Plastic numbers

Who here knows whivh plastics are harmful or not? Yeah I didn't either. I just signed up with a web site called idealbite.com they will send you a new suggestion everyday on staying "green". They also have one specifically for moms. The one I got today was on plastic. Do you ever look at what number the plastic is inside of the little recycling arrows? Well, here is what my email said:



The Benefits

* Avoiding sleazy toxins. Some plastic bottles contain chems like BPA (linked to reproductive abnormalities and cancer), which can leach into whatever's inside, especially when heated.
* Not hitting on the planet. PVC plastic (the worst kind) emits mercury, phthalates, and dioxins as it's made and as it breaks down.
* Loving 'em and leaving 'em. PICs also tell you whether or not you can recycle the plastic - just compare the numbers with the ones your curbside recycling service collects.



Wanna Try?
Plastic ID Codes

* Safer plastics:


#1 - PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) - water and mouthwash bottles, cups, peanut butter jars, and TV dinner trays; not known to leach any toxic by-products.
#2 - HDPE (high-density polyethylene) - butter tubs, milk jugs, juice, household cleaner, and shampoo bottles; also low risk of leaching.
#4 - LDPE (low-density polyethylene) - squeezable bottles; you probably won't encounter many 4s, as LDPE is usually used for bags, but it also has a low risk of leaching.
#5 - PP (polypropylene) - straws, yogurt containers, syrup, ketchup, and medicine bottles; low risk of leaching.

* Not so much:


#3 - PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - cooking oil bottles, food packaging, and plastic wrap; some 3s can leach phthalates, which can cause reproductive abnormalities.
#6 - PS (polystyrene) - egg cartons, meat trays, and Stryofoam; when heated, some 6s can release styrene, a suspected carcinogen.
#7 - Other - gallon-size water bottles, and baby bottles; some 7s are safe, but some are polycarbonates and may leach BPA.





Hope that helps someone and I encourage everyone to sign up with the web site. It's very useful