Health: Everyday Choices for Wellness 🌻 Flava Wellness Series

We use water bottles and food containers every day without thinking much about them. But as I’ve been learning more about wellness, I’ve realized the type of material we choose matters — for both safety and lifestyle.

Plastic Water Bottles

Single-use bottles can leach chemicals such as BPA or microplastics, especially if they’re reused or left in heat (like inside a car). Even BPA-free plastics sometimes contain substitutes that may not be much safer.

💡 Best choice: stainless steel or glass water bottles for daily use.

I have a stainless 16-ounce cup at work that I drink water out of, and it’s been a great step. But I admit, I still carry a plastic bottle sometimes because it’s cute and convenient. I’m thinking it’s time to switch to a glass bottle for my work bag — one that can move with me no matter which desk I’m stationed at.

Food Containers

Plastic containers, especially older ones, often contained BPA. Even the BPA-free versions can release chemicals into food if they’re heated or if the plastic is scratched or cloudy. Microwaving food in plastic is especially risky.

💡 Best choice: glass or stainless steel containers for storing and reheating food.

The challenge is weight. Glass containers are safe but heavy, and carrying several in a lunch bag isn’t easy. That’s why I’ve started looking at stainless steel containers — they’re lighter, durable, and safe for everyday use. My plan is to use stainless steel for meals on the go, and glass at home for storage or reheating.

⚠️ A Simple Plastic Warning

Plastic is everywhere in our daily lives, but here’s what’s important to know:

When plastic gets hot (like in a microwave or a car), it can release chemicals into your food or drink. Old, scratched, or cloudy plastic containers are more likely to break down and leach into your food. Even “BPA-free” plastics may still release other chemicals we don’t fully understand yet.

👉 That doesn’t mean you have to panic or throw everything away. It just means plastic is safest for cold, short-term use. For hot food, reheating, or long-term storage, choose stainless steel or glass.

Finding Balance

Wellness isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making small changes that fit into real life. For me, that means keeping my stainless cup at work, adding a glass (or stainless) bottle to my bag, and exploring lighter stainless lunch containers. These choices may seem small, but they add up to caring for myself in simple, sustainable ways.

🌻 Takeaway: Choose what helps you stay safe and well and what works with your lifestyle. Every sip and every meal is a chance to support your health.