Hot, greasy, toxic – hazardous chemicals and food contact materials
Every day we ingest substances through food that can harm our health. Because on the way from the field to the plate, food comes into contact with various materials: while it is harvested, processed, packaged, transported, sold and prepared, it can absorb hazardous substances that end up in our bodies.
How can we as private individuals protect ourselves from hazardous chemicals from food contact materials? How can caterers reduce toxins in their kitchens?
In the project, we compile information in the form of two brochures and a poster that support private individuals and catering businesses step by step on the way to healthier cuisine. In workshops at schools, we sensitise young people to the topic and their own consumer behaviour.
Scissors, foam, paper – fewer chemicals, better business
Electronic devices, plastic products in the office and household, care and cleaning products as well as textiles and many other everyday items contain chemicals, some of which are classified as carcinogenic, gene-modifying and reprotoxic. However, very few consumers and representatives of companies are familiar with the topic and hardly know how they can actively reduce hazardous chemicals in their environment.
The project aims to remedy this situation! For consumers, we are producing and distributing a brochure on hazardous chemicals in plastic – with numerous tips on how to avoid them. We are also informing hairdressers through a brochure, a poster and various workshops about hazardous chemicals in the salon, as they have a lot of contact with them.
Think first, then act! Choose products without hazardous substances.
Private households play a major role in the discharge of hazardous chemicals into the public sewage system. This is because through the everyday consumption of products containing hazardous substances – such as paints, care products, cleaning agents, etc. – households become small but numerous sources of hazardous chemicals that are released into the environment.
In the project, Hamburg private households are to be sensitised to hazardous chemicals in everyday life and motivated to change their behaviour in order to reduce them. For this purpose, information is compiled in various brochures and distributed to private households. The brochures focus on the reduction of hazardous chemicals in everyday life and in the household, during Christmas and inform about the protection of children.
