Potentially causing more food waste aside, there are several reasons why you should think twice before reaching for plastic next time you need to freeze meat.
Health
Many types of plastics contain plasticizers, which are known to be high in phthalates—a group of chemicals known to pose a range of health concerns, including cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive issues.
Let’s not forget the most well-known concern with plastic: Bisphenol A, or BPA. BPA is a weak synthetic estrogen that can also lead to several health concerns, including endocrine disorders, reproductive issues, hormone imbalances, infertility, metabolic disorders, cancer, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Even BPS or BPF as replacements for BPA are proving to be considered unsafe.
Saran Wrap contains vinyl chloride, which is considered to be one of the worst toxic additives—for both our bodies and the planet.
Sustainability
Plastic wrap is made from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)—which are all petroleum-derived and made using an energy- and chemical-intensive process.
Not only is the production of these plastic-based materials problematic, but disposal is even worse. While in theory, plastic materials used for freezing meat can be reused, they’re usually not due to (valid) fears of food-borne illnesses and contamination.
Just one-fifth of 1%, or 0.2% of Ziploc bags actually end up being recycled
Instead, they end up degrading in landfills or being incinerated-—where those with PVC and PVDC will release seriously dangerous toxic chemicals called dioxins—or polluting the environment.
