In the past few years the public has become much wiser about plastic and its potentially harmful health effects. With more and more media attention, consumers are educating themselves on current research and facts, and they are demanding healthier, safer alternatives from well-known, corporate companies. We hope that by presenting information on the different types of plastic, identifying the potentially harmful health effects, and with how to avoid using it, that you will have a much easier time in making healthy, responsible decisions for you and your family.

As we all know, plastics are widely used in many common household products, such as food and beverage containers, baby bottles, plastic food wraps, and plastic water bottles. Though plastic is lightweight, easy to buy, and fairly inexpensive, it has been scientifically proven to not only be bad for our health, but as well for the environment.

Plastic is made from irreplaceable resources (that are usually imported using more resources) such as petroleum. Plastic also takes up a very large amount of space in our landfills and can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, only to turn into harmful contaminates that endanger current water supplies and the environment at large. As we noted earlier in The Terrible Truths about Plastic Water Bottles and Why You Should Choose Reusable Water Bottles, Americans also typically spend over $1,400 in buying plastic water bottles each year–which doesn’t make plastic sound very affordable or convenient after all.

Dr. Ben and the staff at StainlessWaterBottles.com are very committed to helping consumers find great safe alternatives to plastic, such as reusable stainless steel products, that will fit their active lifestyles and keep them safe and healthy for the future.

Plastic Recycling Labels: What do They Represent?

Not all containers are labeled with recycling specifications and sometimes even when they are, they still can’t be recycled. Normally only plastics #1 and #2 with narrow necks are recyclable, though some recycling programs will pick up other plastics with narrow necks as well. If you are unsure about what is okay to recycle in your community, be sure to check with your local municipality or waste disposal company.

Number 1 Plastic, PET or PETE: Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene can be found in well-known products such as soda, water, beer, mouthwash, detergent, peanut butter, salad dressing, and vegetable oil containers. PETE plastic is the most common used in single-use plastic bottled beverages since it is easy to recycle, lightweight, and inexpensive.

PETE plastic can normally be picked up through almost all curbside recycling programs, and can be recycled and reused to make products such as tote bags, polar fleece clothing, furniture, carpet, and paneling. However, the public’s recycling rate for PETE plastic is still fairly low–only at 20%, even though it is most common. According to the Institute For Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), PETE is a safe choice for food and beverage consumption.

Number 2 Plastic, HDPE: High density polyethylene can be found in common household products such as opaque milk and water jugs; bleach, detergent, and shampoo bottles; butter and yogurt tubs; motor oil bottles; and some trash and shopping bags. HDPE is used in many ways, especially in packaging.

HDPE plastic can normally be picked up through almost all curbside recycling programs, and can be recycled and reused to make products such as laundry detergent and oil bottles, drainage pipes, lumber, benches, doghouses, picnic tables, and fencing materials. According to the IATP, HDPE is a safe choice for food and beverage consumption.

Number 3 Plastic, PVC or V: Polyvinyl chloride is commonly found in products such as window cleaner, detergent, shampoo, and cooking oil bottles; food wrap; peanut butter jars; wire jacketing; and medical equipment. According to the IATP, PVC plastic is NOT a safe choice for food and beverage consumption and should be avoided.

PVC is Harmful for Your Health and the Environment

PVC plastic contains chlorine and can release highly dangerous toxins while being manufactured. It is known for being the least recyclable plastic because it contains potentially harmful health effects for both people and the environment. PVC factory workers are put at a much higher risk for liver cancer, and the manufacturing in general creates air and water pollution near the factories, which are normally located in lower-income areas.

PVC is made with additives and stabilizers such as lead (for additional strength) and plasticizers (for flexibility).

All of the toxin additives used increase potentially harmful health effects for humans and environmental pollution. PVC factories as well emit dioxin (a known carcinogen) into the air, which accumulates in grasslands, moves into meat and dairy products, and eventually settles into human tissue. Dioxin health issues include decreased birth weight, suppressed immune function, learning and behavioral disabilities in children, and hormonal disruption.

PVC Contains the Harmful Plasticizer DEHA

DEHA, (di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate): is one of the several plasticizers used in products made with PVC such as cling wrap. DEHA can leach into oily foods or cling wrap-heated foods, and its exposure is linked to harmful effects of the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation, and body weight.

Number 4 Plastic, LDPE: Low density polyethylene can be found in common products such as grocery store, bread, frozen food, dry cleaning, and tote bags; clothing; furniture; carpet; and some bottles.

LDPE plastic is not often able to be recycled through curbside recycling programs, though more are starting to accept it. Many stores nationwide as well accept plastic shopping bags to be returned for recycling. When recycled, LDPE plastics can be used to make trash cans and liners, compost bins, shipping envelopes, floor tile, paneling, and lumber. According to the IATP, LDPE is a safe choice for food and beverage consumption.

Number 5 Plastic, PP: Polypropylene is most commonly found in products such as syrup and yogurt containers; ketchup bottles; straws; reusable bottle caps (such as many stainless steel water bottle caps); medicine bottles; and other clouded plastic containers such as baby bottles. Polypropylene has a very high melting point and so it is normally used in containers that will contain hot liquids.

PP plastic is becoming more commonly accepted for recycling in curbside programs, and after being recycled it can be made into brooms and brushes, battery cables, bicycle racks, rakes, ice scrapers, and trays. According to the IATP, PP is a safe choice for food and beverage consumption.

Number 6 Plastic, PS: Polystyrene is commonly found in products such as styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, meat trays, and aspirin bottles. PS plastic is normally used in rigid or foam products such as the well-known, trademarked Styrofoam. PS plastic can be recycled through some curbside programs, and remade into products such as egg cartons, light switch plates, rulers, and foam packaging. According to the IATP, PS plastic is NOT a safe choice for food and beverage consumption and should be avoided.

Styrene’s Harmful Health Effects

PS plastic has been disliked by environmentalists for many years due to its difficulty in recycling, but it also has the ability to potentially leach styrene into your food or beverages. Styrene is toxic to the nervous system and brain, especially among those who have worked around it or have had other long-term exposures. Styrene as well has been scientifically proven to affect the kidney, red blood cells, liver and stomach in numerous animal studies. Other common ways of being exposed to styrene include second-hand smoke, exhaust fumes, and drinking water.

Number 7 Plastic, Other: Though OTHER encompasses a variety of miscellaneous plastics, it normally stands for polycarbonate, which can be found in products such as baby bottles, plastic water bottles, DVDs, “bullet proof” material, and sunglasses. OTHER plastic has traditionally not been recyclable through curbside programs, it is becoming more commonly accepted. According to the IATP, OTHER plastic is NOT a safe choice for food and beverage consumption and should be avoided.

NOTE: Though OTHER plastics can be harmful, keep in mind that this label as well can include completely safe bio-based materials such as polyactide, which is plant based and 100% compostable. If you are unsure of what material your product marked with OTHER is made from, we would recommend calling the company’s toll free number on the package to ask.

Polycarbonate Plastics Contain the Harmful Chemical Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body’s own hormones and can lead to negative health effects and diseases, can leach from polycarbonate plastic. BPA scientific research has been found to stimulate prostate cancer cells and causes changes in breast tissue in mice that resemble early stages of breast cancer in mice and humans, among many other possible health problems such as miscarriages, birth defects, and ovarian dysfunction. BPA is extremely harmful for pregnant women, unborn children, and newborn babies; it is very important to consider its effects on young children, and how you can avoid it on a regular basis.

According to the IATP, 81% of 115 published animal studies have found significant effects from even low-level BPA exposure. Though none of the 11 industry-funded studies found significant effects, over 90% of government-funded studies did so. Adverse effects include:

• Early onset of puberty, and stimulation of mammary gland development in females.
• Changes in gender-specific behavior.
• Changes in hormones, including decreased testosterone.
• Increased prostate size.
• Decreased sperm production.
• Altered immune function.
• Behavioral effects including hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning, and other changes in behavior.

If you are interested in learning more about BPA, check out our recent post What is BPA? The Facts and Details of BPA for further information. We as well have included BPA studies with questions and comments from Dr. Ben, so that BPA research being done and the results can be made available to the public.

Recycling Label Results In a Nutshell

Tips For Using Plastic in Safer, Healthier Ways

Do Not Use Plastic Containers in the Microwave. Chemicals are released from plastic while being heated, so we urge you to not put any food or drinks in plastic containers in the microwave. If you must microwave things in plastic containers, use only those marked with “microwave safe.” Keep in mind though that even if a container has this label, it does not ensure that chemicals will not be leached into the container’s contents–making them not so “microwave safe” after all. Fatty and oily foods are also more susceptible to having chemicals leached into them, so avoid microwaving foods such as these in plastic containers at all times.

Safe container alternatives: Stock up on glass or ceramic containers that are free of metallic paint. You can use home ceramic dishes and any of your favorite glass tupperware, as both of these are completely safe choices.

Avoid Using Cling Wrap–Especially in the Microwave. As we noted earlier on, cling wrap is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and it has both potentially harmful health effects for humans and for the environment. PVC is also the LEAST recyclable plastic of the seven recycling labels listed. PVC can potentially disrupt your body’s hormones and it is especially bad for children. See above under Number 3 Plastic, PVC or V for further information.

Instead of using cling wrap when microwaving your food or beverages, for a completely safe alternative use either wax paper or a paper towel to cover your container’s contents. If you MUST use plastic (which we strongly do not recommend) do not let the plastic touch your food or drink. If you are eating plastic-wrapped foods from a store, such as deli items, slice off a thin layer where the food came into contact with the plastic wrap, and rewrap the food in a non-PVC wrap, or store in a glass/ceramic container.

Alternatives to Plastic Packaging or Containers for Your Everyday Life. Next time you go out to eat or to get some food from your local co-op or grocery store, take your own container for leftovers. Not only will people think you’re pretty darn great for doing so but there’s normally a discount involved, which if done on a regular basis can really add up! You can also bring your own reusable bags or boxes to the grocery store for a discount as well–even if you take a reusable coffee mug (resulting in one less plastic lid and paper cup used) to your local coffee shop, you’ll normally be offered a discount for your effort. And who doesn’t love a good discount?! Plus, we must add that it feels great to know that you’re not only saving money in a handful of different, easy ways, but that you’re also keeping your body safer and healthier, and reducing your carbon footprint with each reusable step.

Choose Reusable Stainless Steel Water Bottles Rather Than Plastic Water Bottles. As we noted earlier in our recent post, The Terrible Truths about Plastic Water Bottles and Why You Should Choose Reusable Water Bottles, there are MANY reasons why it so much better for your health and your wallet to choose a reusable water bottle over single-use plastic.

Plus, as shown in the post listed above, tap water has been scientifically proven to be no better–and in some cases absolutely no different–than bottled water. So if it’s a purer taste of water that you are looking for, instead of buying unsafe plastic water bottles invest in a home water purifier like the [TK] or the [TK] that you will be able to reuse for years to come. You’ll feel great knowing that reducing the amount of plastic in the landfill and your exposure to chemicals that leach from the plastic into your body.

All reusable stainless steel water bottles found on StainlessWaterBottles.com have been put through a rigorous approval process by Dr. Ben, and are completely safe and healthy for your body along with the environment.

If you MUST use a plastic water bottle, consider purchasing biodegradable, bio-based plastic water bottles that degrade in a much shorter time period, are safe for your health, and safe for the environment.

Avoid Using Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups That Contain Polycarbonate Plastic. Polycarbonate baby bottles and sippy cups can leach BPA, which is extremely harmful for infants and children of young ages. Though most plastic baby bottles used to be made from polycarbonate material, consumers have been coming down on major corporations to change their BPA ways, and fortunately now there are different brands of bottles that are BPA free, such as the Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Sippy Cup shown on the right. Besides stainless steel, other safe baby bottle materials include glass, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

Note: If you are looking at purchasing a baby bottle that does not specify whether it is BPA free or not, SWB.org recommends calling the company’s toll free number listed on the packaging to double check before buying.

Another good tip is to look for opaque, milky-colored bottles since this type of plastic does not contain polycarbonates.

As for baby bottle nipples and sippy cup spouts, make sure to use only silicone products. Nipples and spouts for bottles have always normally been made with either silicone or latex. Latex rubber nipples have been proven to potentially leach carcinogenic nitrosamines, and they are not a safe choice to use.

If you are interested in learning more about BPA’s harmful health effects on infants and young children, Dr. Ben and the staff at StainlessWaterBottles.com encourage you to check out the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) very informative Guide to Infant Formula and Baby Bottles: Guide to Baby-Safe Bottles & Formula. Everyone at SWB.com feels very strongly about supporting the EWG because of how important they are to the public and consumers nationwide in revealing extremely critical information regarding the safety of our health and the everyday products that we use.

General Tips for Avoiding Plastic and in Helping Making a Difference

• If you must use plastic products, choose those that are safer and easier to recycle as listed above.
• Limit your plastic waste by using reusable containers, bags, and stainless steel water bottles. You’ll also get refunds in doing so!
• Support companies and public policies that promote safer use of plastics.
• Contact baby bottle companies and urge them to replace polycarbonate plastic with safer alternatives.
• Avoid buying containers, toys, or other consumer products that contain harmful PVC plastic.
• Only buy non-PVC cling wrap or use wax paper or paper towels to cover food.
• Ask your local curbside recycling program which plastics can be recycled and which can’t.
• Buy bio-based plastics alternatives when available.
• If you are uncertain about the materials used in a certain product call the company’s toll free number and ask.
• Always recycle and try to go reusable as much as possible!

Dr. Ben and StainlessWaterBottles.com are Here to Help!

If you have any questions or comments regarding how you can avoid using harmful plastics or on how you can help to make a difference let us know, Dr. Ben and the staff at StainlessWaterBottles.com are here to help! Feel free to call us at (800) 594-4916, comment down below, or email us at anytime.