Safer plastics: #2HDPE, #4LDPE, and #5PP | AVOID #3 PVC, #6 PS - Styrofoam, and #7 Other (Usually Polycarbonate)

Plastic Containers
http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=44&sec=3

THE SOLUTIONS

What to look for

Safer plastics--#2HDPE, #4LDPE, and #5PP

When choosing plastic containers, even those you'll use over and over again, choose those that are accepted for recycling in your area. Although #1 PETE is one of the most commonly recycled types, there are no containers designed for re-use made from it, and one should never re-use single-use #1 plastic bottles because their design doesn't lend itself to proper cleaning and the bottles can harbor bacterial growth. There are, however, a number of reusable containers made from another commonly recycled plastic, #2 HDPE.

Number #4 LDPE and #5PP plastics, although not as widely recycled, are also good choices since, as with #2, most research has not shown leaching of any carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Some bread and frozen food bags and squeezable bottles are made out of #4 plastic and some ketchup bottles and yogurt and margarine tubs are manufactured from #5 plastic.

Biodegradable plastic

Recent technological developments have led to the developments of plastics made from corn. These corn-based resins are derived from various chemicals, one of them being polylactide (PLA), which is decomposed by bacteria when composted. While bags made of PLA look, feel and smell like normal plastic bags, in about twelve days, more than half the bag will have broken down, unlike conventional plastic bags, which can take up to 100 years to decompose.

The range of biodegradable plastic storage products is expanding within the commercial sector, and companies and consumers are quickly realizing the cost and environmental benefits of this type of packaging. In the States, the Wild Oats Market chain has replaced conventional plastic containers used for bulk foods with PLA containers. Recently, Biota water, Naturally Iowa dairy, Newman's Own and the natural foods retailer Earth Fare have begun using the PLA produced by Cargill Dow-offshoot NatureWorks LLC. While use and availability of these products is primarily in the commercial sector, their initial success suggests we can look forward to home products like food storage containers and plastic wrap in the near future. Currently, biodegradable garbage bags, disposable dinnerware--plates, cups, flatware and straws--are available for home use. For online retailers of biodegradable plastics, see "Resources."

For more information on biodegradable plastic, please see "How Safe are the New Green Plastics?" and "Plastics Graduate to Green."

Glass, Ceramic and Stoneware

Glass, ceramic and stoneware are the safest options when it comes to food packaging and storage because they do not leach any questionable chemicals when in contact with food. Unlike plastic recycling, which produces toxic chemicals, glass recycling is more environmentally friendly.

Seek out these glass, ceramic and stoneware products instead of plastic to ensure that your food will not come in contact with toxic chemicals when stored or heated:

Anchor Hocking Barrel Jar with Aluminum Lid Anchor Hocking Blue Cracker Jar
Anchor Hocking Georgian Canister
Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Canister
Anchor Hocking Penny Candy Canister
Bormioli Fido Storage Jar
Bormioli Pitcher
Bormioli Round Storage Container
Bormioli Square Storage Container
Bormioli Rectangular Storage Container
Bormioli Storage Cylinder
Bormioli Save & Serve Plate
Clay Design Coffee Canister
Clay Design Popcorn Canister
Libbey Storage Bowl
Libbey Pumpkin Candy Jar
Pyrex Glass Food Storage Containers
Resourceful Products Mini Jar Canister

Aluminum and Stainless Steel

Food storage containers made of aluminum are an alternative to plastics because aluminum is recyclable, relatively inexpensive and offers even heating capability. However, aluminum extraction is extremely energy intensive, so reusing old pots is encouraged. Aluminum can sometimes react with certain foods or impact a metallic taste, so use them for storing foods with a low acid content.

Containers made from stainless steel are an environmentally friendly choice not only because the material is 100-percent recyclable but also because stainless steel is easy to clean without any harsh chemicals. Stainless steel is also inexpensive, attractive and will not react with foods during cooking.

When storing or heating foods, look for the following aluminum and stainless steel products. However, never use a microwave to heat food in metal containers. Doing so could spark a fire.

Corning Bowls
Correlle Bowls
Emily Henry Bowls
Gear County Bowls
Ingleman Bowls
Johnson Brothers Storage Jars
Johnson Brothers Bowls
Klean Kanteen's Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Klean Kanteen's To-Go Ware
Pillsbury Storage Jars
Pfaltzgraff Storage Jars
Reston Lloyd Bowls
Sigg's Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Wedgewood Bowls

What to look out for

Risky Plastics--#3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 Other (Usually Polycarbonate)

Sometimes found in clear food packaging, #3 PVC, the second most commonly used plastic in the world, is a toxic plastic dangerous both to our health and to the environment. Its manufacture and incineration releases dioxins, a potent carcinogen and hormone disruptor. Vinyl chloride, the primary building block of PVC, is a known human carcinogen that also poses a threat to workers during manufacture.

In contact with foods, especially hot, fatty foods, PVC can also leach chemicals such as adipates and phthalates, which have been shown to cause birth defects and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in mice. In addition, most community recycling programs do not accept PVC, so the vast majority of vinyl ends up in landfills or incinerators. While many companies have agreed to restrict or phase out PVC, we still have a long way to go before this "toxic" plastic is banned from use.

Polystyrene, #6 PS, is usually found in foam containers and cups and sometimes in clear disposable takeout containers, plastic cutlery and cups. It's best to avoid this plastic because PS may leach styrene into food it comes in contact with. Styrene, considered a possible human carcinogen by IARC, may also disrupt hormones or affect reproduction.

Polycarbonate (marked as #7), usually found in baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles and the epoxy lining in food cans can leach BPA into liquids and foods. A study conducted at Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Japan, concluded that polycarbonate bottles containing hot liquids leach more BPA than new bottles.

Since 95 percent of all baby bottles currently on the market are made of polycarbonate, parents have a right to be concerned. The National Environmental Trust recommends switching to polycarbonate-free baby bottles, like those manufactured from glass or from #5 PP.

Plastics in the Microwave

While a "microwave-safe" or "microwavable" label on plastic containers only means that they shouldn't melt, crack or fall apart when used in the microwave, the label is no guarantee that containers don't leach chemicals into foods when heated. The USDA also warns on its website against microwaving in single-use containers not intended for that purpose, such as takeout platters and margarine tubs. According to the FDA, microwave-safe plastic wrap should be placed loosely over food so that the steam can escape and should not directly touch your food.

For safety's sake, it's best not to heat foods in plastic and use ovenproof glass or ceramic containers with covers. Never use plastic storage bags, grocery bags, newspapers or aluminum foil in the microwave.

Shopping Suggestions

Food Packaging and Storage, Cups, Plates, Utensils, Water Bottles

Better Plastics - #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, #5 PP

#2 HDPE
Betras USA Sport Bottles
Betras USA Nestable Quart
Betras LongNeck Bottles
Carlisle Store 'N Pour 4 Quart square
FMP Quart Bottle with lid and spout
Impact Stackrack Jug 5 Gal.
Nalgene Wide Mouth Round 1 Quart
Playtex Straw Cups
Tupperware FreezeSmart
Tupperware Ice Cube Tray
Tupperware Ice Tups Set
Tupperware Jel-Ring Mold

#4 LDPE
BestYet Clear Plastic Wrap
Bell Brand Athletic Squeeze Bottles (colors) Brita Fill & Go Water Filtration Bottle
Glad Cling Wrap
Glad Food Storage Bags
Glad Freezer Bags
Glad-Lock Bags
Glad Sandwich Bags
Hefty Baggies
Hefty OneZip Slider Bags
Saran Cling Plus
Ziploc Bags
Ziplock Double Guard Freezer Bags

#5 PP
Arrow Canteen
Arrow Colored Measuring Cups
Betras USA Monster Mugs
Betras USA Insulated Travel Mugs
Betras USA Thermo Mugs
C&K Manufacturing Flash Chill 2 Liter Plastic
The Container Store Tellfresh Snack Box
The Container Store Tellfresh Screw-Top
The Container Store Tellfresh Oblong
Gladware Containers (all)
Playtex Spill-Proof Cups (lids #2)
Rubbermaid (all food storage containers)
Rubbermaid Sipper Seal
Rubbermaid Chuggables Bottles
Rubbermaid Pitchers (colors)
Rubbermaid Sippin’ Sport Bottles
Sterilite (all containers, bowls, pitchers, tumblers)
Sweetheart Round Storage Containers
The Container Store Stack-N-Store Containers
The Container Store FreshDate Containers
The Container Store Rectangular Bulk Food Storage
Tupperware Bowls (all)
Tupperware Crystal Wave Microwave Containers
Tupperware Modular Mates
Tupperware Quick Shake Containers
Tupperware One Touch Reminder Canister
Ziploc Containers (all)
Ziploc Table Tops Bowls


AVOID THESE CAN BE TOXIC
#3 PVC
Arrow Clear View Pitcher
Arrow Sip-A-Mug (base only)
Arrow Sip-N-Stor Cups
Arrow Translucent Sip-A-Tumbler (base only)
Betras USA Clear Sport Bottles
Betras USA Swirl Bottles
Polyvinyl Films stretch-tite All-Purpose Food Wrap
Polyvinyl Films freeze-tite All-Purpose Food Wrap
Reynolds Wrap

#6 PS Styrofoam
All Styrofoam Cups and Containers
Arrow Clear Measuring Cups
Kingsmen Plastic Cutlery (Maryland Plastic)
Sweetheart Plastic Cutlery
Sweetheart Translucent Storage Containers
Sweetheart Translucent Plastic Cups
Ullman Bowls and Platters (all)
Wandas Expanding Bread Box

#7 Other (Usually Polycarbonate)
5-Gallon Bottles for Water Coolers (most)
Ashton Green Pitchers and Plastic Drinkware
Camwear Pitchers
Carlisle VersaPour Pitcher
Click Clack Classic White Storage Containers
Click Clack Airtight Accents Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Bouncer Rugged Plastic Pitcher
Rubbermaid Stain Shield Storage Containers
Strahl DaVinci Pitcher
Strahl Plates
Sweetheart Clear Storage Containers
Tango Pitchers and Glassware
Terrazza Unbreakable Plastic Tableware
Wombat Ware Pitchers and Glassware
Tupperware Rock ‘n Serve Containers

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Baby/Kids' Items

Safer Plastics


Glass
Lamby Glass Baby Bottles
Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles

#4 LDPE
Playtex Disposable Baby Bottle Liners
Evenflo Baby Bottles (opaque, pastel)

#5 PP
Arrow Sip-A-Bowl
Avent Soft Spout Training Cups
Gerber Fashion Tint Bottles (colored)
Gerber Fun Grips Spill Proof Cups
Gerber ‘Lil Sport Bottles Spill Proof Cups
Medela Baby Cups
Medela Baby Bottles and Feeders
Sassy E-Z Grip Cups
Sassy E-Z Grip First Feeding Bowls
Sassy Ideal Temp Feeding Spoons
Sassy Less Mess Toddler Bowls
Sassy Less Mess Toddler Spoons
Sassy MAM Spill-Proof Cups
Sassy Temperature Sensitive Forks and Spoons
The First Years Peek-A-Boo Cups
The First Years Tumble Mates
The First Years Winnie the Pooh Trainer Cups



AVOID THESE CAN BE TOXIC
#3 PVC
Evenflo Soft Bite Spoon "Vinyl, PVC-free"

#7 Other (Usually Polycarbonate)
Avent Baby Bottles
Evenflo Baby Bottles (clear, untinted)
Gerber Baby Bottles (clear)
Gerber Looney Tunes Spill Proof Cups
Gerber Suzy’s Zoo Spill Proof Cups
First Sipster Trainer Cup
Playtex Kinder-Grip Bottles
Sassy MAM 3-Step Baby Bottles
The First Years Baby Bottles
Tuppercare Baby Bottles
VentAire Bottle

Tips and Alternatives

Here are a few suggestions you can follow to reduce plastics and toxic exposure in your home:

• Avoid single-use, disposable packaging

• Buy food in glass or metal containers

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers

• Avoid storing fatty foods, such as meat and cheese, in plastic containers or plastic wrap

• Bring your own containers to salad bars, yogurt shops, etc.--anywhere you'll be served in plastic

• Avoid plastic cutlery and dinnerware, especially when cooking or heating food; use stainless steel or wooden utensils and look for recycled paper products.

• Use wood instead of plastic cutting boards and spray your wooden board with a mist of vinegar, then with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, to kill bacteria

• When purchasing cling-wrapped food from the supermarket or deli, slice off a thin layer where the food came into contact with the plastic and store the rest in a glass or ceramic container, or non-PVC cling wrap (see Shopping Suggestions)

• You can also write a letter to manufacturers of food and drink packaged in plastics, indicating your concern about plastics--especially if their packaging is #3, #6 or #7. Tell them you are actively seeking products packaged in safe, reusable glass, metal and recycled paper. Ask manufacturers for a mailing address by calling their toll-free question/comment line, usually listed on the back of the product; alternatively, you can find their mailing address on their website.
Labels: Toxic, Plastic, Health
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The Dirty Dozen: 12 Products You Should Avoid

Avoid: Plastic food containers with Bisphenol-A (BPA)

You'll recognize these polycarbonate bottles and containers by their #7 recycling codes. Health concerns have dogged BPA for years. If you really must use plastic, choose BPA-free varieties (such as those marked with #2, #4, and #5 codes).
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The Dirty Dozen: 12 Products You Should Avoid

Green Living

By Chris Baskind
Thursday, 09 August 2007

So you've decided to take the plunge -- to embrace lighter living, start greening your life, and do something to help the the environment. But where to begin?

With moderating your consumption. You can dramatically reduce the size of your footstep on the planet just by making smarter choices in the things you buy and the amount your household uses. It's not something you have to do all at once: just commit to steady, incremental change. Small steps become big journeys over time.

Our article, Ten First Steps Toward Lighter Living, is a good place to get grounded. If you're ready to tak

e on taming your shopping cart, we've put together a list we call the Dirty Dozen. These are twelve unhealthy or resource-intensive products you should consider reducing or eliminating from your life entirely. Once you've tackled these, you'll probably think of others -- and you'll be well on your way to a lighter, more sustainable lifestyle.

Styrofoam

Polystyrene foam is actually quite recyclable, but most of it ends up in landfills or scattered around environment. Being made of petroleum, styrofoam is a non-renewable resource -- and it's not biodegradable. Carry your own reusable coffee mugs, skip the fast food, and use glass and metal storage containers whenever possible.

Plastic food containers with Bisphenol-A (BPA)

You'll recognize these polycarbonate bottles and containers by their #7 recycling codes. Health concerns have dogged BPA for years. If you really must use plastic, choose BPA-free varieties (such as those marked with #2, #4, and #5 codes). And be sure to recycle them when you're done.

Tropical hardwoods

Teak and Mahogany are beautiful, long-lasting woods. But worldwide demand has driven their irresponsible harvesting from old-growth forests, destroying wildlife and biodiversity in some of the world's most critical natural habitats. Don't know where the wood in that magnificent dining table was sourced? Leave it at the store, and look for goods manufactured through certified forestry programs.

Aluminum in cosmetics

Almost all commercial antiperspirants contain aluminum chlorohdrate or aluminum zirconium. Both are easily absorbed through the skin. While no definitive studies link them to cancer, some researchers remain concerned about their long term use -- particularly by women. We already get plenty of aluminum in our diet, thanks to anti-caking agents in processed foods. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of alternatives to conventional antiperspirants.

Incandescent bulbs

With relatively inexpensive CFL lightbulbs available everywhere you turn, it makes no sense to buy old-style bulbs for most applications. CFLs don't radiate light quite the same way as conventiona

l bulbs, so take some time to find out how to live with them. And since CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, be sure to dispose of them properly.

Petroleum-based fabric sheets and laundry detergent

Sure, fabric sheets smell great. They're engineered that way -- with powerful chemicals. Like most laundry detergents, they're derived from non-renewable petroleum products. Switch to vegetable-based laundry soaps and seek out less potent alternatives to commercial dryer sheets.

Overpackaged goods

Ask any marketer: the store shelf is a retail battleground. Often, the first casualty is common sense when it comes to packaging. Unusual plastic bubble wraps; huge boxes for small products -- competition for your attention sometimes results in a wasteful mess. Rather than contributing to our already overcrowded landfills, vote for more responsible packaging with your feet. Buy something else, and let companies which overpackage their wares know why you're not a customer.

Paper towels and napkins

No, you needn't give up your toilet paper, as our friend Colin Beavan -- No-Impact Man -- and his family chose to do. Paper is a renewable resource, if properly managed. But let's face it: we squander more paper than we should. That means wasted trees and all the resources which went into farming them. And that, in turn, means more monoculture pulpwood forests, soil erosion, and chemicals used to keep tree-damaging pests away. There are some messes best cleaned up with paper, but couldn't you use more kitchen cloths and napkins? It takes a little planning, but makes a big difference. If you're interested in more environmentally friendly paper products, check out Colin's list at the No Impact Man site.

Plastic utensils

Like paper products, plastic utensils rate high on the waste scale. While some are marked for recycling, most convenient disposable cutlery gets used once and thrown away. Plastic is forever once it's in the environment, and the petroleum used to make it is increasingly precious. Consider some alternative strategies: portable metal mess kits for picnics, or simply washing plastic goods and using them again.

Disposable batteries

There are about 15 billion batteries manufactured each year. Most are alkaline batteries, discarded after a single duty cycle. Once sent to a landfill, they break down and begin leeching chemicals into the groundwater. Convenient, yes -- but so are rechargables. With all the electronic devices in our lives these days, it makes environmental (and financial) sense to switch to rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. They're less toxic and save you money. But do your homework: not all batteries and chargers are appropriate for a given job. Check out GreenBatteries.com for helpful background information.

Commercial insecticides

If it's not good for bugs, it's probably not good for your family or your pets. In-home pesticide use has been linked to everything from lung disorders to Parkinson's Disease. Household insects are a destructive nuisance, and outdoor pests can become a public health issue. But there are less- and non-toxic ways of controlling bugs, from borax (a poison) to essential oils, select plants, and ways to make common insects feel less welcome in your cupboard. Get some tips from Organic Pest Control, or this Lighter Footstep article on taking the sting out of mosquitoes without pesticides.

Household cleaners

Your cleaner cabinet is filled with some of the most powerful toxins on the consumer market. Check the warning labels and lists of unpronounceable compounds: it's amazing some of these things are even sold at all. But old tried-and-true, natural cleaners will often do the trick without exposing your family to exotic chemical fumes and residues. Baking soda, vinegar, and salt are the backbone of a cleaner-and-greener home. Take those commercial cleaners to a hazardous disposal facility and start cleaning the natural way. It'll even save you money.

What could you add to this list? Please leave a comment or start a new topic in the Lighter Footstep Forums. And here's to your success on the road to low-impact living.

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To view these blogs:
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