What My Trip to the Azores Reminded Me About Plastic, Hormones & Our Health
About Dee Davidson, FDN-P
I recently returned from an incredible trip toSão Miguelin the Azores, a place that is extra special to me because both of my parents were born and raised there.
There were so many things I loved about being back, from visiting family and seeing where my parents grew up to enjoying the ocean, thermal waters, incredible food and slower pace of life.
But as a functional health practitioner, there was something else I couldn't stop noticing:
There was SO much less plastic.
And I loved it.
The Water Experience That Really Got My Attention
At many of the restaurants we visited, instead of being handed disposable plastic water bottles, we were served beautiful glass bottles filled with filtered water.
I noticed Culligan filtration being used in many of the establishments we visited. The glass bottles could be sanitized, refilled and used again instead of continually throwing away single-use plastic bottles.
Such a simple concept.
And I kept thinking...
Why aren't we doing more of this at home and in restaurants in the United States?
This isn't only an environmental conversation. It's also a conversation about what we're exposing our bodies to every single day.
Plastic Isn't Just an Environmental Problem
We all know what plastic is doing to our oceans, landfills and wildlife.
But what I'm even more passionate about is helping people understand that certain chemicals associated with plastics can also interact with our endocrine system.
The endocrine system is the communication network responsible for hormones that influence reproduction, metabolism, blood sugar, growth and many other functions.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences explains that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can mimic or interfere with the body's hormones. Some of these chemicals are found in plastic bottles, containers, food packaging and other everyday products. BPA and certain phthalates are examples.
That doesn't mean one plastic water bottle is going to suddenly destroy your hormones.
It means our cumulative exposure matters, and reducing unnecessary exposure is one practical way we can support our overall wellness.
And Then There Are Microplastics
We're also learning more about microplastics and the chemicals associated with them.
Research continues to investigate their potential effects on human health, including possible relationships with inflammation and endocrine disruption. There are still important questions about their long-term effects, so I don't believe in using fear-based messaging around this.
I believe in using the information we DO have to make better choices where we reasonably can.
And that's exactly what my time in the Azores reminded me:
We don't need plastic for everything.
Start With Your WATER
If you're drinking multiple bottles of water every day, this can be one of the easiest places to make a change.
Rather than continually purchasing cases of single-use plastic water bottles, consider investing in a quality home filtration system and filling your own glass or stainless-steel bottles.
Two options I like are:
Culligan Water Filtration Systems
Culligan offers reverse-osmosis and whole-home filtration options. Their reverse-osmosis systems are designed to reduce a broad range of contaminants while also helping households reduce reliance on single-use bottled water.
AquaTru is another option I like, particularly if you're looking for a countertop system. Their reverse-osmosis systems are independently certified for reduction of numerous contaminants, with options including a glass-carafe model.
Check out what's in your water with a free report HERE.
My Favorite Easy Ways to Ditch More Plastic
Please don't read this and go throw everything plastic in your house away tomorrow.
That defeats the purpose!
Instead, as things need replacing, start choosing better alternatives.
Here are a few easy swaps:
Plastic water bottles → Glass or stainless-steel bottles
Shop reusable stainless-steel water bottles on Amazon
Plastic food storage → Glass containers
Shop glass food-storage containers on Amazon
Plastic wrap → Beeswax wraps or reusable alternatives
Shop beeswax food wraps on Amazon
Plastic cooking utensils → Wood or stainless steel
Shop wooden cooking utensils on Amazon
Plastic cutting boards → Wood cutting boards
Shop wooden cutting boards on Amazon
You can also replace plastic measuring cups, mixing bowls, straws, lunch containers and other frequently used kitchen items with glass, stainless steel or wood as they wear out.
One More Important Tip: Don't Heat Food in Plastic
If you only make one change, this is a great place to start.
Transfer food to glass or ceramic before reheating it, rather than heating your meal in a plastic takeout or storage container.
Consider avoiding leaving plastic water bottles or food containers sitting in a hot car.
Again, this isn't about becoming afraid of your environment.
It's about reducing exposures when there is an easy alternative.
Your Hormones Don't Exist in a Bubble
When I work with clients on hormone health, we don't only talk about estrogen or progesterone.
We talk about the entire environment the body is living in.
Food.
Sleep.
Digestion.
Our bodies are exposed to an enormous number of things every day. We can't control all of them.
But we can reduce some of them.
My trip to the Azores was such a beautiful reminder that sometimes healthier choices don't have to be complicated.
Fill the glass bottle.
Use it again.
Small changes, repeated every day, can make a meaningful difference for both our environment and the environment we're creating for our bodies.
And I think we could learn a little something from the Azores on this one.
What's one plastic item you could replace in your home this month?
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and wellness purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Exposure to plastics or endocrine-disrupting chemicals does not mean an individual will develop a hormone or other health condition. Research into microplastics and human health is ongoing. Water-filtration needs vary depending on local water quality and contaminants, so consider testing your water and reviewing certified filtration performance when choosing a system.