Plastic Containers - What To Look For

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Plastic Containers

 

What To Look For

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Plastic is the most widely used material in the United States, and it crops

up in everything from toys to clothes to food containers. But not all

plastics are created equal, particularly in regards to food storage: Some

plastics

can transmit chemicals into your food, while others are perfectly safe.

Before you know which type of plastic container to buy the next time you hit

the store, you first need to know how to tell them apart. Plastics are

typically classified by a number from #1 to #7, each number representing a

different type of resin. That number is usually imprinted on the bottom of your

container; flip it upside down, and you'll see a recycling triangle with the

number in the middle.

Here's a quick breakdown of plastic resin types:

#1 polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)

Product examples: Disposable soft drink and water bottles, cough-syrup

bottles

#2 high density polyethylene (HDPE)/

Product examples: Milk jugs, toys, liquid detergent bottles, shampoo bottles

#3 polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC)

Product examples: Meat wrap, cooking oil bottles, plumbing pipes

#4 low density polyethylene (LDPE)

Product examples: Cling wrap, grocery bags, sandwich bags

#5 polypropylene (PP)

Product examples: Syrup bottles, yogurt cups/tubs, diapers

#6 polystyrene (PS)

Product examples: Disposable coffee cups, clam-shell take-out containers

#7 other (misc.; usually polycarbonate, or PC, but also polylactide, or PLA,

plastics made from renewable resources)

Product examples: Baby bottles, some reusable water bottles, stain-resistant

food-storage containers, medical storage containers

Now that you know what each of the numbers represents, here are the kinds

you should look for at the store:

Safer Plastics

#2HDPE, #4LDPE and #5PP

These three types of plastic are the healthiest. They transmit no known

chemicals into your food and they're generally recyclable; #2 is very commonly

accepted by municipal recycling programs, but you may have a more difficult

time finding someone to recycle your #4 and #5 containers.

#1 PET

#1 bottles and containers are fine for single use and are widely accepted by

municipal recyclers. You won't find many reusable containers made from #1,

but they do exist. It's also best to avoid reusing #1 plastic bottles; water

and soda bottles in particular are hard to clean, and because plastic is

porous, these bottles absorb flavors and bacteria that you can't get rid of.

PLA

PLA (polylactide) plastics are made from renewable resources such as corn,

potatoes and sugar cane and anything else with a high starch content. The

starch is converted into polylactide acid (PLA). Although you can't recycle

these

plant-based plastics, you can compost them in a municipal composter or in

your backyard compost heap. Most decompose in about twelve days unlike

conventional plastic, which can take up to 100 years.

Plastics to Avoid

#3 PVC

#3 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is often used frequently in cling wraps for

meat. However, PVC contains softeners called phthalates that interfere with

hormonal development, and its manufacture and incineration release dioxin, 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.

#6 PS

Extruded polystyrene (#6 PS; commonly known as Styrofoam) is used in

take-out containers and cups, and non-extruded PS is used in clear disposable

takeout containers, disposable plastic cutlery and cups. Both forms of PS can

leach

styrene into food; styrene is considered a possible human carcinogen by the

International Agency for Research on Cancer. It may also disrupt hormones or

affect reproduction.

#7 PC

#7 Polycarbonate (PC) is found in baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles,

water-cooler bottles and the epoxy linings of tin food cans. PC is composed of

a

hormone-disrupting chemical called bisphenol A, which has been linked to a

wide variety of problems such as cancer and obesity.

Read more about the problems with #3, #6 and #7 plastics in _The Backstory_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kitchen/Plastic_Containers/4) .

Safe Use Tips

-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 wrap it in non-PVC cling wrap (see

_Product Comparisons_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kitchen/Plastic_Containers/3) ).

-Avoid storing fatty foods, such as meat and cheese, in plastic containers

or plastic wrap.

-Hand-wash reusable containers gently with a nonabrasive soap; dishwashers

and harsh detergents can scratch plastic, making hospitable homes for

bacteria.

Microwaves

-A " microwave-safe " or " microwavable " label on a plastic container only

means that it 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.

-It's best to remove food from plastic containers or wraps and instead

microwave the food in glass or ceramic containers.

-The FDA advises placing microwave-safe plastic wrap loosely over food so

that the steam can escape. Plastic wrap should not directly touch your food.

-The USDA warns on its website against microwaving in single-use containers

not intended for cooking, such as takeout platters or margarine tubs.

-Never use plastic storage bags, grocery bags, newspapers or aluminum foil

in the microwave.

Reducing Your Use of Plastic

We could all do with a little less plastic in our lives, no matter the type

of resin. All plastics are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, and

produced under extremely energy-intensive conditions, so here are a few

things to keep in mind when shopping:

-Always opt for plastic containers that are accepted for recycling in your

area.

-Avoid single-use, non-recyclable disposable packaging, such as Styrofoam

meat trays, and clam-shell containers.

-Buy food in glass or metal containers

-Bring your own containers to restaurants, if you suspect you might have

leftovers.

-If you do get takeout you'll be eating at home, don't take plastic cutlery

or condiment packets.

-Avoid plastic cooking tools; use stainless steel or wooden utensils

instead.

-Replace your plastic cutting boards with wood. You can spray wooden boards

with a mist of vinegar, then with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, to kill

bacteria.

-Take your plastic grocery bags to a local Wal-Mart or Whole Foods to be

recycled.

The Extra Step:

Write a letter to manufacturers of foods and drinks packaged in unsafe #3,

#6 or #7 plastics, and tell them you want products packaged in safe, reusable

glass, metal or recycled plastic. You can find a mailing address on their

products, by calling their toll-free question/comment line or on their website.

And don't stop at the grocery store. Call the owners of your favorite coffee

shop, restaurant or cafe and ask them to improve their policies for reusable

containers. Some food-service joints fear reprimands from the local Health

Department by allowing customers to use their own containers for takeout or for

coffee. Find out your health department's stance on the issue and encourage

restaurants to be more lenient in their policies.

Product Comparisons

Below is a table of plastic containers made from safer #2, #4 and #5

plastics organized by intended purpose (column 3). To learn why these plastics

are

better see _What To Look For_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kitchen/Plastic_Containers/1) .

Bisphenol A-free baby bottles and children's dishes are now in our _Baby

Bottles Buying Guide_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Kids_ & _Babies/Baby_Bottles) . Name

TYPE OF PLASTIC PURPOSE MSRP Purchasing Information Reader

Rating Glad Freezer Bags #4 LDPE Bags $2.29 store.drsoda.com

Avg. Rating

Glad Sandwich Bags #4 LDPE Bags $2.29 store.drsoda.com

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Hefty Baggies #4 LDPE Bags $6.95-$12.95 _www.shophometrends.com_

(http://www.shophometrends.com/) , 888-815-0814

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Hefty OneZip Slider Bags (Gallon Size) #4 LDPE Bags $2.99

_www.walgreens.com_ (http://www.walgreens.com/)

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Ziploc Freezer Bags #4 LDPE Bags $4.39/30 _www.drugstore.com_

(http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Ziploc Sandwich Bags #4 LDPE Bags $3.29/100 _www.drugstore.com_

(http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Glad Cling Wrap #4 LDPE Cling Wrap $2.99 _www.walgreens.com_

(http://www.walgreens.com/)

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Glad Press’n Seal Sealing Wrap #4 LDPE Cling Wrap $5.99

_www.drugstore.com_ (http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Saran Cling Plus #4 LDPE Cling Wrap $2.69 _www.drugstore.com_

(http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Ziploc Containers (all) #5 PP Cooking/Baking $3.29-$3.53

_www.drugstore.com_ (http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Arrow Colored Measuring Cups #5 PP Cooking/Baking $3.29/5-pc. set

_www.amazon.com_ (http://www.amazon.com/)

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Farberware 9-cup Marinade Dishes #5 PP Cooking/Baking $5.99

_www.fryeintl.com_ (http://www.fryeintl.com/) , 866-573-3793

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OXO Folding Cutting Boards #5 PP Cooking/Baking $14.99 _www.oxo.com_

(http://www.oxo.com/) , 800-545-4411

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Tupperware Double Colanders #5 PP Cooking/Baking $20 _www.tupperware.com_

(http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware Measuring Cups and Spoons #5 PP Cooking/Baking $12.50-$15.50

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Impact Stackrack Jug 5 Gal. #2 HDPE Drinks $2.99 _www.walgreens.com_

(http://www.walgreens.com/)

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Nalgene 16-oz. HDPE Loop-Top Bottles #2 HDPE Drinks $4.53

_www.nalgene-outdoor.com_ (http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/) , 800-625-4327

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Nat-UR Harvest Collection Cups PLA Drinks $24/50 _www.nat-urstore.com_

(http://www.nat-urstore.com/)

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Playtex Spill-Proof Cups (lids #2) #5 PP Drinks $6.99 _www.drugstore.com_

(http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Playtex Straw Cups #2 HDPE Drinks $4.85 _www.playtexstore.com_

(http://www.playtexstore.com/) , 800-249-0832

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Rubbermaid 2-qt. Servin' Saver Mixing Pitcher #5 PP Drinks $5.99

_www.amazon.com_ (http://www.amazon.com/)

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Rubbermaid 3-gal Insulated Beverage Containers and Dispensers #2 HDPE

Drinks $28.95 _www.akitchen.com_ (http://www.akitchen.com/) , 888-388-9641

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Rubbermaid 8.5 oz Litterless Juice Boxes #5 PP Drinks $2.99

_www.containerstore.com_ (http://www.containerstore.com/) , 888-CONTAIN

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Rubbermaid Chug Sport Bottles #5 PP Drinks $4.20 _www.amazon.com_

(http://www.amazon.com/)

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Rubbermaid Gallon Covered Pitchers #5 PP Drinks $5.29 _www.amazon.com_

(http://www.amazon.com/)

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Rubbermaid Sipper Seal #5 PP Drinks $5.99 _www.amazon.com_

(http://www.amazon.com/)

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Rubbermaid Sippin’ Sport Bottles #5 PP Drinks $5.49 _www.amazon.com_

(http://www.amazon.com/)

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Soma Fabrications 22-oz Water Bottles #5 PP Drinks $7.99

_www.somafab.com_ (http://www.somafab.com/)

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Sterilite Plastic Tumbler #5 PP Drinks $0.50 _www.amazon.com_

(http://www.amazon.com/)

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Sterilite Ultraseal Pitchers #5 PP Drinks $2.21-$3.99 _www.amazon.com_

(http://www.amazon.com/)

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Tupperware Mickey Ice Tups Set #2 HDPE Drinks $19.50 _www.tupperware.com_

(http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Carlisle Store 'N Pour Gallon #2 HDPE Food Storage $5.60

_www.carlislefsp.com_ (http://www.carlislefsp.com/)

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Farberware 10-piece Mini-Fridge Kits #5 PP Food Storage $17.99

_www.fryeintl.com_ (http://www.fryeintl.com/) , 866-573-3793

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Farberware 23-piece Azure Blue Sets #5 PP Food Storage $19.99

_www.fryeintl.com_ (http://www.fryeintl.com/) , 866-573-3793

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GladWare Containers and Lids (all sizes) #5 PP Food Storage $3.49-$5.59

_www.drugstore.com_ (http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Plastic Hinged Locking-Lid Containers PLA Food Storage $8.50/50

_www.greenearthofficesupply.com_ (http://www.greenearthofficesupply.com/) ,

800-327-8449

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Rubbermaid (all food storage containers) #5 PP Food Storage $5.99-$10.99

_www.drugstore.com_ (http://www.drugstore.com/)

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Sterilite 8 Piece Covered Bowl Set #5 PP Food Storage $6.29

_www.amazon.com_ (http://www.amazon.com/)

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The Container Store Rectangular Klip-It Food Storage #5 PP Food Storage

$2.49-$12.99 _www.containerstore.com_ (http://www.containerstore.com/) ,

888-CONTAIN

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The Container Store Smart Flap Food Storage Rectangles #5 PP Food Storage

$4.49-$4.99 _www.containerstore.com_ (http://www.containerstore.com/) ,

888-CONTAIN

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The Container Store Tellfresh Oblong Food Storage #5 PP Food Storage

$1.99-$5.49 _www.containerstore.com_ (http://www.containerstore.com/) ,

888-CONTAIN

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The Container Store Tellfresh Screw-Top Food Storage #5 PP Food Storage

$2.49-$3.49 _www.containerstore.com_ (http://www.containerstore.com/) ,

888-CONTAIN

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The Container Store Tellfresh Snack Box #5 PP Food Storage $5.99

_www.containerstore.com_ (http://www.containerstore.com/) , 888-CONTAIN

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Tupperware Bowls (all) #5 PP Food Storage -- _www.tupperware.com_

(http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware Fridge Stackables Sets #5 PP Food Storage $17

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware FridgeSmart Containers #2 HDPE Food Storage $12-$26

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware Modular Mates #5 PP Food Storage $9.00 _www.tupperware.com_

(http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware One Touch Reminder Canister #5 PP Food Storage $39.50/4

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware Prep Essentials Cold Cut Keepers #5 PP Food Storage $23

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware Quick Shake Containers #5 PP Food Storage $11

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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Tupperware Spin ’N Save Salad Spinners #5 PP Food Storage $42

_www.tupperware.com_ (http://www.tupperware.com/) , 800-366-3800

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The Backstory

While plastic food wraps and containers play an important role in protecting

us against the dangers of foodborne illnesses, recent studies show that when

certain plastics come into contact with foods, some questionable chemicals

migrate from the packaging to the foods they contain. In addition, because of

the chemicals used during the manufacturing process, plastic poses threats to

our environment and to the health of the workers who produce it.

Environmental Issues

Pollution

Considering that plastics are made from non-renewable petroleum and natural

gas, it's not surprising to know that plastic manufacturing is a major source

of industrial pollution. Producing a 16-oz. #1 PET bottle, for instance,

generates more than 100 times the toxic emissions to air and water than making

the same size bottle out of glass.

The Berkeley Plastics Task Force stated in a 1996 report that the plastic

industry contributed 14 percent of the most toxic industrial

releases--including styrene, benzene and trichloroethane--into the air. Other

major emissions

from plastic production processes include sulfur oxides and nitrous oxides

(both of which contribute to global warming), methanol, ethylene oxide and

volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Plastics Are Forever

When the plastics we throw away escape from garbage trucks or landfills,

they get blown into trees and waterways where they're eaten by animals that

mistake them for food. In the North Pacific, a floating island of plastic waste

the size of Texas has accumulated, doubling in size over the past six years.

Some estimates place the load of plastic floating in that area, killing both

birds and aquatic life, at 3 million tons.

The matter is further complicated by the fact that nothing in nature, not

even sunlight and oxygen, can break apart the bonds that hold plastic together,

so they linger on our planet indefinitely. Rather than biodegrading, plastic

photodegrades into dust, winding up in soil and in the air. In bodies of

water, the plastic particles become a kind of toxic sponge, absorbing other

harmful chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the pesticide

DDT.

Those particles then get eaten by fish, which wind up back on our dinner

plates.

Recycling

Despite the problems with plastic, virtually all types can be recycled and

used a few times before losing integrity (when the material has become too

weak to recycle any more). However, confusing municipal recycling laws and

limited access to recyclers who accept all types of plastic have kept recycling

rates low and the amount of plastic waste in landfills high--and getting

higher. In 2006, a mere 6.9 percent of plastic garbage we generated was

recycled.

On a positive note, more stores are beginning to accept plastic bags for

recycling, and other companies are offering to take back used plastic products.

For instance, Styrofoam packing peanuts can be taken to any UPS store for

reuse, and Stonyfield Farm accepts all its #5 PP yogurt cups and tubs back,

reselling them to Preserve, a company that manufactures toothbrushes and

reusable

plastic dishes from the discarded cups.

Personal Health Issues

Dioxins

Dioxins, which are highly toxic even at low doses, are produced when #3 PVC

plastics are manufactured and incinerated. The EPA estimates that the average

American's risk of contracting cancer from dioxin exposure may be as high as

one in 1,000--1,000 times higher than the government's current " acceptable "

standard of one in a million. Dioxins are also endocrine disruptors,

substances that can interfere with the body's natural hormone signals, and they

can

damage the immune system and may affect reproduction and childhood

development. Furthermore, dioxins build up in animal fat, and we may be exposed

to them

when drinking fatty meats, whole milk or full-fat yogurt.

Phthalates

Most cling-wrapped meats, cheeses and other foods sold in delis and grocery

stores are wrapped in PVC. To soften #3 PVC plastic into its flexible form,

manufacturers add " plasticizers " during production. Traces of these chemicals,

known as adipates and phthalates, can leak out of PVC when it comes in

contact with foods, especially hot, fatty foods. Adipates and phthalates have

been

shown to cause birth defects and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and

reproductive systems in mice.

One phthalate, di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), is reasonably anticipated

to be a human carcinogen, according to a 2000 National Institutes of Health

(NIH) report. Phthalates are also suspected of interfering with hormones and

the reproductive development of baby boys.

Bisphenol A

Many #7 polycarbonate bottles (including baby bottles), microwave ovenware,

eating utensils and plastic coatings for metal cans are made with bisphenol A

(BPA). Many studies have found that BPA interferes with hormones, as

phthalates do, and a March 1998 study in Environmental Health Perspectives

(EHP)

found that BPA simulates the action of estrogen when tested in human breast

cancer cells.

A growing number of scientists are concluding, from animal tests, that

exposure to BPA in the womb raises the risk of certain cancers, hampers

fertility

and could contribute to childhood behavioral problems such as hyperactivity.

A January 2006 EHP study on mice indicated that BPA alters the function of

mouse pancreatic cells, which produce insulin, suggesting that the chemical may

enhance the risk of developing Type II diabetes. Finally, an early 2007

study on BPA in rats found that it led to increased growth, suggesting that the

chemical might trigger obesity.

Antimony

Not as dire a concern as BPA or phthalates, the heavy metal antimony has

been found to leach out of #1 PET plastic water bottles that have been sitting

on a shelf for long periods of time. High levels of antimony can cause

vomiting and diarrhea, but the amount in water from a PET bottle will likely be

low

enough to not cause such effects. However, it's still a good idea to not

reuse #1 PET bottles to avoid any potential antimony exposure.

Related Articles

From the Green Guide:

" How to Handle Vinyl, " _www.thegreenguide.com/doc/121/vinyl_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/121/vinyl)

" How Safe are the New Green Plastics? "

_www.thegreenguide.com/doc/100/plasticsja_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/100/plasticsja)

" Plastics Graduate to Green, " _www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/pla_

(http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/pla)

From Outside Sources:

Abraham, Kera. " Drowning in Plastic: Every bit of plastic ever made is still

with us--and it's wreaking havoc on the ocean, " Monterey County Weekly, June

14, 2007. _www.montereycountyweekly.com_

(http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/archives/2007/2007-Jun-14/Article.%20cover_\

story/1/@@index) .

Ecology Center, " 1996 Report of the Berkeley Plastics Task Force, "

_www.ecologycenter.org_

(http://www.ecologycenter.org/plastics/report1996/report1996_toc.html) .

" Food for Thought: What's Coming Out of Baby's Bottle? " , Science News,

_www.sciencenews.org_ (http://www.sciencenews.org/sn_arc99/9_4_99/food.htm) .

Our Stolen Future, " New Science: Uses of Bisphenol A, "

_www.ourstolenfuture.org_

(http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/newscience/oncompounds/bisphenola/bpauses.htm) .

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. " Plastics and the Microwave, " FDA

Consumer, November/December 2002, _www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdacplas.html_

(http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdacplas.html) .

 

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