The Solutions

Date:   9/28/2007 8:39:30 AM ( 17 y ago)

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."

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

Baby/Kids' Items

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.

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