An Explanation of Plastic and Safer Plastics
So many things come in plastic nowadays, and that includes the myriad of water bottle choices. So, how do we decipher which are the safer plastics? Let’s have a look at the types of plastics. All plastic containers have a code on them. It is usually on the bottom of the container surrounded by the recycling triangle. The codes range from #1 - #7.
The Codes for Plastic Explained
Code number 1: This group of plastic is made of polyethylene terephthalate or PET for short. The containers that are usually made from this are the water, soft drink, and various other beverages. The containers for cleaning agents and detergents along with food containers such as peanut butter jars or single-use plastic water bottles. SAFE: This type of plastic is very easy to recycle. There are no reported health issues linked to this group, other than it is recommended that you not re-use the disposable #1 water bottles, as they are intended for single use only.
Code number 2: These plastics are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE). Water and milk jugs are good examples of containers made from this plastic. Also shampoo, laundry detergents and even motor oil comes in containers made from this. These containers are recycled into this like garden edging and new containers. SAFE: This code 2 plastic has no known health issues.
Code number 3: This plastic is from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Cling type plastic wrap, clear food wrapping and packaging, some of the window cleaner and detergent bottles, and other items are made from this. BAD: This plastic is not very recyclable due to the harmful chemical it can give off. According to the National Institutes of Health, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in PVC, is a suspected human carcinogen.
Code number 4: This is made from low density polyethylene or LDPE. Bread and grocery bags are among the items that are made of this type plastic. OK: It is not usually recyclable, but there are no health problems resulting in the use of this plastic.
Code number 5: With #5 plastic being made from polypropylene (PP) it is not recycled easily because it makes it hard to get a consistent quality for the object being made. Yogurt, margarine, straws, and several other type of containers are made from this plastic. OK: This is another of the safer plastic with no health issues being reported, but is not as recyclable as #1 or #2.
Code number 6: This group is made from polystyrene or PS for short. These are rigid type containers such as CD cases. Also disposable tableware, packaging material (as in the packing peanuts), egg cartons, and even certain types of insulation. BAD: This plastic does not recycle well. This plastic needs to used with caution because it can leach chemicals into foods. Benzene (material used in production) is a known human carcinogen. Butadiene and styrene (the basic building block of the plastic) are suspected carcinogens.
Code number 7: “Other” (usually polycarbonate) This code of plastics are made from a mix of resins. This makes it almost impossible to recycle this type. Many of the baby bottles, medical containers made for storage, the sport type water bottles, and even the clear type of plastic sippy cups are made from this group of plastic material. *GOOD & BAD: Made with bisphenol-A, a hormone disruptor. Simulates the action of estrogen when tested in human breast cancer studies. Can leach into food as product ages. *However, be aware the #7 code is also the number as a classification for any “other” type of resin mix (a plastic type that does not fit the other profiles) and this includes the healthier “BPA free” sport and baby bottles. You need to read the label, not just the number with #7 plastics. I have purchased several BPA free bottles from Naglene that are listed as #7.
So try when you can to use the safer plastics, the more you buy the safer ones and less you buy the others maybe change can be more easily brought on.
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