Sukkot serves as a poignant annual reminder of the transient nature of life, urging us to reflect on our temporary surroundings. However, in our modern world, the concept of the “temporary” has taken on a more hazardous form. Disposable products, designed for fleeting use, are increasingly linked to long-term health and environmental consequences, particularly through the leaching of “forever chemicals.”
From disposable coffee cups to juice cups in the sukkah, these everyday conveniences often hide a darker side: the release of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and plastic particles. PFAS, a group of chemicals prized for their heat, oil, and water-repellent properties, are notoriously persistent in the environment. Studies have increasingly linked them to significant health issues, including metabolic disorders and reproductive harm.
Yaeli Etstein, a marine biotechnologist and environmental health expert, notes that while Israel maintains regulatory standards for plastic products, these guidelines often fall short. “The standard does not take into account the fact that we ‘consume’ more than one plastic product a day,” Etstein explains. “Many people drink several cups a day and also use plates, cutlery and plastic packaging. Even assuming that every product meets the standard, our exposure ultimately accumulates.”
The danger extends beyond the dinner table to the very air we breathe. Many household air fresheners emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been associated with asthma, allergies, migraines, and respiratory distress. Unlike the gradual health impact of plastic-borne chemicals, air fresheners often trigger immediate, noticeable physical reactions in a significant portion of the population. Furthermore, these products compound environmental waste through their disposable packaging.
To determine if awareness of these risks can drive behavioral change, Etstein—founder of the “Critical Mass for Healthy Consumption” (CMHC) Facebook group—led a study alongside Dr. Adi Levy of Achva Academic College and Dr. Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki of Ruppin Academic Center. The research, which surveyed approximately 300 participants, examined whether sustained exposure to health-focused information could successfully alter consumption habits where environmental campaigns alone had achieved limited success.
The results were telling. Participants reported a 77% average reduction in the use of disposable cups for cold drinks and a 74% reduction for hot drinks. For air fresheners, the impact was even more pronounced: 39% of those exposed to the health-focused information in the online group stopped using them entirely, compared to only 7% of those outside the group.
Crucially, the study revealed that health-based information acts as a powerful catalyst. While environmental concerns initiate a shift in behavior, the addition of health-related data “seals the deal.” As Etstein observes, the two messages are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing.
However, Etstein cautions that mere awareness is insufficient and can sometimes lead to apathy or panic. To bridge the gap between knowledge and action, she emphasizes the importance of providing practical, accessible alternatives. “I suggest starting with small steps: Choose one product to eliminate or replace and stick with it,” she advises. “After a month or two, when you feel you have gotten used to the change, only then move on to the next product.”
By replacing disposable plastics with glass or stainless steel and choosing to forgo synthetic fragrances, individuals can significantly lower their chemical burden. Through a gradual, habit-driven approach, consumers can transition away from the “disposable” mentality, securing a healthier future for themselves and the planet.
The article was produced by Zavit, the news agency of the The Israeli Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
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