Whenever I head to the gym or the tennis court, I always have my trusty water bottle to keep me properly hydrated. Recently, my water bottle and I parted ways because it is not the little helper I thought it was.
The media has been reporting on the safety of plastic bottles, particularly those containing Bisphenol-A (BPA). The FDA is still researching BPA in plastics, but the Canadian government has classified BPA as a hormone disruptor. Some studies have shown that BPA can lead to the development of breast and prostate cancer, miscarriage, or birth defects.
Major retailers Wal-Mart and Toys R Us announced plans to sell only BPA-free baby bottles, teething rings, etc.
If you look on the bottom of the plastic container you will see the familiar recycle symbol of 3 arrows in the shape of a triangle. There is a number inside each symbol. That is the recycling code. Below is a decoding for you:
1. PET or PETE – Questionable – depending on the quality, repeated use may cause the leaching of DEHA, a know human carcinogen. Light gauge containers such as store bought pop bottles should be a one time use only. Heavier gauge containers show no evidence of leaching chemicals.
2. HDPE – OK – not known to leach unwanted chemicals.
3. PVC or V – Bad – Strong evidence to show the leaching of DEHA, a known human carcinogen.
4. LDPE – OK – not known to leach unwanted chemicals although not as widely recycled as #1 or #2.
5. PP – OK – not known to leach unwanted chemicals although not as widely recycled as #1 or #2.
6. PS – Bad – suspected to possibly leach harmful carcinogens
7. Assorted but usually polycarbonate – Bad – may contain leaching BPA.
8. PET or PETE – Questionable – depending on the quality, repeated use may cause the leaching of DEHA, a know human carcinogen. Light gauge containers such as store bought pop bottles should be a one time use only. Heavier gauge containers show no evidence of leaching chemicals.
9. HDPE – OK – not known to leach unwanted chemicals.
10.PVC or V – Bad – Strong evidence to show the leaching of DEHA, a known human carcinogen.
11.LDPE – OK – not known to leach unwanted chemicals although not as widely recycled as #1 or #2.
12.PP – OK – not known to leach unwanted chemicals although not as widely recycled as #1 or #2.
13.PS – Bad – suspected to possibly leach harmful carcinogens
14.Assorted but usually polycarbonate – Bad – may contain leaching BPA.
Also, plastics are used in a massive amount of disposable products, which has increased the amount of trash that is disposed. Plastic does not biodegrade quickly and remains in the environment for a very long time.
Let’s kick the plastic habit and move on to other alternatives. Check out these sites!
Keepin it green!
The Green Giant
2 responses so far ↓
Steven // May 21, 2008 at 8:45 pm |
This is another of my green products I live by. Everyday I carry around a SIGG bottle. It hold a liter and is made from stainless steel. I love it and will never touch another plastic bottle!
Green on!
Steven
Jo // September 12, 2008 at 4:44 pm |
I just found the SIGG bottles at the the Whole Foods store in Naples. I can’t wait to make the switch.