- link Copy URL - [ Share on X ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Guiding Stars: What We’re Learning About Food, Packaging & the Environment https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312651?absolute=1&via=3blnews "Share on X") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312651?absolute=1 "Share on Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312651?absolute=1 "Share on Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=Guiding Stars: What We’re Learning About Food, Packaging & the Environment&body=ESG News from Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1312651?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Environment](/CSR-News/environment-0) # Guiding Stars: What We’re Learning About Food, Packaging & the Environment Apr 29, 2026 10:00 AM ET Campaign: [Guiding Stars blog: Health & Wellness ](/news/campaign/guiding-stars-blog-health-wellness) ![Reusable jars.](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/close-up-bulk-products-reusable-jars_Guiding%20Stars_4.24.26.jpg "Image by Freepik") Image by Freepik **by** [**Allison Stowell**](https://guidingstars.com/author/allisonjstowell/) [**Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News**](https://guidingstars.com/disease-prevention/what-were-learning-about-food-packaging-the-environment/) Social media feeds fill with news of forever chemicals. Apps abound that allow us to assess a product’s “health impact” score. Meanwhile, we still want nutritious options that are best for our bodies and health. We’re living in a food information overload. This may leave us with overwhelming wonder about the safety of foods for our bodies, and for the environment. When [climate anxiety](https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-climate-anxiety) and diet intersect, it can cause excessive worry and even lead to [disordered eating](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12764136/#Sec19). We still have a lot to learn about food, the environment, and our health. However, we know that excess worry isn’t good for us. Let’s break down what we know and how to minimize risk. ## **Avoiding Harmful Chemicals** We’re increasingly aware of the negative impact that chemicals have on our bodies, and where we encounter them. Read on to learn many ways of avoiding them. **PFAS** Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” degrade very slowly. This causes them to build up in humans, animals, and the environment. We encounter PFAS pretty much everywhere, including in our water and food. There’s a lot we still don’t know about PFAS, but researchers are [investigating](https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas) how to measure exposure and impact on our health. At the same time, food manufacturers, restaurants, and others in the [food industry](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344925003064) are moving away from packaging that may contain PFAS. **Microplastics** Microplastics are a significant part of the conversation about environmental and physical health. [Science](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969725005170) confirms the impact (and longevity) of these chemicals. And researchers believe they can increase risk of chronic disease. However, we don’t know exactly how to measure the amount of [microplastics](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44360-025-00025-6) we absorb, how long they last, or the influence they have on our bodies or the environment. **Bisphenol A (BPA)** BPA is another chemical that has been used for decades. It’s often found in plastics, food and beverage packaging, or as a coating for metal products, including cans. Exposure to [BPA](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9441614/) may be harmful for children and babies, increasing risk for chronic disease. ***The Good News*** To help you minimize microplastics, there are increasingly more [kitchen tools](https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2699-the-best-ceramic-nonstick-skillets?queryID=51bbc14672ac01d1a675df5dc06f9e23&indexName=everest_search_cortado_production#review-top-picks) for the home kitchen that are PFAS-free. Limit plastic and use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or bamboo/wood for food preparation and storage instead. To limit exposure to BPA, look for canned products, containers, and more labeled “BPA-free.” ## **Habits That Minimize Risk** It just takes small changes and a bit of thought to minimize your risk and fill your shopping cart with more [environmentally friendly](https://guidingstars.com/sustainability/national-nutrition-month-beyond-the-table/) options. **Support Greenhouse Farming** Greenhouse farming allows producers to control the environment that produce is grown in. This includes temperature, lighting, and exposure to harmful elements. This farming method uses less water and energy (when sunlight is utilized). Greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be sprayed or grown with harmful chemicals. Look for [greenhouse-grown](https://www.littleleaffarms.com/the-greenhouse/) or hydroponic produce to support this type of farming. **Eat More Plants, Less Meat** Eating more plants is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and the environment. Plants are rich in essential [fiber](https://guidingstars.com/nutrition/filling-fiber/) and micronutrients. They also use fewer resources to produce. Meat production has significant impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and energy use. When we choose a plant-forward diet, we are making a more [sustainable choice](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652622043542). Go further by supporting local growers to reduce carbon emissions (and get fresher food too!). **Choose Reusable, Plastic‑Free Foodware** Avoiding single‑use plastic—and plastic‑coated—food containers helps reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals while also lowering your carbon footprint. Bring your own reusable options like stainless steel, ceramic, or food‑grade silicone cups and to‑go containers when you’re eating on the go. And when shopping, skip the single‑use plastic produce bags. Place your fruits and vegetables directly in your cart or use a reusable produce bag instead! **Be Cautious About “Health Impact” Apps** There are several apps that provide product information to help you avoid “less clean” ingredients. This may be beneficial if you know what to do with the information. But it can also create confusion. Be sure to consider the product as a whole and if it’s a good choice for *your overall health*. For example, we know we need to avoid too much sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar to lower risk of chronic disease. However, the app may not be taking this into consideration. If you’re looking for an app that *does* help you locate nutritious foods with less effort, I recommend [Guiding Stars.](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/guiding-stars-food-finder/id1555717402) [About Guiding Stars](https://guidingstars.com/?utm_source=3BL&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=Guidingstarsblogpromotion&utm_content=upperfunnel-prospecting-evergreen-blog-promotion-v1-newsletter&utm_term=) Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet [transparent nutrition criteria](https://guidingstars.com/about/) earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in [more than 2,000 grocery stores](https://guidingstars.com/store-finder/), in [Circana' Attribute Marketplace](https://www.circana.com/post/circana-launches-attribute-marketplace-to-elevate-client-market-insights "https://www.circana.com/post/circana-launches-attribute-marketplace-to-elevate-client-market-insights"), and through the [Guiding Stars Food Finder](https://food.guidingstars.com/) app. *\*Image by* [*Freepik*](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-bulk-products-reusable-jars_202926565.htm#fromView=search&page=4&position=3&uuid=f97459e5-6d8d-49fe-a526-d242141b95b8&query=glass+food+storage) [![Guiding Stars logo](/sites/default/files/2026-04/GS_Logo-%284C%29horizontal.png)](/profiles/guiding-stars-licensing-company-llc) ### More from Guiding Stars Licensing Company LLC ###### [Guiding Stars: Nourishing a Healthy Liver](/news/guiding-stars-nourishing-healthy-liver) Apr 22, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Global Goodness, Star-Earning Simplicity](/news/guiding-stars-global-goodness-star-earning-simplicity) Apr 15, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Ditch “Aisle Anxiety” With Guiding Stars](/news/ditch-aisle-anxiety-guiding-stars) Apr 8, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Cereal Sense](/news/guiding-stars-cereal-sense) Mar 25, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Star-Earning Smoothies for Every Kind of Day](/news/guiding-stars-star-earning-smoothies-every-kind-day) Mar 18, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Discover the Power of Nutrition](/news/guiding-stars-discover-power-nutrition) Mar 11, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Focused Grocery Goals for Big Results](/news/guiding-stars-focused-grocery-goals-big-results) Mar 4, 2026 9:30 AM ET ###### [Guiding Stars: Refining Our Guidance With Good Science](/news/guiding-stars-refining-our-guidance-good-science) Feb 26, 2026 9:30 AM ET