containers made of glass or stainless steel that are suitable for food.
To-go mug
There are many sustainable alternatives for thermal paper cups, such as those made from bamboo or corn flour. However, they often contain melamine-formaldehyde resin, an adhesive that holds the material together. This is suitable for cold drinks, but not for brewing hot coffee. This is because toxic components such as formaldehyde and/or melamine are then released, as regular analyzes have shown. Melamine can damage the kidneys, formaldehyde can attack the respiratory tract, irritate the skin and also cause cancer.
Our tip: Use your own ceramic or metal mugs or use “Recup” mugs. For the sake of the environment and health, they should definitely be cleaned in the dishwasher.
From Leaf to Root
The idea is great: eat vegetables from stump to stalk and thus save waste. Unfortunately, there are recipes circulating on the Internet that are not quite as recommendable, for example making chips from potato skins. “Depending on the variety and storage, potato skins contain the substance solanine, which is toxic,” says consumer advocate Rubach. She also advises against pureeing avocado seeds and mixing them in smoothies. “No one knows exactly what’s in there, it could be hydrocyanic acid or unhealthy bitter substances.” When using banana or apple peels as well as green vegetables, you should make sure that the fruits or vegetables are organic – most of the pesticides are in the outer layers. And another minus point: peels and stalks are often difficult to digest.
Our tip: Enjoy carrot leaf pesto or dishes with banana peels in moderation, prefer to discard avocado seeds or grow a little tree.
Baking paper substitute
In fact, baking paper cannot be recycled because of its coating. Therefore, there are now alternatives that can be used several times, such as baking foils made of glass fiber with a Teflon coating (PTFE). They are unproblematic up to 200 degrees, but toxic vapors are released from 230 degrees. Teflon baking foil is also difficult to dispose of. The same goes for silicone baking mats if they are of poor quality. “When you buy them, you can recognize them by the smell of plastic,” says consumer advocate Rubach. Even aluminum foil is not a healthy and sustainable substitute for baking paper.
Our tip: Buy high quality silicone mats or bake directly on the greased tray.
Plastic storage containers
Plastic containers like the good old “Tupperware” better stop using in the kitchen once scratched or deformed: “Germs can stay in the indentations or pollutants can migrate from the material into the food,” says Constanze Rubach. “As a precaution, you shouldn’t use any plastic containers for hot, greasy or acidic food.”
Our tip: Prefer to store food in containers made of porcelain, stainless steel or glass. Incidentally, these are also great for shopping in the supermarket or bulky shops.
Plant milk for the kids
Babies and children are now also served cow’s milk alternatives made from soy, oats or almonds. But they hardly provide the protein that is important for child growth – only soy milk can keep up with cow’s milk (3.5 percent) here. But: It contains so-called phytohormones, i.e. plant messenger substances, as well as fluorides in amounts that can be harmful to babies and young children. Almond milk, on the other hand, contains substances that impede the metabolism of iodine. In addition, important micronutrients such as calcium, iodine, vitamin D, B2 and B12 are missing – unless they have been added extra. Professional associations therefore warn that children under the age of five may experience developmental disorders if cow’s milk is replaced 1:1 with plant-based drinks.
Our tip: Talk to your pediatrician first.