Smart Plastics Guide: Healthier Food Uses of Plastics - Part 1

Plastics are widely used to store and package food and beverages. They are convenient, lightweight, unbreakable and relatively inexpensive. However, there are both environmental and health risks from the widespread use of plastics.

Environmental problems: Most plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Plastic packaging also creates unnecessary waste. Plastic is bulky—taking up a large volume of landfill space.

Health risks: The use of plastics in cooking and food storage can carry health risks, especially when hormone-disrupting chemicals from some plastics leach into foods and beverages. Plastic manufacturing and incineration creates air and water pollution, and exposes workers to toxic chemicals.

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Choose less polluting products to reduce your exposure to chemicals.

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PVC—THE POISON PLASTIC: Polyvinyl chloride, also known as vinyl or PVC, poses risks to the environment and human health. PVC is the least recyclable plastic.

• Vinyl chloride workers face an elevated risk of liver cancer
• Vinyl chloride manufacturing creates air and water pollution near the factories, often located in low-income neighborhoods.
• PVC needs additives and stabilizers to make it usable. Lead is often added for strength, while plasticizers are added for flexibility. These toxic additives contribute to further pollution and human exposure.
• Dioxin in air emissions from PVC manufacturing and disposal, or from incineration of PVC products, settles on grasslands and accumulates in meat and dairy products, and ultimately, in human tissue.
• Dioxin is a known carcinogen. Low-level exposures are associated with decreased birth weight, learning and behavioral problems in children, suppressed immune function and hormone disruption.

What plastic labels mean: The recycling symbol is used primarily on disposable plastic packaging and single use containers. Non-disposable food-use goods like dinnerware, pitchers, flatware and baby bottles usually do not have a recycling label.

NOTE: Not all containers are labeled, and a recycling symbol on a product doesn’t mean it’s recyclable. Commonly, only plastic products labeled #1 and #2 with narrow necks are recyclable, but some communities recycle other plastics. Check with your local municipality or waste disposal company.
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PETE: Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene, used for soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleaner and peanut butter containers.



HDPE: High density polyethylene, used in opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent and shampoo bottles, and some plastic bags.



PVC or V: Polyvinyl chloride, used for cling wrap, plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter containers, and detergent and window cleaner bottles.



LDPE: Low density polyethylene, used in grocery store bags, most plastic wraps, Ziplock bags and some bottles.



PP: Polypropylene, used in most Rubbermaid, deli soup, syrup and yogurt containers, straws and other clouded plastic containers, including baby bottles.



PS: Polystyrene, used in styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers and opaque plastic cutlery.



Other: This is a catch-all category for plastics that don’t fit into the #1-6 categories. It includes polycarbonate, bio-based plastics, co-polyester, acrylic, polyamide and plastic mixtures like styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN). Number 7 plastics are used for a variety of products like baby bottles and “sippy” cups, baby food jars, 5-gallon water bottles, “sport” water bottles, plastic dinnerware and clear plastic cutlery.
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