10 tips for safer, more sustainable food use of plastics
With your food, use 4, 5, 1 and 2.3 and 6 are not good for you.
1. Avoid #7, labeled PC. PC or polycarbonate plastic can leach harmful bisphenol A (BPA). Other #7 plastics like copolyester, polyamide, acrylic and polylactic acid (PLA) are safer choices because they don’t contain BPA.
2. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave. Chemicals are released from plastic when heated. Instead, use glass or ceramic containers, free of metallic paint. Note that “microwave safe” does not mean that there is no leaching of chemicals. Avoid using for fatty foods, because there is greater leaching of chemicals into fatty foods.
3. Beware of cling wraps, especially for microwave use. Instead use waxed paper, a paper towel or a plate for covering foods. For plastic wrapped deli foods, slice off a thin layer where the food came in contact with the plastic and rewrap in non-PVC plastic wrap or place in a container.
4. Use alternatives to plastic packaging whenever possible. Bring reusable bags or cardboard boxes to the grocery store. Purchase products with less packaging.
5. Avoid plastic bottled water (unless you’re traveling or live in an area where the quality of water is questionable). Because it is less regulated, bottled water has less certain purity and safety than tap water, and is much more expensive. If you’re worried about tap water quality, consider installing a home water filter or use an inexpensive filter pitcher.
6. If you do use plastic water bottles, take precautions. Using a refillable water bottle is a good idea, as it reduces plastic waste, saves energy and non-renewable petrochemical resources, and also saves money. If you use a refillable water bottle, avoid polycarbonate (labeled #7 PC) and instead choose bottles made of stainless steel, glass or safer plastics like co-polyester or polyethylene. If you choose to use a polycarbonate water bottle, avoid use for hot liquids and avoid placing in the dishwasher to reduce leaching of BPA. Discard worn or scratched bottles. Water bottles from #1 or 2 plastics are recommended for single use only. For all types of plastic, you can reduce bacterial contamination by thoroughly washing daily. However, avoid using harsh detergents that can break down the plastic and increase chemical leaching.
7. Use alternatives to polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and “sippy” cups. Knowing what we do about BPA leaching and the real risks to children’s health, it might be surprising to learn that many plastic baby bottles and “sippy” cups are still made of polycarbonate. Fortunately, there are alternatives, including baby bottles made of glass, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide, as well as “sippy” cups made of stainless steel or safer plastics.
8. Avoid buying any products made of PVC (#3) including building materials, toys and other consumer products.
9. Choose bio-based plastic, now available in a variety of plastic products like cutlery, cups, water bottles and take-out containers, for those occasions when it’s necessary to use disposable plastic products.
10. Take action: Contact companies that make baby bottles, “sippy” cups, baby food and plastic dinnerware, and urge them to phase out polycarbonate, styrene and PVC in their products. Contact your elected officials and urge them to enact policies that protect public health from toxic chemicals in consumer products, especially those designed for children.
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2. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave. Chemicals are released from plastic when heated. Instead, use glass or ceramic containers, free of metallic paint. Note that “microwave safe” does not mean that there is no leaching of chemicals. Avoid using for fatty foods, because there is greater leaching of chemicals into fatty foods.
3. Beware of cling wraps, especially for microwave use. Instead use waxed paper, a paper towel or a plate for covering foods. For plastic wrapped deli foods, slice off a thin layer where the food came in contact with the plastic and rewrap in non-PVC plastic wrap or place in a container.
4. Use alternatives to plastic packaging whenever possible. Bring reusable bags or cardboard boxes to the grocery store. Purchase products with less packaging.
5. Avoid plastic bottled water (unless you’re traveling or live in an area where the quality of water is questionable). Because it is less regulated, bottled water has less certain purity and safety than tap water, and is much more expensive. If you’re worried about tap water quality, consider installing a home water filter or use an inexpensive filter pitcher.
6. If you do use plastic water bottles, take precautions. Using a refillable water bottle is a good idea, as it reduces plastic waste, saves energy and non-renewable petrochemical resources, and also saves money. If you use a refillable water bottle, avoid polycarbonate (labeled #7 PC) and instead choose bottles made of stainless steel, glass or safer plastics like co-polyester or polyethylene. If you choose to use a polycarbonate water bottle, avoid use for hot liquids and avoid placing in the dishwasher to reduce leaching of BPA. Discard worn or scratched bottles. Water bottles from #1 or 2 plastics are recommended for single use only. For all types of plastic, you can reduce bacterial contamination by thoroughly washing daily. However, avoid using harsh detergents that can break down the plastic and increase chemical leaching.
7. Use alternatives to polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and “sippy” cups. Knowing what we do about BPA leaching and the real risks to children’s health, it might be surprising to learn that many plastic baby bottles and “sippy” cups are still made of polycarbonate. Fortunately, there are alternatives, including baby bottles made of glass, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide, as well as “sippy” cups made of stainless steel or safer plastics.
8. Avoid buying any products made of PVC (#3) including building materials, toys and other consumer products.
9. Choose bio-based plastic, now available in a variety of plastic products like cutlery, cups, water bottles and take-out containers, for those occasions when it’s necessary to use disposable plastic products.
10. Take action: Contact companies that make baby bottles, “sippy” cups, baby food and plastic dinnerware, and urge them to phase out polycarbonate, styrene and PVC in their products. Contact your elected officials and urge them to enact policies that protect public health from toxic chemicals in consumer products, especially those designed for children.
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By choosing safer plastics and limiting plastic waste, you can support a healthier, cleaner environment and protect yourself and your family from unnecessary chemical exposures. You can also support companies and public policies that promote safer plastics.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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